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MV Guide: December 5-11, 2011
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV. Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.) Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule!
Super Hero Squad Online reaches the one-million-player mark
Fun missions, quirky emotes, and customizable superhero hideouts seem to have carved out a comfortable space in the MMO gaming world: Marvel's Super Hero Squad Online announced today that it's reached one million registered users. SHSO, which launched just back in April, has been a big hit with the younger crowd (and presumably with parents) by offering up free and easily accessible gameplay as well as a focus on a kid-friendly environment. Jay Minn, vice president of Gazillion's Amazing Society, is predictably happy with the number and promises to keep the updates coming: "We'll keep adding new content and characters all the time, it's truly wonderful to see the game alive with over a million registered players having fun brawling, battling, exploring and making super heroic friends!" [Source: Gazillion press release]
Receive the Nova Force in Super Hero Squad Online
Have you ever wanted to have the Nova Force all to yourself? Well, you're in luck, as Gazillion has announced that everyone's favorite space cop is coming to Super Hero Squad Online. To get a look at what Nova's bringing to the game, jump past the cut and check out his announcement trailer. Then head over to the game's official site and join the mayhem. [Source: Gazillion press release]
Super Hero Squad Online introduces new heroes, reveals Challenge System screens
Time to assemble your heroes, Super Hero Squad Online players! A few new heroes are joining the ranks of SHSO's characters. Players can now take on the role of the telekinetic Psylocke, the arcane master Doctor Strange, and the quasi-vampiric vampire-hunter Blade. We've also got some new screenshots of the recently announced Challenge System, so head on to the gallery below to check out some shots of the new heroes and the Challenge System interface. And to get in on the action yourself, just fly, swing, or teleport your way to the game's official site. [Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release] %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online's challenge system offers a new way to earn special characters
If you're playing Super Hero Squad Online, chances are you have the collecting bug already -- you want to collect every cool hero you can find. With a new feature, Gazillion's players can now flesh out their roster for free (as long as they're willing to put in some effort!). Dubbed the Challenge System, this feature opens a series of achievements for players to tackle. Successfully completed challenges earn money and tickets, and span the entire game world. The best rewards, of course, are new heroes that are exclusive to this system, so if you want any of them, you're going to have to step up and knock out these challenges. The new heroes coming as Challenge System rewards include Colossus, Daredevil, Firestar, Future Foundation Spider-Man, and Sentry. [Source: Gazillion press release]
Win an Ultimate Comics Spider-Man character in Super Hero Squad Online
In Marvel's Ultimate Comics edition of Spider-Man, Peter Parker is dead and Miles Morales has stepped up to become the new friendly neighborhood webslinger. As with any reinvented superhero, you know a costume redesign is not far behind. To mark this solemn-yet-cool occasion, Gazillion is giving Super Hero Squad Online players the opportunity to add Ultimate Comics Spider-Man to their rosters. The character comes with not only a sleek new look but special powers and emotes. Unfortunately, there can only be 30 recipients of this limited-edition superhero. SHSO players are encouraged to enter in the code "MILES2011" on the official website for a chance to win one of these characters. The sweepstakes ends on the 28th, so sling your web fast and true if you want in on the fun! [Source: Gazillion press release]
The dark side of Super Hero Squad Online
Who says good guys never go bad? In Villainville, the newest expansion to Marvel's kid-friendly Super Hero Squad Online, players can do just that. Situated beyond the borders of the pleasant Super Hero City, Villainville is home to Doctor Doom's Lethal Legion and his evil minions, and within the dark city's walls and sewers, players go beyond merely fighting the bad guys -- they can become fallen versions of some of their favorite heroes, like Dark Surfer, Red Hulk, Iron Patriot, and Red She-Hulk. Players can also explore the all-new game world and jump into new missions like Abomination Obliteration and MODOK's Mo' Problems. SHSO, which released last year complete with housing and a trading card game, is a F2P browser-based MMO that's heavy on the comic mischief and perfect for a quick superhero-flavored dungeon romp. Be you big kid or small, check out the new Villainville trailer behind the break!
Super Hero Squad Online teasing Villainville
Super Hero Squad Online is sold on the strength of its characters, and up until now, it's been firmly on the heroic side of the equation. But Marvel Comics isn't limited to heroes like Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine -- it's just as defined by villains like the Green Goblin, the Red Skull, and Sabretooth. So while we might not yet have much in the way of information, it's a good thing to see that the game has an incoming addition in the form of Villainville. As of yet, the designers haven't released any information beyond the name of the locale -- whether it will be a new area for heroes to fight against their nemeses or a chance for players to take on the role of said nemeses is yet to be seen. Even so, if you appreciate the game's more kid-friendly approach to the Marvel universe, there's reason to be excited at the prospect of some home ground for the villains as well.
Gazillion signs European Marvel Super Hero Squad Online deal
It looks like Marvel Super Hero Squad is coming to Europe, according to a news blurb at GamaSutra. Gazillion Entertainment has inked a deal with the German media conglomerate known as ProSiebenSat.1 Digital, and the resulting agreement will bring "cross-media promotional support" to both SHSO and Fortune Online. SHSO is a kid-friendly romp through the Marvel mythos with locations that include Asgard, the Daily Bugle, and the Baxter Building. Gameplay revolves around collecting various heroes to form one of the titular squads, as well as choosing a particular individual to play and level up. "Gazillion's goal is to deliver entertaining console-quality games through the browser around the world," said CEO John Needham via press release.
Black Panther prowls into Super Hero Squad Online
Roar! Black Panther leaps into Super Hero Squad Online with a set of new screenshots and a new trailer. So if you'd prefer the agile, cat-like martial arts of the King of Wakanda over the brute-force style of Gladiator Hulk, you're in luck. Players can hop into the shoes of T'Challa and show their claws starting now! Black Panther joins the other recent additions to SHSO, standing toe-to-toe with Thor and Gladiator Hulk in the newly introduced Asgard. For the new screenshots of everyone's favorite African ruler/super-hero, you can check out the SHSO gallery below. After you're done ogling, jump past the cut for Black Panther's new trailer. %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online showcases Gladiator Hulk
Hail, emperor, we who are about to SMASH salute you! Gazillion Entertainment announced today that a new warrior has entered the Super Hero Squad Online Colosseum. Gladiator Hulk (who was actually introduced in the Asgard update) looks smashing (ah ha ha) in his gladiator's armor and is ready to dominate the arenas and smash some skulls. In addition to introducing the new combatant, Gazillion says that the game has been updated with extra missions for players to come, see, and conquer. For a look at Gladiator Hulk in action, you can check out the gallery below or jump on past the cut for a trailer showcasing Hulkimus Maximus going Roman on some unfortunate souls. And of course, to join the fray you can click on over to the Super Hero Squad Online official site. %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online releases Asgard, screenshots, trailer
As we announced recently, Super Hero Squad Online is making the most of the release of the new Thor film by adding the Norse god and his homeland of Asgard to the free-to-play MMORPG. Now, thanks to a press release from Gazillion Entertainment, we have a wealth of new information regarding these new additions. Players will be able to take on the roles of Thor -- in both his classic and ultimate incarnations -- Valkyrie, and Gladiator Hulk. After assuming control of any of these new heroes -- or any of the old ones as well, for that matter -- players can now take off to the mythical land of Asgard, home of the Norse Gods. From there, Gazillion says players can "discover the World's Tree and other landmarks in Asgard or battle through two brand new missions", known as The Gods of Thunder and Freezer Burn. If you're looking for a peek at SHSO's Asgard expansion before you log in to see it for yourself, check out the gallery below and hammer your way past the cut for an action-packed trailer. There's Thor, there's Asgard, there's Loki, there are frost giants, there's... hacky-sack! Don't miss it, lest you incur the wrath of the god of thunder. %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online launches with a new trailer!
Earlier today we reported about Marvel Universe Online, but there is more good news coming out of Marvel Studios and Gazillion Entertainment. Super Hero Squad Online has officially opened its doors to the public. It is time to hero up and start creating your own fabulous force of freedom fighters. The kid-in-adult-size-shoes Jay Minn, creative director for SHSO, invites you to join in the fun. As he says in the launch press release, "Where else can you fight Doctor Doom, wall crawl up the Baxter Building, go flying with your friends, and collect a scratching post for Wolverine? We've built an awesome Super Hero theme park, so come and play!" Grab your Captain America shield, your Iron Man suit, and Thor's hammer and watch this teaser video after the break. And if that inspires you to create your own team of Marvel superheroes, fly over to HeroUp.com to start playing! Nuff said!
Marvel Universe Online will be free-to-play, penned by Bendis
Move over, Batman: After a few false starts, Marvel's finally poised to become the next big MMO superhero thing. Thursday evening, I attended Gazillion Entertainment and Marvel's live San Francisco reveal of Marvel Universe Online's head writer, the jovial Brian Michael Bendis. Joining Brian for a lively Q&A panel were Gazillion President and COO David Brevik, VP and Studio Head for Secret Identity (fka Gargantuan) Jeff Lind, and VP of Games at Marvel TQ Jefferson. Brian's involvement in the game's story wasn't the only announcement the panelists had in store for attendees -- they almost casually confessed that players will slip into the spandex of iconic Marvel characters and that the game will be free-to-play, making it perhaps the first Western triple-A title to be designed for such a model from the ground up. Because I knew you'd be disappointed if I didn't, I dutifully asked an amused Jeff Lind about PvP, housing, crafting, voice acting, character customization, travel powers, advancement, and all those other goodies, but as you can probably guess, the devs aren't in a position to talk about sweeping systems just yet -- they want to "retain the ability to change [their] minds." So manage thy expectations accordingly! Fortunately, both Jeff and Brian were willing to chat about story, tie-ins, and MUO's niche in an increasingly crowded superhero MMO field, so hit the break for their thoughts and my round-up of the hot topics from the panel.
Account creation opens wide for Super Hero Squad Online
Shh... don't say "open beta" around these superheroes, but it looks as though Super Hero Squad Online may be doing the next best thing. The ultra-cute, ultra-powerful Marvel MMO is now accepting accounts from everyone -- even that supervillain down the street. Previously, you needed a beta code to get a sneak peek at the game, but it looks as though that barrier's been smashed by lil' Hulk. Super Hero Squad Online also has moved its secret website lair to www.HeroUp.com, which is where you'll need to go to create your own preview account. Currently, all players are assigned a silver-level membership, which limits you to four heroes, although gold-level memberships are on the way. Along with the website move and open accounts, SHSO has added additional heroes (such as War Machine and Silver Surfer), new daily missions, a tutorial, and improved safe chat. Gazillion says that the game is up and running 24/7 now, so you have plenty of time to see what's what!
Super Hero Squad Online shows some /emote-ion
Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is at it again: swinging from the rooftops, snapping the next great shot for the Daily Bugle. But what is he capturing this time? It's certainly not a picture of himself saving the day. He's taking pictures of all his superhero friends posing in the streets of Superhero City. Super Hero Squad Online isn't all about saving the day every minute. Sometimes you just need to relax or maybe show off to your friends. Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society have put together a trailer of all your favorite characters of SHSO showing off their emotes. From Black Panther playing with a ball of yarn to the Wasp riding a wild rodeo pigeon, superheroes know how to have fun, and in Super Hero Squad Online, these heroes are yours to command. Jump past the break to see the trailer for yourself, then fly on over to HeroUp.com to sign up for the beta, today!
Super Hero Squad Online fires up closed beta
Get ready, true believers! News has come down the wires today that Gazillion's Super Hero Squad Online has officially headed into closed beta. What this also means is that with this announcement, the open beta for this family-friendly MMO is one step closer. Hopefully, it also means that we'll be seeing some forward momentum on the other (read: more adult) Marvel MMO, which Gazillion has indicated is under development as well. For those not familiar, Super Hero Squad Online is based on the saturday morning cartoon, The Super Hero Squad Show, which has introduced the Marvel characters to a whole new generation. SHSO will be releasing as a free-to-play game with an optional subscription to unlock more content -- no word on the price point, currently. Another thing of note is that the game will be playable via browser, offering players a fast in to the action without exorbitant pre-downloads. A promotional comic for Super Hero Squad Online is also available at Taco Bell, which gives a bit of story and offers up a code for an "exclusive super-hero" according to Gazillion's release. So, if your kids -- or you -- would like to hero up with Super Hero Squad Online, head over to the official site and get signed up. Excelsior! %Gallery-93313%
An animated video diary from the team behind Super Hero Squad Online
Animation is responsible for a lot in an MMO. A lot of the visual personality of the game is conveyed through animations, both the mechanically important ones for special abilities and the ubiquitous flavor emotes such as dancing. So Super Hero Squad Online has both an advantage and disadvantage for the development team -- they're working with characters who have a lot of established personality, but that means there's even more emphasis on getting everything just right. A new video development diary from the team shows off the process of bringing a character to life in the game, with Wolverine getting the starring role. The video moves step-by-step from the initial modeling and texturing process through the skeleton modeling and manipulation, while also showing off several of the animations that Wolverine will (presumably) be sporting in the final game. There's a great deal of attention to detail and the fine points of what makes each character tick, so if you're looking forward to Super Hero Squad Online, click on past the break to see how the team is putting a lot of expression into little movements.
Gazillion raises another $60 million
MMO publisher Gazillion Entertainment, which recently launched Lego Universe and c urrently has at least three other MMOs in development, has raised another $60 million in its latest round of funding. Gamasutra reports the funding is intended to assist the company as it enters "a key phase of expansion." Gazillion's next release should be Marvel Super Hero Squad Online sometime in 2011. The company is also working on Marvel Universe and the interminably (not terminally) delayed Jumpgate Evolution.
Dress up in new costumes with Super Hero Squad Online!
Children of all ages (yup, that includes most of the adults out there) have dressed up for Halloween as their favorite super hero. The Super Hero Squad Online from Marvel and Gazillion is giving out new costumes for the kids (and adults) this trick-or-treat season. We all know what the classic Spider-man costume looks like, right? Well, why not try the black costume? Or maybe a red Hulk fits you better? Whatever best helps you to hero up! Each costume is not just a cover to wear over your existing costume, but they are full-fledged heroes with their own emotes and superpowers that are different from any other hero. After the costume try-ons are over, go play the amazing online trading card game or save Super Hero City from evil. What? You haven't signed up for beta yet? Well, get over there an do it now, and while you're at it you can sign up your children, too. Gazillion is looking for a whole range of different testers! And if you haven't seen the "spooky" Halloween trailer, you can watch it by hitting "Read More" below. 'Nuff said.
