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Darkness Dawns takes the EverQuest II story to new heights today
While many eyes are turned toward Las Vegas in anticipation of big reveals next week, EverQuest II fans get to sink their teeth into a meaty update to help them pass the time until the convention. Darkness Dawns, the continuation of the story developed throughout the previous Scars of the Awakened update, hits servers today. What in GU67 could possibly distract players from thoughts of SOE Live? How about four fabled Desert of Flames dungeons retooled for the max-level crowd, a more flexible AA system, new PvP rewards, more tradeskill apprentice items, three new contested god avatars, a special raid arena, improved inventory management (yay for personal depots!), daily objectives, and -- in the words of Producer Holly Longdale -- "one of most epic events in game." Sounds like a bit to take in, doesn't it? And that's just scratching the surface. Thanks to a tour hosted by Longdale, Creative Director Akil Hooper, Lead Designer Kyle Vallee, and Designer Carlos Mora, I was treated to a preview of EQII's newest features and learned a few extra tidbits to pass along as well as the update trailer (which you can see here as well!).
MechWarrior delivers whopping update with twin dragon 'Mechs
Right in time for the holidays, Piranha Games has delivered a whopping gift for all of its players in the form of the year's largest content update for MechWarrior Online. Let's tick off the list, shall we? First up is the brand-new conquest mode, which allows players to capture and hold five different locations. Next is the addition of three new 'Mechs: the Twin Dragons and the Stalker Assault. Following that, players will enjoy an economy update, a bonus to currency acquisition for new players, a night map of River City, new ways to customize a 'Mech's look, and cool holiday items. Finally, the team's throwing in plenty of bug and performance fixes free of charge. If you give one of the new 'Mechs a try, definitely let us know how it handles! We've got the trailer for this update after the cut. [Source: Piranha Games' press release]
Pocket Legends adds Paladin and Ranger classes
Three's company no longer; Spacetime Studios is adding two new classes to its smash hit Pocket Legends, bringing up the grand total of available characters to five. The new classes to be included in today's update are the Vixen Ranger and the Rhino Paladin. The Ranger looks to be a dual-wielding fighter while the Paladin is geared out as a classic tank. The new classes aren't the only things being added today. The update has a new level 76 red dragon to defeat, additional dungeons, a heroic instance, a 3v3 capture-the-flag map, more options for existing classes' skills, and the game's Winterfest holiday event. [Source: Spacetime Studios press release]
Blade & Soul gets legendary with its December update
Blade & Soul continues to grow in leaps and bounds overseas as the Korean title prepares to push out its Legendary Update next month. This update will buff the game with several new outfits, a 1v1 PvP arena, the 8th floor of the Tower of Mushin, and a new tier of gear (hence the "legendary"). The meat of the update will come in the form of a trio of new dungeons. The Dark Bloody Shark Harbor (best name ever) is a tougher iteration on the standard Bloody Shark Harbor. This instance turns into a different one at night called the Ice Storage Warehouse, where noises from a nearby building beg for investigation. Finally, the Spiral Labyrinth is a multi-floor randomized dungeon with plenty of secrets and a six-player requirement.
Guild Wars 2 starts Lost Shores, previews new PvP map
Hot on the heels of Halloween 2012, Guild Wars 2's Lost Shores content update seeks to prove if the masterminds at ArenaNet can keep up the pace and quality of their releases. The multi-stage event began today at 3:00 p.m. EST and will continue through Sunday, November 18th. Massively has you covered on all the info, from a primer on the event to the official schedule to a spoiler-free look at the new content. If you have a couple minutes before rushing into the game to check out the event, you might want to stay tuned for a 15-minute video on the game's new PvP map, Temple of the silent Storm. ArenaNet PvP Coordinator Jonathan Sharp takes us through all of the intricacies of the new map mechanics.
Watch Season 7 trailer of Star Trek Online
Just because there are two big expansions releasing today doesn't mean that you should overlook the huge content update warping into Star Trek Online. From Vesta-class starships to new fleet holdings, salt vampires to the Borg, STO's Season 7 is guaranteed to hold at least one thing of interest for each player -- and probably more. Cryptic's released the official launch trailer for Season 7 for those who would prefer to see a quick visual overview of the update. Additionally, don't miss Massively's interview with Executive Producer Daniel Stahl about all of the new features now in the game. You can watch the trailer after the jump!
Perfect World International welcomes the Sirens of War
War is coming. War is coming! Let us tell you something, greenhorn: War is always coming. Once, just once, we'd like to hear from an MMO that donuts are coming or a three-day weekend is coming. That's an expansion we can get behind. But until that happy moment arrives, we're just going to have to gear up for Perfect World International's Sirens of War content update. Sirens of War is scheduled for November 14th, and includes more skills, more quests, and a pretty nifty Nation Wars PvP feature. The devs' biggest goal for the update is to make combat more exciting and leveling quicker across the board. We've got a video. You know you want to see the video. So here comes the video. The video is coming. [Source: Perfect World press release]
Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King video, content schedule
The Mad King hasn't been seen in Tyria for 250 years, which means it's about time for a reappearance! Guild Wars 2 is on the verge of its first major content update, and ArenaNet just shared a schedule for the Halloween story. Act one will begin on October 22nd, with the subsequent acts following on the 26th, 28th, and 31st. To whet your appetite for this spooky update, there's also a new video with a content tease, so head on over to the content page or check it out past the break. If Guild Wars is more your speed, remember that traditional Halloween festivities will be commencing Friday, October 19th.
War of the Roses' first content update rides for November, adds new weapons and armor
Paradox's new permanent franchise team is getting straight to work. Next month, War of the Roses will get its first content update, adding new weapons, armor and color customization options to the multiplayer-based title.At some point this "winter," Paradox plans on injecting two new game modes across a pair of new snow-covered locales. The first new mode is called 'Pitched Battle' and will go into beta "soon," though Paradox hasn't revealed any exact details on the mode.The two new War of the Roses maps will be modeled after the historic winter battles at Wakefield and Towton. The November update is the first of monthly content releases Paradox has promised for War of the Roses.
War of the Immortals: Titan's Fury releases October 30th
War of the Immortals' newest expansion is only a couple of weeks away from joining forces with the live game, according to Perfect World Entertainment. The expansion, called War of the Immortals: Titan's Fury, now has an October 30th release date. Titan's Fury's key feature is a pair of instances -- Titan's Temple and the Titan Dungeon -- that will be unlike anything players have seen to date. The expansion also adds new zones, daily events, pets, and gear. There's a little something in it for both solo- and group-oriented players, says Product Manager Thang Phan. We've got the trailer for Titan's Fury sitting pretty behind the jump, so why don't you go give it a look-see and let us know if you'll be booting this title back up for the latest and greatest? [Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]
Mists of Pandaria cruises toward first big patch
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria is chugging along quite nicely, and while there are players content in the current journey to the new endgame, there are always those asking, "What's next?" For the latter crowd, Blizzard has announced that the first major post-expansion content update is heading to the test server soon. Patch 5.1 is slated to advance the storyline, add quest hubs and factions, introduce underground fighting rings in capital cities, improve the pet battle system, and allow players to upgrade gear with valor points. Blizzard says that the progress toward the patch's deployment is a sign that it is taking its commitment to faster content delivery seriously.
SOE promises small Vanguard content update soon
While the initial relaunch of Vanguard in its new free-to-play format seems to be going along swimmingly, players are understandably wondering what the next step for this fantasy title will be. Sony Online Entertainment came on its official forums and promised that, among other things, a small content release was on its way to the game. Due out within a week or so, this update includes a new overland raid and a mysterious new system that will tie into exploration somehow. The team is also preparing to introduce more items to the marketplace. In addition to this content update, SOE assures players that fixes for Vanguard's lag and bugs are a priority. The team's also hard at work on its 13-boss dungeon, City of Brass.
ARGO Online's biggest content update goes live today
The additional high-level content that fans have been anticipating for ARGO Online is finally here! The biggest content update for the steampunk free-to-play game goes live today and includes an increased level cap, a new flying continent, and a PvP arena. The new flying continent of Naviruo is designed with content for characters level 50 to 55 and contains more than 400 new quests, over 300 new types of monsters, and seven additional dungeons. Lower-level characters might not be able to survive the new continent, but they can enjoy the new PvP arena that allows players from level 30 on up to participate in duels on one of three different maps. The PvP-minded can also enjoy the new battlefield Arathidis Valley, where 18-man teams can face off. [Source: ProSiebenSat.1 press release]
DC Universe Online's Tides of War summer content goes live
Sony Online Entertainment is kicking off its DC Universe Online summer event today. We told you about Tides a War a couple of week ago, but now you can log in and see it for yourself. You'll need to side with either Aquaman and his loyal Atlanteans or Ocean Master and his rebellious Mutineers. New content includes a four-player boss battle, open-world missions on the water between Metropolis and Little Bohemia, and plenty of new rewards and item drops. SOE says that Tides of War is available "for a limited time," but the firm isn't being specific on just how limited. Long story short, check it out while you can! [Source: SOE press release]
The Secret World's first content update is coming July 31st
Back in the day, avid mystery fans relied on getting monthly doses of case-solving goodness from magazines such as Ellery Queen. Today, the same can be found in The Secret World. Delivering on its recent promise of monthly updates, Funcom has released the details for July's free content update in true mystery magazine style with Issue #1: Unleashed. On July 31st, TSW players will find a number of new missions featuring a best-selling author, a daredevil, and even a crazy cat lady. Another mission will explore a character who may be more than she pretends to be. Two current dungeons are also getting a new nightmare mode; if you thought Ankh and Hell Fallen were challenging before, just wait until you test yourself in this mode. Another upcoming feature is a cross-dimensional marketplace. Not only can players group and play together cross-dimensionally, but soon they will be able to buy, sell, and ship items across dimensions as well. Unleashed is just the first of many updates. Issue #2 for August's update is already in the works and will be revealed soon, so stay tuned! And keep an eye on the ongoing construction in London, Seoul, and New York as new tenants prepare to move in. [Source: Funcom press release]
Drakensang raises Atlantis update from the deeps
Drakensang Online welcomes the citizens of Atlantis to its game world today. The hack-and-slash MMO pushed its largest update ever to the live servers, and it's so big that the ocean itself could not contain it. That's what we call "hyperbole" in the biz. The Atlantis update is a wonder to behold. It includes a new continent with eight areas, 100 additional quests, and plenty of challenges for experienced players to tackle. The city itself is in ruins following its downfall by the giant snake Gorga. The update also includes a revamped world map that should help adventurers find their way. In related news, Bigpoint claims that over eight million players have registered for Drakensang Online. [Source: Bigpoint press release]
Vindictus releases Episode 10, now with more dragons
It's double-digits patch time, and you know what that means: dragons, and lots of them. Vindictus has released Episode 10 to the public, giving players a trio of challenging dragons to take down. The ice, earth, and black dragons are all raid bosses for top-tier teams to tackle. The update also includes new metallic inner armor (read: underwear that rusts) and hair styles for the fashionably conscious. Nexon's also included the option for players to pay for a skill reset on most -- but not all -- of the characters in the game. Vindictus is currently hosting a quiz event in the game. Players are encouraged to take on the Strange Traveler and best him in a game of knowledge for select prizes. We've got a video of the new dragon fights in Episode 10 after the jump, so if you can't get enough of them scaly uber-lizards, check it out!
Exclusive City of Heroes dev diary: Design insights from the Magisterium trial
Today the war ends in City of Heroes. Today players are taking up arms (and mutated plant spores) in the final battle of the Praetorian War, and it will be a glorious eruption of particle effects and superheroic feats. The Magesterium incarnate trial is arguably the centerpiece of Issue 23, and Associate Designer Jeff Hamilton flew in to give us the skinny on this chaotic fight. You can get all the details on the Magisterium as well as an exclusive sneak peek at images from the fight, all after the jump!
Rosh Online major content update adds more funtionality and gameplay
Ignited Games has released a major content update to its free-to-play fantasy MMO Rosh Online that not only adds more gameplay features but introduces a number of new systems and changes to enhance the player experience. Along with a mysterious new island and dungeons to explore, new armor and weapons, improved boss monsters, three craftable bear mounts, and an increased level cap (up to 75), this update offers more functionality with modifications to the UI, an inventory sort function, a craft tooltip, and an auto-walk system to get players to NPCs and quest mobs. If that doesn't sound like enough, a new dismantle system for creating unique crafting items and the ability to view players' equipped items are also being introduced. More details are available in the patch notes. [Source: Ignited Games press release]
Tribes: Ascend getting two new maps, custom loadouts in Tartarus update
Tribes: Ascend continues to be both free and excellent, which is to say we were pretty excited this morning when we heard that a content update is in the works. Two crazy-looking new maps, custom loadouts, and a variety of requested player tweaks are planned for the Tartarus update, which is said to be "coming soon."
