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Black Prophecy blasts off in Europe today
T-minus three, two, one... and that sound you hear is the latest space-based MMORPG lifting off the launch pad, heading for the stratosphere and the stars beyond. At least, that's what gamigo and Reakktor are hoping when it comes to Black Prophecy, which officially takes a bow in Europe today. Beta characters, clans, and clan sectors will be wiped for the kickoff, and Black Prophecy will initially feature both an English and a German server. Snowcrash (no, not that one) has posted a note informing customers of impending forum downtime and has also let us know that game updates will be available via the launcher application while the launch-day forum restructuring is in progress. "This is not an end. It's a beginning; the foundation is laid and we will now move forward with the continued development of Black Prophecy after its release," says assistant production manager Chris "Snowcrash" Schutt. While you're waiting to log in -- or stuck at work -- check out our coverage roundup after the cut and get caught up on the biggest Black Prophecy news items from the past few months.
Aika Online opens its doors to Europe
European players rejoice! Aika Online is officially throwing open its doors to the old world with today's "Europe, We're Up" celebratory kickoff. The week-long festivities include double experience and a contest that gives players the opportunity to snag $10,000 in prizes. Logging into Aika also makes you eligible to receive powerful premium items like 3x and 4x experience scrolls. Today's update also sees a new dungeon introduced to the game. The Prison Despero will test the mettle of Aika's elite players and offers a chance to earn a new level 70 armor set. Aika is a fantasy MMORPG from the creators of Neo Steam. The game features five warring nations vying for control over the world of Arcan and its massive castles, priceless relics, and various battlegrounds.
Rappelz reaches 50,000 European users in under a month
Warcry brings us the news that Rappelz, made by the fine folks at Gala Networks (who also made Flyff), has attracted over 50,000 active users in the less-than-one month since the game has debuted French and German versions. Two new servers have opened to accommodate the influx of new accounts: the French Kentauros, and the German Bastet, both named after in-game creatures.To further celebrate the success of the launch, Gala has increased the experience gain to 1.5 until March 18th. Rappelz's gameplay features a system by which you may capture and tame creatures to fight alongside you in combat. Hmm. Do we also gotta catch 'em all? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I choose you!
European PS3 owners give Sony important feedback
ThreeSpeech recently asked European PS3 owners how they Sony did for their recent March launch, asking if there were any surprises, good or bad, what gamers liked and didn't like about the system, and finally inquiring if they would recommend the system to friends. So far, over 130 comments have been posted and most responses are similar to what we've already heard over here. We want games! Comments suggest the PlayStation Store needs additional content and more frequent updates. While impressions of Motorstorm and Resistance are very positive, it seems everyone is still clamoring for a system-killer title. Lair, Heavenly Sword and Ninja Gaiden seem to be on many European PS3 wish lists, as well as the Sony online community Home. Although currently, North American PS3 owners are receiving almost weekly updates to the PlayStation Store, it wasn't until late February that the updates started to pick up. So perhaps in a few weeks, three months after the European launch to be exact, content will start to arrive at a more steady and constant pace. And as for that one game, destined to sell PS3 systems along with it, be patient. As recent impressions from the Sony Gamer's Day imply, we may soon have more than just one system-killer title to choose from. [Via PSXExtreme]
Vodafone to get exclusive European iPhone rights?
Seeing how iPhone rumors news has been a bit thin as of late, we present you with the latest chatter from the never-ending "Who Gets the iPhone®" drama. The Guardian is reporting that Apple is sitting down at the table with Europe's largest mobile carrier, Vodafone, as the big red giant vies for exclusive rights to this much sought-after device. The story now sees Apple -- and we are sure will this will delight Xmas shoppers everywhere -- getting the iPhone on shelves in Europe by year's end. Though make no mistake, nothing is final, and we would bet dollars to donuts that every other large provider in Europe is clamoring for a seat at the very same table. [Via Brighthand.com, photo based on work by manicho]
Nintendo confirms June 23rd European DS lite launch
Where there were rumors there are now facts: the DS lite will be launching in Europe on the 23rd of June for £99.99/149.99 EUR. As a way of compensating people for the extra two week wait over the North American launch, the European DS lite will be available in black at launch. However, I'm sure the majority of potential European DS lite customers would forego this novelty in exchange for some price equality: Europeans will pay the equivalent of $191 for the DS lite whilst Britons will pay $187. Compare that to how much Americans will be paying on the 11th of June: $129.[Thanks, Andrew Wong]
