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World of Tanks introduce pixel-tastic Winter Showdown
Ready to take on some blocky other tanks in blocky arenas with your own blocky tank? World of Tanks wants to endorse your readiness, not block you. The development team behind the game has announced the approaching Winter Showdown mode, an homage to the simpler games of youth -- assuming that you were growing up between 1985 and 1995 and the games of your youth featured online connectivity and pixels rendered in three-dimensional space, anyway. This mode is more than just a simple graphical overhaul, featuring three exclusive tank types, platoons of five tanks, and special gold rounds that hurt enemies or heal your allies. If you can't wait to start rolling in your pixel-based tank, good news: The mode will be available for play starting on January 26th in the United States. Take a gander at the trailer just past the break to see the blocky action in... um... action. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Wurm Online adds in a new Challenge mode
Sometimes you don't want to fuss about with leveling; you just want to jump into the meat of a game and start accomplishing things. Wurm Online's new Challenge mode is all about that, giving new characters created just for these month-long challenges enough skills to get started right away and a faster advancement rate to boot. It sounds pretty magnanimous until you realize that the other two sides are also starting ahead and moving just as fast, so players are going to need to step up fast if they want to keep going. The Challenge server offers a 64 square kilometer space for three player factions to feud over control. Everything on the server remains persistent for a month, after which point prizes are awarded to the players and factions that have advanced the furthest in specific categories. The update also includes siege weaponry, strategic resource spawns, and defensive fortifications to hold off attackers. It's the equivalent of throwing players in a box and shaking it until the fireworks start flying; if that sound like fun, you can jump into that box now. [Source: Code Club press release]
Final Fantasy XI's August update is live
At long last, players in Final Fantasy XI won't need to use macros to handle gear-swapping; the game's August update adds an equipment set manager to let you swap sets easily and painlessly. Oh, and it adds new Seekers of Adoulin missions as well as a variety of other content, so that's nice. But really, no equipment-swapping macros any more -- that alone should change people's lives. The update also adds Alluvion Skirmishes, new alter egos, and new NPCs to direct players toward quests, tutorials, and maps. Players will also benefit from a variety of job balance improvements and new ways to spend job points, not to mention the addition of new items as both craftable items and battle rewards. Whether you've been playing the game for a long time or just started jumping into it recently, there's plenty to enjoy within the update, and it can be downloaded now.
SMITE launches Siege patch tomorrow
It's time for a big SMITE patch tomorrow, and when we say it's big, we mean it. It's adding a whole new deity, which is substantial, but it's also adding in a brand-new map. The Siege patch includes the eponymous Siege map, a two-lane 5v5 affair in which both teams spawn powerful siege units in the quest to take out the enemy base. There's also the addition of Osiris, a melee warrior using his sickle and thresher to deal area damage and phase into a specialized spirit form. That's not all the patch includes, either; there are also new skins for existing gods and the new league system, which divides players into six tiers of five divisions each. Victories earn points toward the next division, but these points are reset on a regular basis, ensuring that players need to keep playing and perform well against similarly skilled players to advance. Take a look at the full patch overview, watch Osiris' reveal video past the break, and get ready for the patch going live tomorrow.
PAX East 2014: Guns of Icarus Online's expanding environment
PAX East taught me that I am apparently not the right person to pilot a ship in Guns of Icarus Online. In my defense, I was trying to do what my ship was designed to do. The co-op mode on display is all about delivering supplies to a final point on a map, and I was flying the fast scoutship. So I figured, why bother slowing down? Why not just jink left and right and avoid anything in my way? As it turns out, the reasons to not do that are quite simple: The boss encounter at the cargo dropoff requires two people, and you need to actually retain control of the point rather than just wing to it at full speed. So I may have sent my ship crashing to the ground in a tumble of burning wood and broken steel. (By "may have" I of course mean "I definitely did this.") This isn't a failing on the part of the game, just a failing on my part for trying to bull-rush through something. But it's still fun; the game gives players a variety of things to do while they're busy crewing the various stations across the ship. And it's just one place the developers are going with the game.
World of Tanks shows off new game modes for 2014
World of Tanks continues rolling along and updating, and it has some big features on deck for 2014. The latest video development diary shows off some of the new game modes which will be coming to the game in the near future, starting with Fortifications. The Fortification system allows clans to build structures and collect bonuses while at the same time defending their fortifications against other clans. The result is a complex interplay of new elements like pillboxes and aerial strikes that give both sides the tools to take fortified structures or defend them as needed. That's not the least of the additions being made, however, as Historical Battles are also incoming. While this game mode has been in discussion for a long time, due to massive differences in tank capabilities, it's been tricky to create battles with an equal chance of victory for both sides. The solution is asymmetrical team composition, a rebalancing of stats for this specific game mode, and respawning lighter support tanks. Take a look at the video past the cut for a more in-depth examination of these changes. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks lets you roll out national forces in a new game mode
Have you ever rolled around in World of Tanks and thought that it was fun, but what you really wanted was to be rolling your Soviet tank alongside a group of fellow Soviet tanks? Then you'll be happy to know that the game's newest update is letting you do precisely that. A new game mode is being added in which tanks will be grouped up with other tanks from the same nation, allowing you to replicate the feel of British tanks moving into battle against American tanks in World War II! Wait. Something's wrong with that idea. Aside from this new mode, dubbed Confrontation, the update will also add in a new map and revamped "winter" versions of two existing maps, giving players even more battlefields to roll across whilst spreading destruction. You can check out screenshots for the update in the slideshow just below. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
World of Tanks rolls out team battles today
Previously, the only way to team up with a larger group of friends in World of Tanks and fight together (or against each other) was to create a practice room and meet up. With today's launch of Update 8.9, players can now form teams of seven and engage in competitive battles with other similarly skilled groups of seven in the new team battles game mode. Additionally, this update introduces a new battle arena with an American Northwest setting, new Chinese premium tanks (the 112 and T-34-3), and an alternative branch of German tank destroyers that stretch across tiers four through 10. Check out these new features in the gallery and update trailer below. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Blizzard drops details on Hearthstone beta wipe
Blizzard Entertainment's Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft collectible card game is currently in closed beta, and those folks fortunate enough to have a beta key are about to see big changes to their accounts. Today Blizzard outlined plans to completely wipe the progress of all beta participants -- gold, experience, class levels, unlocked cards, and arcane dust quantities will all be reset. This wipe isn't unexpected. Blizzard noted at the beginning of beta that data would be reset at some point during the testing phase. The wipe coincides with what Blizz is calling a "pretty major" beta patch, the details of which will be revealed in the near future. Once the wipe goes through, testers in Hearthstone will be effectively starting the game as new players. For those that spent real money on card packs, Blizzard is reimbursing the value via in-game gold. Those players will be able to purchase the same number of packs and arena tickets without paying a second time, though replacing the exact cards is not a guarantee due to the random nature of the packs. This is the last planned reset for Hearthstone; Blizzard is aiming for a full release before the end of the year so no further progress wipes are expected through beta and launch.
Hearthstone begins closed beta testing
Shuffle the deck of your hopes and dreams because Hearthstone has just started its closed beta testing and sent out the first wave of invites from the applicant pool. To make matters more interesting, Blizzard is not holding an NDA for the duration of the beta process, so expect to hear a lot of feedback from people trying out this online card game as the beta progresses. To get into the beta, you'll need to have a Battle.net account and choose to opt in to the test from there or through the website. Blizzard will be notifying beta participants via email, but cautions players to watch out for scams. The studio said that it will invite more waves of players as needed and confirmed that it will be wiping all collections and progress partway through the beta period. Blizzard does not expect to do another wipe after this one, however.
Hearthstone preps for beta
While it's not quite beta time for Hearthstone, Blizzard's wild and crazy crew (above) announced that it has finished all of the major features that will be present for testing. However, there's still some more work to be done before the team opens the beta valve; bug fixes and infrastructure building are taking priority prior to any large-scale testing. "What that means is that we're not days away from launching the beta, but we're not months away either," the devs wrote. "At the Hearthstone announcement we committed to going into beta testing before the summer was over, and the team has been pulling out all the stops to make that happen." The upcoming beta will begin in North America, but the team assures residents of Europe, Korea, and Taiwan that their time will come shortly thereafter. While the initial influx of testers will be small, Blizzard will continually expand the testing pool until everyone can join in. The team revealed a special gold card that will be given to any testers who spend money in the beta and said that a recent test of cross-platform gaming between a PC and an iPad went smoothly.
Face the trials of the Arena in Hearthstone
If you've played a lot of the Hearthstone beta, odds are you think you're pretty good at the game. If you've read up on it, you might still think you have a solid grasp of the strategy. So maybe you'll want to test your skills in a format that requires a different sort of strategy, something that will put your ability to build a deck on the line. If that's like your sort of game, perhaps you'll look forward to paying the entry fee and stepping into the Arena, a draft-style format that forces players to construct decks on the fly and pit them against similar constructions. After paying the entry fee, either through in-game gold or real cash, players will be presented with three random heroes. Picking one will set you to work building a deck of 30 random cards out of several selections, with each choice being final. Once you start in the arena, you'll try to accumulate as many wins as possible before hitting three losses, earning a more powerful key for better rewards each time you win. The game isn't released yet, but this mode is all the more reason for beta players to keep practicing and aspirants to keep their eyes peeled once it's available for everyone.
Firefall's final beta milestone and live action trailer [Updated]
The last closed beta milestone for Firefall is live now will be live this Thursday, June 27th, and it's a big one. Closed beta testers can explore the new e-sports-styled PvP game Jetball while taking part in the game's first story-based episode, Blackwater Anomaly. And this is meant as a big thing, big enough that there's even a live-action trailer (starring Tybee Diskin, whom you might recognize from the Nuka Break Fallout fan film) past the cut to help get potential players psyched about just what might be going on. Designed for five-person squads, Blackwater Anomaly sends players out into the storm to examine the eponymous anomaly at Blackwater Marsh, leading to a closer examination of why the Chosen have arrived and what motivates the attack on humanity. If you're intrigued and want to get in on the action before the start of open beta on July 9th, the Founder's Packs will still be available through July 8th. Everyone already in the beta can start enjoying this new content immediately. [Update: Red 5 has contacted us to let us know it has moved the milestone date from today to Thursday.] [Source: Red 5 Studios press release]
NeverDead DLC coming Feb. 21 with new playable character and modes
Konami's making sure NeverDead lives up to its name with the first downloadable content pack, available on February 21. "NeverDead Expansion Pack Volume 1" will let you try a new playable character and play co-op challenges with pop star Nikki Summerfield. The pack will also let you visit an expanded version of the Asylum level, with three new challenges, including taking hold of "score zones," racing across the map through a series of traps and hazards, and a mode called Onslaught, in which you unlock the zone section-by-section by defeating enemies.The expansion will also give segmented hero Bryce Boltzmann two new costumes to dress up in, and you can see some shots of the content in the gallery below. Our NeverDead review called Summerfield a "whiny pop singer," but hey, maybe spending a little more time with her will make you see her in a whole new light.%Gallery-146738%
Dawn of Fantasy reveals Online Kingdom mode
"You must pursue an epic storyline of betrayal, blood, and resource-management in the aftermath of a mighty war," proclaims the latest press release for Dawn of Fantasy. If that sounds right up your alley, you'll want to check out the MMORTS title from 505 Games as it picks up a head of steam in its ongoing summer beta. 505 is highlighting the game's Online Kingdom mode in its latest media blast, and the gameplay features three campaigns, nine starting regions, and persistent PvP, all rolled together in a rather tasty MMO/RTS/RPG sandwich. Even better is the fact that Online Kingdom is just one of the game's modes, and you can read up on a couple of others -- including Stronghold Defense and Kingdom Wars -- via our earlier coverage. When you're finished, head to the official Dawn of Fantasy website to sign up for the beta.
World of Tanks game modes and grouping discussed in fourth tutorial video
Curious about the game modes in Wargaming.net's World of Tanks MMO? Look no further than the ongoing series of video tutorials detailing various aspects of the free-to-play title. The series covers everything from newbie acclimation, to fighting techniques, to progression systems, and today's fourth installment adds grouping and game modes to that list. The default game mode in World of Tanks is called random battle mode, and just like the name suggests, it throws together random players on one of the game's extensive battle maps. Players can opt to join the fray solo, or form up into platoons or companies. Platoons are groups of three players that function as a traditional "pre-made," and, depending on your skill and coordination, vastly improve your chances of walking away from the random battle mode on the winning side. Companies are groups of up to 15 tank drivers that enable a player to enter stand-alone battles against evenly matched companies for practice and profit. Forming platoons and companies requires a premium World of Tanks account, and you can learn more on the game's official site. Don't forget to watch the video after the cut!
Massively's tour of Mini Fighter
In my heart, I really want to like fighting games. And I do, at that, but just like we have to accept at some point that we're never going to become a rock god outside of our living room, I have to accept that I'm just not good at them. At some point my responses to what's happening on the screen fall into hopeless flailing, and I'm left watching my opponent's combo number going into scientific notation. So while on a recent developer tour of Mini Fighter, I got to see a lot of my character winding up and performing some bone-shattering attacks on a target that would have been obliterated, had they not moved approximately ten minutes ago. But it was hard to get upset by that, because the game was pretty unambiguously fun despite my inherent lack of skill. The game is currently in Open Beta, but it already has a lot of polish and a lot of neat features to make it well worth playing. Skip past the cut for the details on the game and our time with it.
Scramble Live lets iPhone users play against Facebook users
Zynga has released a new iPhone game called Scramble Live, and while the game itself isn't anything really new -- it's Boggle, basically -- the technology is pretty interesting. They've already got a Facebook version up and running with over a million users, and the new app will let you play against other users, on both the iPhone and Facebook, in real-time. That's a pretty impressive hook -- rather than building up a new social audience, you can just carry away your Facebook friends and play with them while you're on the iPhone.Unfortunately, there's a catch (isn't there always?) -- the game's iTunes page says the live game is only available over 3G or Wifi, so us first-gen iPhone users are out of luck for that mode. But there's also a solo mode, as well as a "pass and play" version that you can use to play with people around you.The game's "on sale" at $2.99 until March 9th, when it'll jump back up to $4.99. If you're a fan of the Facebook version and want to try out some cross-platform gameplay, give it a look.
