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Black Desert's open PvP detailed
Steparu's back with another look at Black Desert's Korean closed beta test. This time the focus is on guild-vs.-guild events and PvP. There's the usual video content as well as an accompanying article which mentions the game's seamless open world and it's open-world PvP. While the systems are subject to change given that this is an early beta test, Steparu says that right now Black Desert's PvP is pretty unforgiving due to its free-for-all nature and the possibility of item and XP loss. Click through the links below for the full article, and don't forget the videos after the cut. [Thanks bdo!]
Black Desert's beta housing system detailed
Hey look, it's more Black Desert beta stuff! Steparu has posted part two of a lengthy impressions piece for the sandbox title, the second portion of which focuses exclusively on player housing. As it stands right now, the system is limited to auctioned houses that are hard -- or at least expensive -- to obtain. There is no player-made housing in Black Desert's Korean closed beta just yet, so expect to spend time jostling with lots of players clustered around the auctioneer NPC if really want a home of your own. Steparu has posted plenty of both interior and exterior housing screenshots as well as a video tour which you can see after the break.
More Black Desert beta vids, this time with parkour
As we reported earlier this week, Korean fantasy sandbox Black Desert has gone into beta. Steparu has published part one of an extensive preview including both a hands-on article and a series of lengthy high definition gameplay videos. The clips show everything from combat and group play to exploration and dungeoneering. There's also an extensive look at the game's climbing and movement system. Steparu says that "it's not exactly Assassin's Creed style, but it does come close to it." See for yourself via the embeds after the break.
Black Desert beta vids show questing, fishing, cinematics, and more
That darn Black Desert! Every time I learn more about it it moves up a spot or two on my must-play list! The sandbox title's Korean beta has started, and according to a post at MMOcast, testers can expect plenty of hands-on with questing, combat, housing, guilds, trading, "NPC relations," and PvP and sieging. The site also has a few gameplay videos that are worth a look. There's footage of the fishing and jumping systems, questing stuff, and the opening cinematic. See for yourself after the cut. [Thanks Dengar!]
Black Desert starts its first closed beta on October 17th
Are you ready to start exploring the darkest of all possible deserts? Are you also located in South Korea? Then you'll be happy to know that after several delays Black Desert has finally announced its closed beta test will start on October 17th. The first test will only run through the 23rd and will include four playable classes, leveling up to level 40, and two major areas to explore. As mentioned before, this test will be IP-locked, so international players are not allowed even with a strong grasp of the language. For those not eligible for the beta (i.e. most of our readers) there are also four new gameplay trailers embedded past the break showing off the various classes in action. They're not actually in life-or-death combat, but it's a chance to get a peek at what your various choices can do. Or what they would be able to do if you were able to get in on the testing... you get the idea. [Thanks to Lilian for the tip!]
Black Desert bracing for Korean closed beta test
It's been a long time coming, but Korean sandbox title Black Desert is finally getting ready to move forward with beta testing. Testing was delayed almost three months ago as Pearl Abyss wanted to add a bit more shine to the game, but it appears that the game is acceptably shined and ready to open the gates. Soon, anyway; the official site is displaying a 19-day countdown until applicants are accepted, not necessarily until the test itself starts. Unfortunately, American fans with a working knowledge of Korean will still have to sit this one out, as the first test will be IP-locked and will not allow non-Korean players to participate. But it at least means the game is closer to seeing its domestic release and that much closer to a possible localization. So it's good news, even if you're going to have to sit this first round of testing out. [Thanks to WNxArcticwolf for the tip!]
Leaderboard: Which upcoming Korean MMO excites you the most?
There are a lot of interesting Korean MMOs on the horizon. Well, they're interesting to me, at any rate. The problem is, none of them are playable in the West as of yet, even though one of them has a Western publisher and the others publish English-language news semi-regularly. Assuming you are also something of a Korean MMO aficionado, I've put together a poll featuring some of the blockbusters we'll (hopefully) be playing in the near future. Feel free to vote for the one you're most looking forward to, and explain why in the comments. Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Black Desert interview and video offer a look at more features
Want to know a few more details about Black Desert? The fansite Black-Desert.com caught up with Pearl Abyss CFO Brian Oh and COO Jaemun Youn recently, and the duo shared tidbits such as the estimated leveling curve (one to 50 will take approximately 200 hours), the plan for a single server, non-instanced housing, and more. If that isn't enough info for you, even more in-game features are highlighted in a short video that includes hauling sheep on your shoulders and chopping trees as a group. Check out character creation, gathering resources, and trading in the clip after the cut. For a look at a few new screenshots and art, Black-Desert.com also has a small gallery. [Thanks to James for the tips!]
Black Desert Gamescom video shows 22 minutes of gameplay
Gamescom 2013 may be over, but that doesn't mean great stuff isn't still trickling out from it. And today's stuff is a 22-minute video of Black Desert gameplay, complete with dev commentary. In this extended tour of the upcoming sandbox, Pearl Abyss shows off plenty of the action combat, active dodging, and wall climbing as well as the characters and the terrain. Besides that, viewers can see and hear about the weather system, the world map and exploration, worker NPCs who will harvest and deliver resources to you, and other features. If you've got a good chunk of time, sit back and have yourself a lengthy look at Black Desert after the break. [Thanks to Erik for the tip!]
Gorgeous new Black Desert screens feature mounts, housing
MMO Culture has posted some gorgeous screenshots from Black Desert, the new sandbox MMO currently being developed by Korea's Pearl Abyss. Most of the images focus on mounts and player housing. Earlier this year Pearl Abyss showed off portions of the title's housing system, and MMO Culture has included a cam-quality video that we've embedded for you after the break. The site notes that it is unclear how much the housing system has changed from the functionality shown in the video to the current build which is reflected in the new screenshots. [Thanks Dengar!]
Gamescom 2013: Black Desert devs eyeing next-gen consoles
Korean MMO studio Pearl Abyss is talking to the press about its jaw-droppingly gorgeous Black Desert title at this week's Gamescom. According to DualShockers, part of the discourse included the possibility of porting the PC title to next-gen consoles. The website reports that while speaking with Pearl Abyss COO Jaemin Youn and CFO Brian Oh, the duo "enthusiastically answered that, yes, not only [are they] considering porting to the game to both PS4 and X-Box One, but they actually already had meetings with Sony Computer Entertainment." [Thanks Erik!]
Take a gander at Black Desert's combat in a new trailer
It's been about a month since the upcoming sandbox title Black Desert talked about its approach to melding action combat with a sandbox environment. At the time, all anyone could do was speculate on how that would look in action, but as of today you can catch a glimpse of it in full force. Embedded just past the cut is a minute-long trailer showcasing several individuals and monsters locked in vicious combat. It's important to keep in mind that this is only an early trailer and may not be indicative of the final game, nor is there yet any word on the game being released in the US. That having been said, the trailer certainly looks like quite a ride, with plenty of dodging, rolling, and flying projectiles all about. Even if you haven't been interested in the game up until now, you might want to take a look. [Thanks to Tor for the tip!]
Pearl Abyss releases new Black Desert trailer, screens
Pearl Abyss has put up a new teaser website for its upcoming Black Desert sandbox. Prior to today the fantasy title had no real web presence outside of its Facebook page, but now interested gamers can check out a selection of screenshots and a new teaser trailer on the game's official site! The catch is that the site is in Korean, but that shouldnt stop you from oohing and ahhing over the visuals. Click past the cut for the teaser trailer. [Thanks everyone who tipped us!]
Black Desert melding action combat with sandbox MMOs
Pearl Abyss developer Daeil Kim recently spoke to MMORPG.com regarding the firm's upcoming Black Desert title. The fantasy sandbox is entering the home stretch toward its first closed beta test, after which Kim says the firm will publish in its native Korea and then look to sign on with a Western distributor. The interview touches on various gameplay aspects including PvP -- Black Desert is not an RvR game, according to Kim -- housing, and action combat. "Unlike other MMORPGs, we have attempted to facilitate greater variety in action combat sequences beyond simply pressing number keys," Kim explains, while also noting that he's a big fan of Street Fighter, Final Fight, and Samurai Showdown. "In action games, the timing of pressing a key and a mouse click, as well as a monster's reaction against the user's attack, is extremely important. We are trying to develop our game so that players must purposefully control their character and so that objects or monsters react in a more complex manner." [Thanks Dengar!]
Black Desert Online closed beta slapped with delay
MMO players eagerly awaiting a taste of Black Desert Online will be waiting just a bit longer than expected; the closed beta phase has been delayed from sometime this summer to sometime this fall. Apparently, Pearl Abyss wanted a little bit of extra time to add some polish and shine to the beta, thus completely defying the point of having a beta in the first place. This delay appears to apply to the Korean closed beta test, and there's no clear word on what's going on with any of the game's other localizations beyond rumors of a 2015 launch.
New screenshots released for Black Desert
Fantasy sandbox MMO Black Desert has graced the internet with 13 new screenshots showing off the game's gorgeous environments, characters, creatures, and more. As discovered and translated by Steparu, these screenshots originally appeared on the Korean gaming news site inven.co.kr. Steparu says that these shots are from E3 and the game is set for closed beta testing next month. Keep your eye on Steparu for hi-res versions coming soon.%Gallery-191201%
Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge
There are plenty of interesting MMOs coming out of Korea these days, and whether we're talking sandboxes like Black Desert, themeparks like Bless, or hybrids like ArcheAge, I'm pretty excited to try all of them. Let's not forget Blade & Soul, either, and even Aion has a new expansion on the way that's introducing a couple of game-changing classes. For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these games against one another and see which one will claim the title of Massively's most anticipated Korean import. Vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Black Desert interview talks active combat and the big picture
Black Desert is not a game that can be faulted for lack of ambition. A recent interview with the design staff helps show off just how big the game aims to be, which includes territory control, building relationships with NPCs, and an open-world housing system with a limited number of houses. It also discusses the game's combat, which is meant to be realistic active combat with an emphasis on skill and momentum. The game's combat system will include combat on foot or while mounted, with mounted combat having several obvious advantages -- charging while mounted can be incredibly damaging, and you have an easier time knocking down targets on foot. Combat is meant to be slightly loose rather than forcing characters to have perfect timing, but the emphasis is on "realistic" combat over a string of abilities. For more details, take a look at the full interview (scroll down to see the English version).
Black Desert shopping for Western publisher, shares more details about its game world
Black Desert, a soon-to-be-released sandbox MMO in Korea, is shopping around for publishers to bring the title to the U.S. and Europe. MMO Culture spoke with Pearl Abyss' Director of Business Development Brian Oh about the progress of the game's development and all of those pesky details that we MMO players like to know when checking out a new title. While the interview took place last September, it's only now being posted. Oh spoke on several topics relating to Black Desert's development, such as why the team decided to create its own game engine instead of licensing an existing one. "We aspired to create an entirely different game from typical MMORPGs available today," Oh said, "including the rendering of art and graphics. So with an abundance of in-house experience in developing game engines gained through previous projects, we made our own." Details about Black Desert's world were shared over the course of the interview, including the news that all classes are available to both genders and can engage in mounted combat. Oh pontificated on the castle siege system, the limited player housing market, and backstory and setting for the game.
New Black Desert screens show Blader class, hurricane
Pearl Abyss has updated its Facebook page for Black Desert, a spectacularly rendered fantasy sandbox that wowed us with spiffy trailers on a couple of occasions. The update reveals a bit of info on the Blader class, which appears to be an "oriental warrior concept" complete with dual-wielding capabilities, a "two-handed grab," and some sort of magic sword. The devs have also provided a screenshot of Black Desert's world map complete with a huge cyclone heading toward the town of Velia. Black Desert's weather system will feature, snow, rain, and storms. [Thanks to gifthorse for the tip!]
