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Aeria Games launches Crystal Saga and Roll n Rock in North America
Aeria Games has been a busy little bee. The free-to-play company has just announced the release of not one but two new browser-based MMOs to the North American market. Crystal Saga is an open-world game built for competitive PvP. There are five different PvP modes plus an array of traditional fantasy classes like the Rogue, Priest, and Mage. The game also allows players to tame a variety of pets, unlock special soul abilities, and "equip their character with elaborate wings." For an in-depth look at Crystal Saga, check out our impressions in Rise and Shiny. Roll n Rock is an altogether different experience. For one thing, the title features a huge number of clothing and customization options. In fact, Aeria says that no two characters will ever look alike. For another, "players will find a fully-realized world of weddings, malls, game halls, and more," according to a company press release. Roll n Rock also boasts multiplayer puzzles, quests, guilds, crafting, and combat. More info on both titles is available via the links below. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
MMObility: Reaching the MMORTS sweet-spot, slowly
As a player of many MMORTS titles, I have grown to understand that patience is not only a virtue but a necessity. Many titles from the genre are designed to make you spend real time to do anything. It's not that they are boring or tedious; instead, they are representing what it might be like to actually grow an army or trade hub and to explore the often massive world around you. The pacing is meant to be slow. These are not games of instant leveling or non-stop quest grinding. They're meant to be played in as little as a few minutes per day. This explains a lot of their success -- just imagine how popular they are with time-strapped players. There is a time, however, after months of toiling away at building up various structures, growing a small army, or finally getting to the maxed out level in a certain area, when you can finally settle down for some real gameplay. It might sound silly to have to wait that long for glory, but come on... this is city-building we are talking about. It takes time.
Learn about the Warrior in the newest Lime Odyssey development blog
Friday saw the reveal of information on Lime Odyssey's Warrior class, which specializes more or less in what you would expect from the description. (That does not include carpentry or specialized dance moves, if you're not sure.) Today, we've got a bit of a developer diary to follow up the reveal, with a bit more detail on how the class is meant to play and what prospective Warriors can expect in terms of equipment and so forth. For those looking forward to the game, there's still no news on when the closed beta will begin, although development is continuing apace despite the game's trouble in its nation of origin. You can still sign up for the beta, however, and all signs point to a testing phase on the near horizon. If you just want to learn about playing a Warrior, just skip on down to see how to unleash maximum destruction with massive weapons.
Charge into battle with Lime Odyssey's Warrior class
Aeria Games' latest free-to-play title, Lime Odyssey, is gearing itself up for closed beta, and to get players hyped up for the impending test, the studio has released a slew of new information about the Warrior battle class. Fans of the genre should know exactly what to expect: heavy armor, big weapons, and lots of bloodlust. Warriors can specialize in one of two trees: Attack or Defense. Both trees do exactly what it says on the tin. The Attack tree focuses on brute force and unrelenting offense with abilities that allow the Warrior to cleave, smash, and otherwise brutalize anything that stands between him and his goals. On the flip-side, the Defense tree turns the Warrior into a vigilant protector who can put himself in harm's way to protect his allies. If you want more details on the various classes available in Lime Odyssey (and get in on the closed beta), just head on over to the game's official site. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
Aeria Games unveils third racial cinematic for Lime Odyssey
First we brought you the Muris. Then you saw the Turga. Now Aeria Games has unveiled the cinematic for the third and final playable race in its upcoming free-to-play MMORPG Lime Odyssey -- Humans. Centuries ago, humans lived as nomadic seafarers. After running aground, they established the town of Blue Coral and grew prosperous through crafting and fishing among the vibrant plants and sea life. Many young Humans, however, retain their ancestors' adventurous spirit and set out to find their own fortunes. Besides exploring Baron Northpallor's Manor in the north they can also dive in and seek for treasure in the depths of the Beren Sea. For a look at the Humans, click past the cut to watch the new opening cinematic and also see some exclusive screenshots! [Source: Aeria Games Press Release]%Gallery-127103%
Rise and Shiny: Spirit Tales
It's funny, being asked to take a look at a game like Spirit Tales, one in a preview-only state. As usual, I am excited any time a new game pops up in need of being checked out, but when I am alone on the server and surrounded only by soulless NPCs, I feel a bit like a kid lost in an amusement park. Sure, it's a blast to ride all of the rides, but after the fifth go-around on the ferris wheel, I would be missing some humanity. I soldiered on, however, and luckily I had some of the most adorable graphics ever keeping me company. Not only that, but my gracious hosts stuffed my tiny widdle pockets with cash-shop money. I blew the bulk of it on costumes for my little avatar and had quite a bit of fun playing dress-up. At first, I thought the game was going to be nothing but a game of dress-up. Luckily for me, my livestream audience seemed to know more than I did.
Rise and Shiny: A bit of Wakfu, a smidge of Spiral Knights, and some Lime Odyssey
This week in Rise and Shiny, things did not go as planned. This sort of thing actually happens often enough to almost be a problem: I pick out a title or am tasked with taking a look at a certain game, but communication lines are crossed and the game I was supposed to give a first impressions-style look at closes down its beta in the middle of the week. Like I said, it does happen, enough to force me to plan out my articles on a month-long calendar. Even then, things can change. So instead of talking about the game I said I was going to be this week, Seven Souls Online, I decided to go over the three games that I gleefully jumped into over the last few days. This will not be a typical first impression-style piece but instead will hint at the specific adventures I had while playing these games. These wonderful, wonderful games.
Aeria Games unveils Aeria Mobile, inaugural titles
Aeria Games, publisher of popular free-to-play titles such as Eden Eternal, announced in a press release today that it has established Aeria Mobile in order to deliver quality games to "the underserved mobile core gaming arena." The division is coming into the world with three inaugural mobile games. The first of these is Eden Eternal: Monster Arena. The game is (obviously) set in the world of Eden Eternal and "brings the beloved anime-style gameplay of the popular franchise to an innovative accelerometer-based shooter RPG." Next up on the list is Tuff Tanks, a "turn-based artillery shooter set in a colorful world of monsters and tanks." The turn-based title will be familiar to fans of the Worms series, and it will allow players to face off against computer opponents or against one another. The third and final release title for Aeria Mobile is known as Armygeddon, "a turn-based military strategy game set in a near-future setting that features episodic single-player content and asynchronous multiplayer combat." So if you need to get your gaming fix on the go, Aeria Games has you covered. To check out the library and find out how to get your hands on the games for yourselves, just click on through the link below to the official Aeria Mobile site. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
Lime Odyssey shutting down in Korea [Updated]
We've brought you a lot of intriguing Lime Odyssey news over the past year, but today we've received word about the impending closure of the game in its native Korea. MMO Culture has the details, and while the blurb makes no mention of what will happen to the North American version of the game that is currently in beta, the Korean client is going dark as of March 30th. MMO Culture says that Sirius Entertainment, the game's original developer, "deemed that various ongoing critical bugs and server instability could not be solved." The site also reports that all players who purchased cash shop items will receive refunds. We've reached out to Aeria Games (Lime Odyssey's North American publisher) for a comment on the status of the North American version. [Update: The official word from Aeria Games is this: "Aeria Games confirms that the Korean beta version of Lime Odyssey: The Chronicles of Orta is shutting down. The company also confirms that this will not affect the development or rollout of Aeria's English language version. Lime Odyssey is currently in an expanded Alpha play test and will be published in North America by Aeria Games in 2012. Sirius, the developer behind Lime Odyssey, continues to develop and support the North America version."]
Shin Megami Tensei transferred to Atlus in North America
If you're a fan of the venerable Shin Megami Tensei RPG franchise, you might be pleased to know that Atlus is taking over publishing duties on the Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine online title from California-based Aeria Games. Gamasutra reports that Atlus views the forthcoming April move as a "homecoming" for the game, which was originally released in 2007. Prior to the move, Atlus managed the Japanese servers while Aeria handled the North American operations. Gamasutra says that "all characters and player data will be carried over automatically, although there will be a short period of downtime while this occurs."
Eden Eternal calls forth the Ranger
The wet-behind-the-ears Eden Eternal is already hard at work beefing up its content, up to and including a brand-new class. Aeria Games just released a huge update for the game, and it's hard to say where players should start first. Perhaps they should check out the new Ranger class, which excels at ranged damage with a bow, artillery gun, or eagle (don't scoff -- a face-full of eagle will ruin anyone's day). If Rangers aren't your bag, then there's an increased level cap to 65, PvP improvements such as a 3v3 matchmaking system, and new high-level areas and dungeons to explore. Eden Eternal just added the Samurai class to the game last month. You can get a peek at all of this update goodness in the gallery and video below! [Source: Aeria Games press release] %Gallery-120523%
Aeria reveals Lime Odyssey Turga cinematic
Aeria Games has revealed another opening cinematic from its Lime Odyssey MMORPG. This time around, the focus is on the Turga, a lion-like race that lives in a meadow called the Tumbara Plain. The Turga possess "deep faith and brute strength," and their lives are centered on discipline, honor, and willpower. In mechanical terms, the Turga represent one of three playable Lime Odyssey races, and they begin their journey on the West Tumbara Plain of North Orta. The village is a stone's throw from Talunvara Canyon, the area's first dungeon that will test the mettle of the Turgas brave enough to enter it. Head past the break to get a look at the Turga cinematic. [Source: Aeria Games press release] %Gallery-127103%
Lime Odyssey dev blog features the music of Yasunori Mitsuda
It's time for another Lime Odyssey dev blog, and today's piece focuses on the free-to-play fantasy title's soundtrack. Aeria Games tapped veteran composer Yasunori Mitsuda to create the score, and though this is Mitsuda's first MMO project, it's definitely not his first video game suite. You've heard his work before if you've played Chrono Cross, Chrono Trigger, and Xenogears, and you can hear his latest in the sound samples we've got for you after the break. Click through to read a bit about the themes for Blue Coral, West Tumbara, and Pripet. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
Lime Odyssey dev blog highlights Muris race
This week's Lime Odyssey dev blog is all about the Muris, an inquisitive race of tricksters who like to "spread trouble wherever they go." Aeria Games has released a new cinematic and a couple of screenshots to go along with its textual description, and after viewing all of these after the cut, you'll have a clearer picture of who the Muris are (and why you might want to play one). Despite their cute factor, the Muris can be deadly, and they may be used in tandem with any of Lime Odyssey's four battle classes (Warrior, Thief, Mage, or Cleric). [Source: Aeria press release]
Massively Exclusive: Lime Odyssey premieres the Muris opening cinematic
When trying to describe the Muris, one of three races for Aeria Games' Lime Odyssey, the phrase "cute as a button" pops into mind more than once. The Muris are a diminutive, "mischievous" people who spread chaos and giggles wherever they go. Players who choose a Muris character will have access to all four of the game's classes, and will begin their journey in the town of Pripet in the Shimmering Island. We have a treat for you today: the world-exclusive premiere of the Muris introductory cinematic as well as several new screenshots of these bite-sized troublemakers! Lime Odyssey is scheduled to release sometime in 2012. %Gallery-127103%
Aeria releases Repulse sci-fi shooter
Aeria Games has sent word that its Repulse sci-fi shooter has shed its beta tag and is ready for prime time. The company is celebrating release day with four new maps, an east coast server, and a high-ping safeguard feature designed to "provide a better experience for everyone." Repulse was previously known as Genesis A.D., and though Aeria refers to it as an MMOFPS in today's press release, it's actually more of an online shooter given that it features 16-player mayhem and the usual capture-the-flag and team deathmatch-flavored gameplay. It's free-to-play, and you can see it in action via the trailer after the break. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
Enjoy the Repulse open beta with a free Booster Pack from Massively
If you're an FPS fan, you likely already know that open beta for Repulse has begun. Whether you've been checking it out since the January 23rd OB start date or it's still on your "I really need to find time to try that" list, we've got a little something to boost your gameplay. Aeria Games has given us codes for an explosive booster pack containing seven days' worth of goodies: a Manta X, Torch Pack, and EMP grenades. Want one for your very own? All you have to do is get a code from our giveaway page at the link below. Then visit Repulse's Booster Pack redemption page and follow the instructions to receive your items. Once you've done that, you're ready to hop into the open beta of Repulse and do some damage -- good luck!
The Firing Line: What ever happened to that game?
Online shooters are a dime a dozen these days. Heck, so are MMOs. I can't get up from my computer chair for five minutes without missing some sort of PR blast about the latest, greatest gift to gamingkind. It's easy to lose track of all these titles, and it's even easier when some of said titles are fairly niche to begin with. In this week's edition of The Firing Line, I'm going to figure out something to write about until I get into the PlanetSide 2 beta. Er, I mean, I'm going to do a little detective work in an attempt to figure out what happened to a few of the MMO shooters that have dropped off my radar.
Aeria opens new server for Call of Gods MMORTS
Call of Gods may not be a household name when it comes to MMORTS titles, but the free-to-play offering from Aeria Games must be doing something right. The company has just announced the addition of a fifth server, as well as a list of server-wide events designed to bring fame and fortune to some of its players. Events include a ranked player competition, group boss fights, alliance quests and upgrades, special hero and gear customizations, and "mystical rewards" for the top five alliances. Call of Gods is a browser-based MMORTS, and you can learn more about it at its official website. [Source: Aeria press release]
Eden Eternal adds Samurai class, PvP arenas, and dungeons
Eden Eternal's latest patch lands today, and Aeria Games is adding quite a bit of content to the free-to-play fantasy romp. There's a new Samurai class, a revamped territory wars mode, and a new monster battle arena designed for PvP encounters. The Samurai is a DPS class that uses a katana to slice and dice foes at close range. The class also features a number of buff abilities as well as a heavy-hitting Asura slash airborne attack. In addition to the territory wars tweaks and monster arena, Aeria is also adding two new dungeons to Eden Eternal. The instances are designed for level 60 heroes, and each features new bosses and gear. More info is available at the game's official website. [Source: Aeria Games press release] %Gallery-120523%
