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Istaria preps for 10-year anniversary, big content patch
Can you believe that Istaria will be 10 years old in December? Well, technically the game was called Horizons way back when, and while the name has changed, the focus on playable dragons has not. Virtrium community manager Amarie Ancalimon has penned a new dev diary that features some exciting news for fans of the long-running fantasy MMO. Join us after the cut for this developer exclusive that talks crystal-shaping, pets, and more!
Some Assembly Required: A dev's-eye view of Dragon's Prophet's frontier system
For getting a better look at the big picture, there's nothing like witnessing a PvP battle from afar instead of being in the midst of it. And that's exactly what I got to do in a recent dev tour of a PvP event in Dragon's Prophet: Spectate. Thanks to the spiffy use of technology, I was able to zoom along through the air as the battles unfolded below and around me without my having to dodge killing blows from my enemies. On top of that, I got to hear Senior Producer Todd Carson and Associate Producer Rod Haza detail different aspects of this system that melds PvP and housing in Dragon's Prophet. Dubbed the Frontier System, this combination puts PvP on the housing islands of Auratia. However, the implementation is probably not quite what players envisioned when they first heard about it. Luckily, I got a pretty good look at how it all works from my invulnerable perch and can share that with you.
Cinderella drummer, Neil guitarist pen Dragon's Prophet song
What do you get when you cross MMO dragons with big-haired 1980s metal gods? The latest Dragon's Prophet video, naturally. SOE has teamed up with Cinderella drummer Fred Coury and Vince Neil guitarist Brent Woods to produce a little ditty called Ride Until We Die. Be sure to catch the clip after the cut, and don't forget that Dragon's Prophet is free-to-play right now. You can download the client via the official website link after the video. [Source: SOE press release]
Dragon's Prophet EU trailer introduces new region of Aluntia
Dragon's Prophet may barely be (officially) out of the gate, but Infernum isn't going to let a little thing like launch slow it down. The Berlin-based publisher just released a new video that shares the story of approaching dangers that are coming to the European shores of the game and shows off a bit of the new region of Aluntia. What dangers will players meet in this new land? How about enormous orcs and seething streams of lava... and a little thing like the followers of Kronos trying to resurrect that legendary villain. On the plus side, there will be new dragons available for players to tame and train as well! More details about the upcoming patch and the new region will be coming over the next few days. Until then, get a glimpse of these upcoming dangers in the trailer after the break. [Source: Infernum Productions press release]
Alpha gameplay video introduces Finnish fantasy MMO WarCaster
If you didn't have the chance to scout all the offerings at Gamescom this year, you probably haven't heard of the new massively multiplayer online strategy game WarCaster being developed by Helmeni Games of Finland. But thanks to this new alpha footage video you can come to know more about this upcoming fantasy game. In the world of Kalderon, WarCasters (the players) derive their magical power from dragons. The game entails finding your tower that stores your magical power and taking care of your dragon as well as gathering and trading resources to build up your realm and strengthen your force. The next generation 3D free-to-play online strategy game also includes personal missions and campaigns between coalitions in browser and mobile platforms. You can get an early glimpse of the gameplay in the video after the break. Interested players can then sign up for early access on the official site now, and a Q4 2013 launch is planned.
Dragon's Prophet launch-day roundup
If you love dragons, chances are you've heard about Dragon's Prophet. You might have even been soaring the skies on the back of your own scaly companion already. If you haven't, there's no time like the present to get in and experience this dragon-centric title for yourself; Dragon's Prophet officially joins the ranks of launched games today. Of course, as much as you'd like to delve in right now you might be prevented from doing so by pesky things like work and responsibilities. That's OK -- we've got you covered if you've got to wait. We've got plenty of videos (even SUPER METAL ones), interviews, impressions pieces, and screenshots here to give you your dragon fix and tide you over until you can. You can even watch a livestreamed dev tour through the newest dungeons or a catch today's launch-day livestream at 3:00 p.m. EDT on Massively TV.
Flameseeker Chronicles: Ain't no party like a Guild Wars 2 party 'cause a GW2 party don't stop
There's something in the water, and it's rising. Word travels along the shore of Sparkfly Fen in terrified whispers, and the names of the beast that stalks the Splintered Coast are on every tongue: Tequila the Sunrise. Taco the Soft Shell. Loot Piñata. At the very least, poor Tequatl the Sunless will hopefully be shedding the last nickname with the upcoming Tequatl Rising content patch for Guild Wars 2. That one's kind of mean; the others are just affectionate. You know, as affectionate as we can be toward an undead servant of Zhaitan bent on subjugating all life. ArenaNet previewed the new and improved Tequatl fight mechanics at PAX Prime, but apart from that (and the new LFG tool and the new World vs. World mechanics), this latest GW2 release seems a little bit...quiet. I'm OK with that. In fact, it may be exactly what we need.
Dragon's Prophet EU crowns cosplay winner at Gamescom
Back in June we reported that Infernum Productions was holding a costume contest for Dragon's Prophet EU and a special fashion show for the best at Gamescom called Dragon Cosplay Summit 2013. The game itself may still be in beta, but the players released some impressive skills to create a variety of DP themed costumes to take part in the show. In the end, only one was crowned the winner with the €2,500 worth of prizes and the ability to design a virtual costume to be added into the game -- Laura "Lightning" Jansen. Check out how these players brought virtual characters to life in the gallery below, starting off with Jansen's winning costume. Then watch highlights of the fashion show in the video after the break. [Source: Infernum productions press release]
Dragon Eternity launches on Android, iPhone, and Facebook
Always touted as a cross-platform MMO since its introduction at E3 2012, Dragon Eternity was initially only playable in browsers on the PC, moving to the iPad more recently. But we knew other platforms were also in development. As of today, the dragon-infused game becomes even more mobile, launching on the iPhone and Android devices as well as Facebook. Now users of a variety of different devices can jump into the world of Adan to obtain and train dragon pets and mounts, adventure, craft, and PvP. Watch the launch trailer right here after the break. Then if you want a more in-depth look at play on a mobile device, be sure to check out the hands-on in MMObility. [Source: Game Insight press release]
PAX Prime 2013: Dragon's Prophet adds frontier system, new zone, and mounted combat
The timer only has a few days left until Dragon's Prophet emerges from its beta cocoon and becomes a fire-breathing butterfly. Does that faze the devs? Not so much; they're quite excited to take this dragon-taming MMO to the big leagues. You might think you know everything about Dragon's Prophet from our hands-on impressions, although that's just part of the story. The team is adding a serious amount of new content and fixes for launch day that nobody's seen yet... and we've got the full scoop.
Dawn of the Aspects paperback coming in November
Lorehounds and story fans might remember the Dawn of the Aspects e-book that Blizzard released in five parts earlier this year. Well, if you're a Luddite like me and don't have an e-reader, in a few short months you'll have the ability to purchase the story in print. As the article title implies, the complete Dawn of the Aspects will be available for purchase in paperback this coming November. You'll be able to find it at all the usual haunts: Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and likely the Blizzard store, as well. You can check out Blizzard's blog post for an overview of the story, as well as sneak peaks of all the different parts. If you're unfamiliar with the idea, it centers around Kalecgos gaining insight into the origins of the five dragonflights themselves, and the violence and upheaval that lead to their creation. If you're still on the fence, you can check out Anne Stickney's review of the story right here on WoW Insider.
Dragon's Prophet unleashes second SUPER METAL trailer
Want to be truly metal? We mean, really Super Metal? The secret to that is: more dragons! Dragon's Prophet released its second #SUPERMETAL trailer today, dubbed Living Metal! In it, players can watch the journey from n00b to Super Metal. Besides the type of music you'd expect (heavy, duh!), Living Metal also offers other tips and hints on how to improve your metal lifestyle in game. Experience it all for yourself in the video after the break. And if you are in the Seattle area over the weekend, stop by Dragon's Prophet's PAX Prime 2013 booth (#3336), during expo hours to play the game, chat with devs, and win some swag. [Source: Dragon's Prophet press release]
SOE shows off Dragon's Prophet alliance PvP in new video
SOE has published a new Dragon's Prophet gameplay video. It focuses on the free-to-play fantasy MMO's PvP alliance matches, otherwise known as the Frontier System. The two-minute clip features plenty of player-on-player action, capture points, resource gathering, and ally summoning rituals. And of course there are more than a few dragons on display, along with siege weapons and aerial combat galore. Dragon's Prophet launches September 18th. The video is viewable after the break. [Source: SOE press release]
Gamescom 2013: New Dragon's Prophet trailer released
SOE has released a new Dragon's Prophet trailer to celebrate this week's Gamescom. The firm is also giving fans a sneak peek at the title's Frontier system. "Guilds will be thrust into Territory Wars where they must destroy Guardian Crystal towers and break through castle walls guarded by their enemies," according to a Dragon's Prophet press release. "Siege weapons and dragons, along with special NPCs, will aid alliances as they fight for control of the citadels." SOE also wants you to know about the game's latest open beta update, which includes the Fafnir Dragon event, a style shop, one-to-30 leveling curve tweaks, and more. Dragon's Prophet officially launches on September 18th. In the meantime, don't forget to watch the trailer after the cut! [Source: SOE press release]
Gotta tame 'em all: Dragon's Prophet open beta impressions
Ever since SOE announced its latest free-to-play MMORPG, Dragon's Prophet, it's been clear that the game aimed to break some molds. Eschewing the commonplace tab-target combat system, Dragon's Prophet looks to meld action-packed brawler-style combat with the completionist's paradise (or nightmare, depending on your perspective) of Pokemon-esque creature collection, and in fact the whole game hinges on this somewhat strange combination. I recently set out to spend some time with the game's "open beta" (read: soft launch) to see whether that combination is more peanut butter and jelly or toothpaste and orange juice. I found that, while the game is full of fun times, it gets bogged down by a few issues and ultimately becomes an exercise in "how much are you willing to put up with?"
SOE Live 2013 recapped in just two minutes
SOE Live 2013 was a blur of tournaments, panels, announcements, and keynotes. It brought news for games like PlanetSide 2, Vanguard, Free Realms, Dragon's Prophet, and DC Universe Online, along with the industry-shaking reveal of EverQuest Next. In other words, it was kind of a big deal. And you can see what it was like to be there in person by watching the two-minute recap video just released by SOE. Check it out after the break, and feel free to browse back through our coverage for in-depth looks at everything that was on display.
SOE Live 2013: Dragon's Prophet on what makes it so metal
One of the more eye-raising moments this weekend at SOE Live came when President John Smedley showed off the newest trailer for Dragon's Prophet. The video, which we highlighted here at Massively earlier this summer, made an appearance at the keynote and left many in attendance curious about what makes this title so #supermetal. As the game approaches its launch date of September 18th, the development team at SOE took some time this past weekend to give a progress report of how the game is coming together and show off some big changes and additions that are sure to please fans. And if that isn't enough, the team unveiled a new dragon that EverQuest fans will surely appreciate!
SOE Live 2013: Thursday keynote announces expansions, release dates, and more
SOE Live 2013 kicked off in the new Planet Hollywood venue with a keynote full of information as well as frivolity. The night started with a rap performance by a PlanetSide 2 player and continued with plenty of humor and even prize giveaways. Fan favorite Brasse, aka Linda Carlson, then lit up the stage (literally) in her PlanetSide 2-inspired Dwarven armor set and plugged Player Direct, a way for player-made gaming videos to gain more exposure. And then came the gaming news. Although even more details will be forthcoming as the convention progresses, there were some definite highlights shared by SOE CEO John Smedley, EverQuest Producer Thom Terrazas, and EverQuest II Producer Holly Longdale, including expansion announcements, release dates, and even some EverQuest Next tidbits.
The Queue: In short
Welcome back to The Queue, the daily Q&A column in which the WoW Insider team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Alex Ziebart will be your host today. Most of yesterday's questions and comments were about monks, due to Adam dedicating yesterday's edition of the Queue to ... monks! Unfortunately, I don't play one, so maybe Adam can get back to those tomorrow. Maybe. In the meantime, today's Queue is pretty short. ScottLeyes asked: Are you having DNS problems?
Dragon's Prophet update brings Wintertide and new level cap
Sony Online Entertainment's Dragon's Prophet beta has just receive a big update in the form of Wintertide, a snowy, chilly region packed with new content and more than a few bits of lore to discover. The expansion also brings three new dungeons that feature new enemy types and bosses, along with a fourth dungeon recommended only for players confident in their dungeoning abilities. Players can now quest, kill, and loot their way to level 70, and a new feature known as the Dragon Chamber has been added to allow players to keep an additional 96 dragons in their stables. Also new in the beta: a secret floating island housing option, Dragon Sanctuaries for guilds, new achievements and emotes, and guild storage. If you're curious about Wintertide, you can check it out yourself or tune in for the next Scales and Tales livestream on the official Dragon's Prophet Twitch channel at 5 p.m. EDT this Friday.
