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Browser-based Blood and Jade opens beta doors
Although browser-based Blood and Jade just barely kicked off alpha testing two weeks ago, the free-to-play game is already powering ahead into open beta testing. Starting today, players can get access to the Xianyang server and discover the drama of the Warring States for themselves by signing up on the official site. In Blood and Jade, players determine the fate of ancient China by becoming a master of martial arts, armed with ancient relics and accompanied by legendary Goddesses, and battling the forces of evil. Additionally, guilds can fight for territory and even ascend to the Imperial throne if they prove strong enough. [Source: R2Games press release]
Swordsman Online video demonstrates combat variety
Perfect World's upcoming Swordsman Online is all about combat, combat, and more combat, which means that combat needs to be divine. Today we've been treated to a video demonstrating six of the game's 10 "clans," the fighting styles that players can adopt in their war against high health bars. Within each of those clans are three paths that may be chosen by players at will. While the video doesn't clearly state which clan is on display, it still provides a useful look at Swordsman Online's fights. There is everything from hand-to-hand melee to whirling chains to giant cannons. Because in a game called Swordsman Online, it'd be silly not to have giant cannons firing quarter-ton balls, yes? Check out the video after the break and let us know which style suits you the best!
Swordsman Online focus test to feature player-created skills, stealth, and more
Perfect World's Swordsman Online is gearing up for a Chinese focus group test on November 17th. MMO Culture reports that the test will feature 10 playable clans and a focus on combat, instanced scenarios, and PvP. The site also mentions a "self-created skill function," and a stealth disguise feature, both of which will make their first appearance in a Swordsman test client. The aforementioned instances will boast "traps, dynamic events, and high AI mobs." Perfect World has also released a new batch of Swordsman Online screenshots, but it hasn't offered any sort of release window nor has it confirmed whether or not the title will appear in the West.
Perfect World teases new Swordsman Online screens
Think back to E3 2010. We know it's hard; two years is an eternity when it comes to gaming news. Do you remember a title called Swordsman Online, though? We do, and Perfect World has finally released some additional info on the game courtesy of today's screenshot dump. MMO Culture has the details, some of which include the fact that the free-to-play title will feature heavily at ChinaJoy 2012 in a couple of weeks. Swordsman is set in an ancient China infused with fantasy elements. It's also based on the popular novels of Louis Cha.
Silkroad Online's eighth expansion launches today
The world of Silkroad Online just got a lot bigger, as Joymax has launched the free-to-play fantasy title's eighth expansion. The Mysterious Temple of Jupiter boasts a ton of new content including a level cap increase, new quests, and new community events. The level cap has been bumped from 110 to 120, and each Silkroad class features brand new skill sets inspired by various Chinese and European arts. The expansion has also added upwards of 60 new quests to the game's ancient Chinese setting, and new hunting grounds for 111th level characters have also arrived. New dungeons are available for low- and mid-level characters, as are over 100 new monsters and new mob AI that a Joymax press release says will "provide a more active, tactical experience." Finally, events including the Forty Thieves collection contest and the Famous event (wherein players are gifted items based on individual stat and ability increases) will be happening all through the month of August.
Age of Wulin videos reveal interesting skills, non-combat gameplay
Age of Wulin hasn't gotten a lot of press in western markets as of yet, but the free-to-play martial arts title is one that bears watching. Aside from its appealing visuals, ancient Chinese setting, and Wuxia-style story elements, the game boasts quite a few departures from the standard MMORPG formula. The most obvious is a progression system that lacks traditional levels, but according to a preview at MMO Culture, that's not Age of Wulin's most interesting feature. The title reportedly makes use of a life skills system which includes gathering, fortune-telling, crafting, fishing, and begging (as well as 12 other skills that have yet to be revealed). Yes, we said begging, and the mechanic apparently involves a degree of anonymity when dealing with fellow players. Age of Wulin also features epic quests tied in to something called the miracle system, as well what looks to be a fairly deep guild and territory control minigame. Click past the cut to view a few gameplay videos including footage of combat, training, miracle, begging, and guild systems, and keep an eye out for players involved in unusual MMO activities including drawing and Chinese chess.
Snail Games' The Chosen launches today
Snail Games' latest free-to-play MMORPG The Chosen has gone live, and we have a smattering of screenshots and a gameplay trailer to whet your appetites. The Chosen is set in a fantastic version of ancient China, where the human empires stand in the middle of a war between the Light World and Dark World. Players take the role of one of six classes, each with their own signature weapon, and then join up with one of five factions to do battle with the diabolical Dark World. The game boasts seven different battle systems which cover PvE, PvP, and everything in between. Players can also train and raise animal companions to fight by their sides as well as build a family with other players, which provides unique in-game benefits. Check the gallery below for some nifty screenshots of the game, and jump past the cut for the game's launch trailer. If those pique your interest, you can get started with the game at the official site. %Gallery-126949%
Conquer Online coming to the Mac on May 3rd
Mac MMORPGs have come a long way. Titles as wide-ranging as World of Warcraft, Fallen Earth, and Free Realms now boast their own native clients, and Conquer Online is set to join the ranks of OS X-flavored MMOs on May 3rd. TQ Digital has just announced the creation of a new Conquer Online server (dubbed Garden of Eden) exclusively for Mac users. The free-to-play title originally launched way back in 2003 and sports a 2.5D game world set in ancient China. The Mac version of the game is undergoing beta testing through April 26th, and you can download the beta client via a number of sources including FTP and bit torrent. Mac beta testers will be kitted out with equipment, skills, and necessary in-game items according to a TQ press release, and you can learn more at the official Conquer Online website.
Kingdom Heroes scoots into open beta with weekend events
After a short couple weeks of closed beta, Kingdom Heroes has announced their transition into the open beta phase. This would be the "historical" MMO that teaches you all sorts of fascinating "facts" about ancient China, such as how their female warriors fought in elegantly revealing bikinis (at least according to the front page of the site). While they're currently only stress testing a single server in NA, Kingdom Heroes has plans to open a EU server in the near future. As part of the open beta celebration, Aeria Games is hosting a number of special beta events for this upcoming weekend. GMs are coming out of the woodwork to run hide-and-seek games, statue dance contests, secret giveaways and awards for special milestones reached. Yes, once again we learn the insidious truth that our high school history textbooks kept from us: ancient Chinese armies were bolstered by their elite breakdancing skills. So if historical breakdancing and entire armies playing hide-and-seek thrill you to your very core (or you just want to check out an interesting-looking MMO), then head over to the Kingdom Heroes website and download the open beta today.
