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World of Tanks launches video tutorial series
Are you a fresh-faced rookie looking to get a leg up on the competition in Wargaming.net's World of Tanks open beta? If so, you'll want to check out the game's newly launched video tutorials. The first entry in the ongoing series introduces the level system, upgrade options, crew training, and economic aspects of the armor-based action MMO, and it is aimed at newbs who might otherwise be unsure of how to proceed at the controls of a World War II-era tank. "We saw a lot of new recruits joining World of Tanks with the open beta start. These new videos are designed to make their life a little bit easier and help them adapt quicker to the harsh reality of the armored world we are creating," said Wargaming.net producer Nick Katselapov. World of Tanks features over 150 historically accurate armored vehicles from America, Germany, and the Soviet Union. The title boasts 15v15 PvP action, global clan wars, and a mixture of action, strategy, and simulation. Learn more about the game and the open beta at the official website, and be sure to watch the tutorial video after the jump.
TERA interview attempts to decipher "westernization"
Uh oh, it's time for the W-word again. Last week's entry in the TERA Race and Class series purported to explain En Masse Entertainment's definition of westernization. The vaguely worded nature of the press release raised more questions than answers, though, and the folks over at ZAM recently caught up with En Masse producer Brian Knox in an attempt to put some meat on the westernization bones. Knox's insights steered clear of specifics, instead focusing on a general definition as En Masse sees it. "Westernization refers to our process of adapting a game to fit the Western market. In some cases, text localization and new marketing assets are all that are needed. Other times, specific game mechanics and features require tweaking for the market," he says. So what exactly does that mean for TERA? It's anyone's guess at this point, and it could be as simple as text translations or as complex as class differences or a softened XP grind. We'll keep our eyes peeled for more details.
World of Tanks open beta starts January 27th
Ladies and gentlemen, start your tank engines. World of Tanks is officially rolling towards release, and Wargaming.net has just announced that open beta will kick off on January 27th. The World War II-based heavy armor MMO has been undergoing closed beta for the past six months, and the devs have decided that after 260,000 players (20,000 of them concurrent) and 40 million bombed-out vehicles, it's high time to kick the tires and light the fires. "We've been very pleased to get such a response from our players, that means the direction we are moving in goes in line with the views of our community," says CEO Victor Kislyi. World of Tanks features upwards of 150 authentic American, German, and Russian vehicles, all designed for action-packed 15 vs. 15 battles featuring a mixture of action, strategy, and simulation. You can learn more at the official site as well as sign up for the beta.
TERA video shows off Sinestral Manor
Lately it's been rather quiet on the Arborean front, as Massively hasn't posted any new TERA-related info for the better part of two weeks. Happily, Game Informer is here to quench that drought courtesy of a new gameplay video. While it's a little on the short side, the clip does feature new in-game footage and a glimpse inside the creepy bowels of the Vampir Mansion (also known as Sinestral Manor). You might recall the curiously spelled Vampirs from one of En Masse Entertainment's screenshot of the week featurettes, and you might also be a bit puzzled (as we were) at the distinct lack of Vampirs to be found in Game Informer's Vampire Mansion tour. That said, there were plenty of other beasties on hand, including a fearsome boss featured over the last half of the clip. There's also plenty of combat to be found, so head over to the Game Informer website and have a look.
SOE's Smedley talks platforms, sub fees, and DCUO post-release content
While thousands of DC Comics fans are rolling up spandex-clad superheroes (and villains) in SOE's newly launched DC Universe Online MMO, SOE itself is busy extolling the virtues of what some are calling the first real console massively multiplayer title. In an interview at Eurogamer, SOE boss John Smedley talks a bit about the challenges of building an MMO for two platforms simultaneously. "This game is built from the ground up to be playable on both the PlayStation 3 and PC, so it really makes a big difference as opposed to just porting it," he said. Smedley goes on to answer a few questions related to the size of the post-release development team (between 50 and 75 people) as well as whether or not the much-hyped monthly content updates will carry a charge above and beyond the sub fee (they won't). "The monthly subscription fee means players can expect a lot of new content from us. And I say a lot -- I really mean that. This is something that we feel obligated to the players, because they are paying monthly sub fee," Smedley explained. Check out the full text at Eurogamer and hit up the official DCUO website for more info on the game.
Perfect World bringing Rusty Hearts MMO to America
The MMORPG assembly line at Perfect World Entertainment is gearing up to churn out yet another title, this time partnering with WindySoft for a game called Rusty Hearts. While details surrounding the F2P title are sketchy at this point, it looks to be an action MMO with anime-inspired visuals if the various gameplay videos available in the wild are any indication. Perfect World and WindySoft will be officially revealing the game to the masses at this year's E3 convention, with the former looking to localize the game for the American market as well as make further in-roads with gamers in the West. "As Rusty Hearts is an action-based MMORPG, which differs from our existing game portfolio in genre, we believe it will help us extend our market penetration while also bringing new and unique online gaming experiences to our players," said PWE CEO Alan Chen. WindySoft, originally formed in 2002, has been involved in the development and/or publishing of titles ranging from GetAmped, to Katamari Damacy Online, to Cosmic Break. You can check out a Rusty Hearts gameplay video after the break.
En Masse issues official clarification regarding TERA's action combat
Rumors have been flying about TERA this week, mainly due to a pair of ThisIsGame.com interviews with Bluehole Studio higher-ups that were translated from the original Korean by TERAfans. Today, En Masse Entertainment (TERA's North American publisher) has issued an official statement clarifying the second piece, and more specifically, shooting down any notion that TERA's long-touted action MMO combat has changed. "TERA's combat system hasn't changed and action remains a crucial element to the game. There was a mistranslation in the article where the phrase 'lock-on system' was used instead of 'lock-on skill,' which was the original context of that statement. We are committed to making adjustments to TERA based on player feedback, but the game will still offer all the depth of an MMO with the intense action combat system. This will not change," said Matt Atwood, director of public relations for En Masse.
Trion hiring for untitled SyFy action MMO, looking for XBox 360 programmers
With RIFT launching in the very near future, Trion Worlds is resting on its laurels and doing absolutely nothing... by which we mean the exact opposite. The team is looking for new staff to help develop the yet-unnamed action MMO created in partnership with SyFy, currently just named the "SyFy Action MMO." This in and of itself is good news for those who had thought the project had been abandoned, but it gets even more interesting when you realize that two of the jobs are targeting XBox 360 programmers. Assuming that the game is targeting the 360 -- which seems likely under the circumstances -- it would join Final Fantasy XI as one of the only MMO options on the console. That would be a significant boon from a marketing perspective, as would the show/game integration promised back when rumors first began surfacing. The 360 programmers are not explicitly linked to the long-dormant game, but neither are they linked to the two existing games in Trion's stable. Although the job listing alone doesn't promise a future for the game, it's a step in the right direction for what might be a very different take on MMOs after all.
TERA interview translation hints at targeting and combat changes
Despite the recent rumors of a prolonged delay in the North American/European testing and release schedule, there are still plenty of interesting goings-on in the world of TERA. ThisisGame.com has once again published an interview with Bluehole Studio heavyweights (including TERA's executive developer, CEO, and lead graphic artist), and once again the Korean original has been translated by the folks at TERAfans. There are quite a few interesting nuggets to be found throughout the piece, none more curious than the apparent closed beta tweaks to the game's much-ballyhooed targeting system. We'd like to stress "apparent" here because in the absence of confirmation from North American publisher En Masse Entertainment, these translations fall squarely under the rumor sub-heading. That said, if the info is accurate, it represents a shift from what we've heard of the game's combat thus far. "TERA is an MMORPG with action elements, but the game itself is not an action game. If we call TERA a non-targeting game, many people expect an action game. Throughout the game's various tests, we tried to make TERA easier to get into, adding a lock-on system and many other improvements. After those changes we also decided to rename the non-targeting system to "free targeting system". Let's be honest free targeting rolls off the tongue better doesn't it? It doesn't sound so negative," the article says.
New TERA trailer boasts battlegrounds, bosses, and more [updated]
Fans of En Masse Entertainment's upcoming TERA action MMORPG are anxiously awaiting news of a North American beta and release date. In the meantime, Bluehole Studio and Hangame are gearing up for the title's Korean open beta, which is scheduled to begin on January 11th, according to a recently released trailer. The four-minute clip is crammed full of new footage, and in addition to the usual suspects of combat and harvesting, you can check out new bosses, destructible terrain, and what appears to be a type of capture-the-flag battleground scenario. Have a look at all the mayhem after the cut, and head to the official TERA forums for further discussion. [Update: We've replaced the Korean version of the trailer with the newly released English-language version. Enjoy!]
The Daily Grind: How many hotbars do you have?
It's been argued that MMORPGs are being "dumbed down," and while there may be some truth to that in broad terms, one thing that is most certainly not being dumbed down is MMO combat. On the contrary, combat is getting more involved with each new release, whether it's a result of action titles like DC Universe Online or TERA (which require the player to have a certain amount of twitch skill and situational awareness), or more traditional fare like World of Warcraft, Aion, and RIFT, all of which are special-ability spamfests with a huge number of said abilities for each class. With such a plethora of attacks, defenses, buffs, and crowd-controlling maneuvers at the player's disposal, it's a wonder that the entire screen isn't covered with hotbars. Keybindings play a big role here, of course, but today's Daily Grind is all about your UI. How many hotbars do you have? How are they set up? Do you use a lot of keybindings and macro-enabling peripherals or are you a mouse-clicker? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Battle gets elemental in Dynasty Warriors Online
Historical hack-and-slash isn't just for the movies any more! Now, along with hacking through wide swaths of enemies in Dynasty Warriors Online, players can add some insult to injury by using special elemental abilities. Why would you want to do that? Well, so you can do mean and nasty things like setting people on fire, as we see above. Just imagine -- roast DOTted mob. Mmm, festive! Mind you, you're not restricted to only using fire; you can opt to kill your enemies using other elemental attacks instead! Ice grants the ability to freeze enemies into blocks of ice as a means of crowd control. Lightning allows players to zap enemies, stunning them so you can chain together huge damage combos. Wind offers crowd control in the form of knockbacks, allowing you to focus damage on one targeted group at a time rather than getting swamped. Finally, there's void power, which offers the ability to negate opponents' armor and drive home pure butt-kicking damage. For those curious about what the elemental attacks look like, we've gathered a handful of screenshots in our Dynasty Warriors Online gallery for you, or you can pop over to the Aeria Games site and sign up for some hack-and-slash elemental free-to-play fun of your own! %Gallery-99390%
DC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date
After a much needed push-back from the original launch date of November 2nd, Sony Online Entertainment has set a new launch date for DC Universe Online. We announced a rumored launch-date move yesterday. And today, SOE has confirmed that its new action-MMO will launch on January 11th, 2011. Game Director Chris Cao sent along this statement: "Creating DC Universe Online has been a massive undertaking, and we're excited to be that much closer to launch. We're grateful to our beta players for providing us invaluable feedback in these final stages that has enabled us to put the finishing touches on a fun and exciting experience when the game launches in January." The superhero game will launch simultaneously on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 with the MSRP of US$49.99 and US$59.99 respectively. Purchase of the game grants one month free, after which a subscription costs US$14.99 monthly. PC customers will be able to take advantage of a US$29.99 StationAccess subscription which allows access to all current SOE games. Don't miss our launch-announcement interview with the DCUO creators coming soon!
The Daily Grind: Are action MMOs the future of the genre?
There's a debate I've been having with my associates over the future of MMOs. While it's hard to deny that action MMOs -- titles that are more twitch-based and feature faster combat -- are growing in number, we've been struggling over whether or not they'll become the new standard or simply an established second type of MMO. So what do you think? Do you like action MMO combat, as seen in DC Universe Online, Dungeons and Dragons Online, and Darkfall (today is brought to you by the letter "D"), and do you think they'll be the future of the genre? Are action MMOs the golden key to creating a massive crossover between the console and PC markets? Conversely, do you think that action MMOs will never supplant the current hotbar-and-cooldown combat of current MMOs, such as World of Warcraft, Warhammer Online and, um, Wizard101 (hey, I had to keep a "W" theme going here)? Does twitch-based gaming drive away those without the tight reflexes of the young? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
En Masse unveils third TERA race and class series entry
It's been a while since we've been treated to an update of En Masse Entertainment's TERA Race and Class series. Happily, today marks the third installment, and it's all about Humans, Mystics, and Sorcerers. If you're in the mood for early Christmas presents, we've got them in the form of a new TERA screenshot gallery, a gameplay video of Sorcerers blowing stuff up, and a few blurbs about races, classes, and quests. TERA is currently gearing up for its Korean open beta, with a European and North American launch expected in 2011. Join us for all the juicy details after the cut. %Gallery-105090%
TERA G-Star information compiled
Looking for a compilation of last week's TERA news from G-Star? TERAfans has you covered in the form of an updated thread that brings together all of the convention news nuggets. From the new trailer (and a helpful primer on the Korean dialogue and associated plot points), to the myriad screenshots, class-based gameplay footage, and numerous translations of Q&A sessions with Bluehole developers, the thread is a must-read for fans of the upcoming action MMORPG. You'll also find helpful links to various discussion threads chewing the fat with regard to the new info (as well as a bit of head-scratching on features that still haven't seen the light of the day). Sound good? What are you waiting for then, head to TERAfans and get your fix.
Vindictus set to unleash its newest episode in December
What do wolves, toads, arachnids, and swordplay have in common? If you said a new program on Animal Planet produced Jerry Bruckheimer, you guessed wrong. If you said the highly addictive free-to-play MMO Vindictus, you would be right. Nexon just announced a new episode for its action-MMO. In early December, Vindictus players will be introduced to two new dungeons. Prairie Entrance's open field unleashes traps for mercenaries who dare tread on its soil. And the Ruins of Sanctity dungeon introduces the adventurer to an all-new Gnoll clan, some deadly toads, and a multitude of giant spiders. We can't forget the new boss battles: Goliath, Dim Gray, Warchief Black Scar and Giant Spider -- Giant Spider? You do not dare take on these formidable foes without mastering some of the new skills introduced with this episode. If you have mastered all of your current skills look, forward to learning Berserk, Lightning Fury, Large Shield Mastery, and other action-oriented skills. Vindictus continues to bring its fans more action-packed content. Be sure to browse the gallery below and visit Nexon's official website or the Vindictus Facebook page for more information. %Gallery-108033%
World of Tanks announces Vivox voice chat
What's a military action game without angry squad leaders, four-letter words, and locker room camaraderie, amirite? In service of those ideals, and a few that are more family-friendly, Wargaming.net announces the arrival of integrated voice chat in its World of Tanks action MMO. High-definition in-game voice will be heard around the battlefield courtesy of Vivox, Inc. "When creating World of Tanks it was critical for us to include voice communication capabilities. With proven scalability, numerous live integrations, and best in class quality -- partnering with Vivox was an easy decision," says Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi. World of Tanks is a free-to-play, vehicle-based action game currently undergoing closed beta testing. The Vivox integration will allow seamless communication, sans third-party apps, during combat and via the game's various lobbies. You can learn more, as well as sign up for beta, at the official website.
Vindictus entices players with a dynamic new trailer
The creators of Vindictus, or Addictus (as it's been called by certain Editors-in-Chief), have thought to inspire us to play their action MMO by launching another trailer. The free-to-play game launched two weeks ago as the first real-physics based MMO. This game that features constant twitchy combat, also, recently announced a new ranged-class giving the gameplay a completely different dynamic. The trailer magnifies the intensity of this unique gaming engine by slowing down and reversing much of the in-game shots in the video. All creatures and player characters affect the environment, as well as their intended target. Walls are mashed. Buildings fall. The earth is crumbled beneath mighty weapons. If violence and passion fuel your gameplay then Nexon invites you to try out Vindictus for yourself at the official website. It will cost you nothing to try it out for yourself, and you may just find a new world you'll love to explore. Fix your eyes on this film featuring a frenzied flash into this fantasy realm after the break.
TERA reveals second race and class series installment, achievement info
En Masse Entertainment is back with another carefully rationed dose of TERA information that manages to stave off our withdrawal pangs -- even if it isn't the large-scale expose we'd like. This time around, TERA's North American publisher presents a brief look at the game's achievement system as well as the latest installment in the ongoing race and class series. Join us after the cut for a bit about the Amani race as well as the Lancer class. Don't forget to check out the gallery of new screens below and the Lancer-focused video after the break. Finally, look for Massively's exclusive TERA lore reveal later this week. %Gallery-105090%
