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Super Hero Squad Online teasing Villainville
Super Hero Squad Online is sold on the strength of its characters, and up until now, it's been firmly on the heroic side of the equation. But Marvel Comics isn't limited to heroes like Spider-Man, Captain America, and Wolverine -- it's just as defined by villains like the Green Goblin, the Red Skull, and Sabretooth. So while we might not yet have much in the way of information, it's a good thing to see that the game has an incoming addition in the form of Villainville. As of yet, the designers haven't released any information beyond the name of the locale -- whether it will be a new area for heroes to fight against their nemeses or a chance for players to take on the role of said nemeses is yet to be seen. Even so, if you appreciate the game's more kid-friendly approach to the Marvel universe, there's reason to be excited at the prospect of some home ground for the villains as well.
Marvel Universe reveals a mouthy merc
Attention, Marvel Universe fans: if you missed some of the reveals at San Diego Comic-Con, we are here to help you catch up. As we have mentioned in a prior article, the man behind the pen of the great Ultimate Spider-Man reboot, Brian Michael Bendis, is set to write the story behind this first-ever Marvel MMO. Although few other details of this highly anticipated free-to-play MMO have been revealed, we now know that a very iconic mutant will grace your screen when you play the game. This, of course, is none other than the Merc-with-a-mouth himself, Deadpool. As the Editorial Director for Marvel.com, Agent M, announced, you will be able to don the secret identity of Mr. Wade Wilson. Will you be as indestructible and athletic as this wise-acre? We will have to wait and see. As more information is revealed, we will be sure to send it your way. [Updated with Agent M's exact title. Thanks, Agent M]
Gazillion bringing two MMOs to Europe with the help of German publisher
Gazillion is bringing two of its free-to-play MMOs to the Old Continent this summer. Marvel Super Hero Squad Online and Fortune Online are being released in Europe under the oversight of ProSiebenSat.1 Digital, a German media publisher that's previously been responsible for releasing games in the region from the likes of Nintendo and Sony. Both games are browser-based, so ProSiebenSat.1 Digital's main responsibility will be connecting Gazillion's titles to a new European audience. We assume, of course, that they'll also be responsible for taking both games around to see the sights while they're visiting. They're both currently in beta, but they'll be out for release as soon as they've taken in the requisite tours of the Lourve and the Tower of London.
Gazillion signs European Marvel Super Hero Squad Online deal
It looks like Marvel Super Hero Squad is coming to Europe, according to a news blurb at GamaSutra. Gazillion Entertainment has inked a deal with the German media conglomerate known as ProSiebenSat.1 Digital, and the resulting agreement will bring "cross-media promotional support" to both SHSO and Fortune Online. SHSO is a kid-friendly romp through the Marvel mythos with locations that include Asgard, the Daily Bugle, and the Baxter Building. Gameplay revolves around collecting various heroes to form one of the titular squads, as well as choosing a particular individual to play and level up. "Gazillion's goal is to deliver entertaining console-quality games through the browser around the world," said CEO John Needham via press release.
Black Panther prowls into Super Hero Squad Online
Roar! Black Panther leaps into Super Hero Squad Online with a set of new screenshots and a new trailer. So if you'd prefer the agile, cat-like martial arts of the King of Wakanda over the brute-force style of Gladiator Hulk, you're in luck. Players can hop into the shoes of T'Challa and show their claws starting now! Black Panther joins the other recent additions to SHSO, standing toe-to-toe with Thor and Gladiator Hulk in the newly introduced Asgard. For the new screenshots of everyone's favorite African ruler/super-hero, you can check out the SHSO gallery below. After you're done ogling, jump past the cut for Black Panther's new trailer. %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online showcases Gladiator Hulk
Hail, emperor, we who are about to SMASH salute you! Gazillion Entertainment announced today that a new warrior has entered the Super Hero Squad Online Colosseum. Gladiator Hulk (who was actually introduced in the Asgard update) looks smashing (ah ha ha) in his gladiator's armor and is ready to dominate the arenas and smash some skulls. In addition to introducing the new combatant, Gazillion says that the game has been updated with extra missions for players to come, see, and conquer. For a look at Gladiator Hulk in action, you can check out the gallery below or jump on past the cut for a trailer showcasing Hulkimus Maximus going Roman on some unfortunate souls. And of course, to join the fray you can click on over to the Super Hero Squad Online official site. %Gallery-93313%
Global Chat: All about the controversy edition
Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat! Wouldn't it be boring if we all agreed with one another all the time? The general consensus is usually "yes," and I've got to agree. Global Chat this week is all about differing opinions, so follow along after the jump to see a few of those opinions, then hit the comment button and add your own!
Gazillion's David Brevik on Marvel Universe Online, story, and changing the perception of MMOs
A new interview with Gazillion's president and CEO David Brevik is up on Gamasutra today. The interview focuses mostly on the ongoing development of Marvel Universe Online (though Gamasutra tries to pull a fast one to get a tip on Jumpgate Evolution, to no avail) and has shades of BioWare in the discussion of the "Holy Grail" of story in MMOs. As the interview points out, Brevik is familiar with the ups and downs of the industry, having been involved in the hugely successful Diablo II and the failed (and soon-to-be relaunched) Hellgate: London. A persistent theme of the interview is figuring out how to change the way that MMOs are viewed and how to prove that an MMORPG can be more than a DikuMUD clone. In addition, Brevik talks about the philosophy behind making MUO ostensibly the first free-to-play (from launch) Western AAA MMORPG as well as how the studio is planning to bring the epic overarching stories that Marvel comics are known for to the world of MUO. For the full interview, head on over to Gamasutra.
Super Hero Squad Online releases Asgard, screenshots, trailer
As we announced recently, Super Hero Squad Online is making the most of the release of the new Thor film by adding the Norse god and his homeland of Asgard to the free-to-play MMORPG. Now, thanks to a press release from Gazillion Entertainment, we have a wealth of new information regarding these new additions. Players will be able to take on the roles of Thor -- in both his classic and ultimate incarnations -- Valkyrie, and Gladiator Hulk. After assuming control of any of these new heroes -- or any of the old ones as well, for that matter -- players can now take off to the mythical land of Asgard, home of the Norse Gods. From there, Gazillion says players can "discover the World's Tree and other landmarks in Asgard or battle through two brand new missions", known as The Gods of Thunder and Freezer Burn. If you're looking for a peek at SHSO's Asgard expansion before you log in to see it for yourself, check out the gallery below and hammer your way past the cut for an action-packed trailer. There's Thor, there's Asgard, there's Loki, there are frost giants, there's... hacky-sack! Don't miss it, lest you incur the wrath of the god of thunder. %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online launches with a new trailer!
Earlier today we reported about Marvel Universe Online, but there is more good news coming out of Marvel Studios and Gazillion Entertainment. Super Hero Squad Online has officially opened its doors to the public. It is time to hero up and start creating your own fabulous force of freedom fighters. The kid-in-adult-size-shoes Jay Minn, creative director for SHSO, invites you to join in the fun. As he says in the launch press release, "Where else can you fight Doctor Doom, wall crawl up the Baxter Building, go flying with your friends, and collect a scratching post for Wolverine? We've built an awesome Super Hero theme park, so come and play!" Grab your Captain America shield, your Iron Man suit, and Thor's hammer and watch this teaser video after the break. And if that inspires you to create your own team of Marvel superheroes, fly over to HeroUp.com to start playing! Nuff said!
Marvel Universe MMO written by Bendis, will be free to play
If you're a comics fan, you're probably well acquainted with monthly fees, as you have to shell out for a pile of books in order to keep up with continuity. However, that won't be the case for Gazillion's upcoming Marvel Universe MMO. During a press conference yesterday, Marvel announced that the MMO will be free to play. It may also have a story worth following. Marvel also revealed that Brian Michael Bendis, creator of the "Ultimate" universe, has signed on as writer. According to a liveblog of the event, Bendis said he planned to make the game "a grand, epic tour, a reimagining of some of the biggest events in Marvel history." Like that time they all got into a fight with Capcom characters? That would make a really cool game.
Marvel Universe Online will be free-to-play, penned by Bendis
Move over, Batman: After a few false starts, Marvel's finally poised to become the next big MMO superhero thing. Thursday evening, I attended Gazillion Entertainment and Marvel's live San Francisco reveal of Marvel Universe Online's head writer, the jovial Brian Michael Bendis. Joining Brian for a lively Q&A panel were Gazillion President and COO David Brevik, VP and Studio Head for Secret Identity (fka Gargantuan) Jeff Lind, and VP of Games at Marvel TQ Jefferson. Brian's involvement in the game's story wasn't the only announcement the panelists had in store for attendees -- they almost casually confessed that players will slip into the spandex of iconic Marvel characters and that the game will be free-to-play, making it perhaps the first Western triple-A title to be designed for such a model from the ground up. Because I knew you'd be disappointed if I didn't, I dutifully asked an amused Jeff Lind about PvP, housing, crafting, voice acting, character customization, travel powers, advancement, and all those other goodies, but as you can probably guess, the devs aren't in a position to talk about sweeping systems just yet -- they want to "retain the ability to change [their] minds." So manage thy expectations accordingly! Fortunately, both Jeff and Brian were willing to chat about story, tie-ins, and MUO's niche in an increasingly crowded superhero MMO field, so hit the break for their thoughts and my round-up of the hot topics from the panel.
Account creation opens wide for Super Hero Squad Online
Shh... don't say "open beta" around these superheroes, but it looks as though Super Hero Squad Online may be doing the next best thing. The ultra-cute, ultra-powerful Marvel MMO is now accepting accounts from everyone -- even that supervillain down the street. Previously, you needed a beta code to get a sneak peek at the game, but it looks as though that barrier's been smashed by lil' Hulk. Super Hero Squad Online also has moved its secret website lair to www.HeroUp.com, which is where you'll need to go to create your own preview account. Currently, all players are assigned a silver-level membership, which limits you to four heroes, although gold-level memberships are on the way. Along with the website move and open accounts, SHSO has added additional heroes (such as War Machine and Silver Surfer), new daily missions, a tutorial, and improved safe chat. Gazillion says that the game is up and running 24/7 now, so you have plenty of time to see what's what!
Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup
The favorite day of the year for anyone named April has [verb ending in ed] the internet, making some web surfers [emotion] and others [emotion]. In [adjective] Massively fashion, we felt it best to gather all this news [adverb]. After all, what would an event be without a [adjective] Massively roundup? World of Warcraft [past tense verb] not just one internet prank but four for the [plural noun] of BattleNet. Turbine invited its [plural noun] to be the broccoli for [adjective] race in Dungeons and Dragons Online. The [plural title] of Star Wars: The Old Republic did not want to leave the Wookiee [plural noun] from playing their [adjective] game, so they created a Shyriiwook interface for all those [adjective] people. However, the prank that takes the [food] has to be ArenaNet's new Guild Wars 2 class, the Commando; Anet created [adjective] videos complete with jiggle physics and placed helicopters into the current Guild Wars game. After the cut, we have [past tense verb] all the [adjective] pranks in this year's batch of favorite MMOs. Now you won't have to [verb] around the internet to find them yourself! But if you do [verb] something not on our list, let us know in the comments.
The Daily Grind: What is your favorite internet spaceship?
When we talk about intergalactic transportation, there is no end to the variety of shapes and sizes of starships. Even within specific genres of science fiction, the starships are consistently inconsistent. In Star Wars, the Imperial ships are very angular, whereas the Mon Calamari ships are kind of puffy. If you look at Star Trek, you see a multitude of cultural differences between the spacecraft. Federation ships are very pristine, clean, and diplomatic. On the other had, Klingon ships carry the mark of the aggressive species that created them. Many MMOs have introduced us to ships we can pilot in a virtual world. Star Wars Galaxies and Star Trek Online were mentioned above, but there is also EVE Online and Taikodom -- not to mention games still in development like Star Wars: The Old Republic and Jumpgate Evolution. So in the spirit of EVE fanfest, we are asking today: What is your favorite internet spaceship? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Super Hero Squad Online shows some /emote-ion
Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is at it again: swinging from the rooftops, snapping the next great shot for the Daily Bugle. But what is he capturing this time? It's certainly not a picture of himself saving the day. He's taking pictures of all his superhero friends posing in the streets of Superhero City. Super Hero Squad Online isn't all about saving the day every minute. Sometimes you just need to relax or maybe show off to your friends. Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society have put together a trailer of all your favorite characters of SHSO showing off their emotes. From Black Panther playing with a ball of yarn to the Wasp riding a wild rodeo pigeon, superheroes know how to have fun, and in Super Hero Squad Online, these heroes are yours to command. Jump past the break to see the trailer for yourself, then fly on over to HeroUp.com to sign up for the beta, today!
Cryptic boss leaves for Gazillion
First at Sony Online Entertainment, then at Cryptic Studios, and now at Gazillion Entertainment, John Needham has seen a lot of massively multiplayer worlds in his time. The much experienced exec is now at the helm of Gazillion Entertainment in order to work on "converting all of its major games to the free-to-play business model." The plan, Needham says, "is where the secret sauce is for the industry." Gazillion most recently launched Lego Universe, which was then immediately sold to the Lego Group (along with the dev team at NetDevil). The publisher's next game is Fortune Online, which is currently in closed beta.
Former Cryptic boss named CEO of Gazillion Entertainment
Gaming executive John Needham wasn't out of work for very long, and in fact has traded one CEO position for another. Gazillion Entertainment has announced that the former Cryptic bossman will head up the studio as it looks to expand on its free-to-play browser-based MMO offerings. Needham, who has also held down a high-level position at Sony Online Entertainment, joins former Blizzard executive David Brevik at Gazillion, while company founder Rob Hutter steps into the chairman position. "I believe that in the near future, rich console-quality games will be delivered through the browser," Needham said via press release. "We're going to create browser-centric, free-to-play games that set a new standard for quality and deliver a deep, compelling experience."
Super Hero Squad Online fires up closed beta
Get ready, true believers! News has come down the wires today that Gazillion's Super Hero Squad Online has officially headed into closed beta. What this also means is that with this announcement, the open beta for this family-friendly MMO is one step closer. Hopefully, it also means that we'll be seeing some forward momentum on the other (read: more adult) Marvel MMO, which Gazillion has indicated is under development as well. For those not familiar, Super Hero Squad Online is based on the saturday morning cartoon, The Super Hero Squad Show, which has introduced the Marvel characters to a whole new generation. SHSO will be releasing as a free-to-play game with an optional subscription to unlock more content -- no word on the price point, currently. Another thing of note is that the game will be playable via browser, offering players a fast in to the action without exorbitant pre-downloads. A promotional comic for Super Hero Squad Online is also available at Taco Bell, which gives a bit of story and offers up a code for an "exclusive super-hero" according to Gazillion's release. So, if your kids -- or you -- would like to hero up with Super Hero Squad Online, head over to the official site and get signed up. Excelsior! %Gallery-93313%
Gazillion press release clarifies Netdevil layoff rumors
The NetDevil/LEGO Universe brouhaha that unfolded earlier this morning is officially official thanks to a press release just published by Gazillion Entertainment. Gazillion has formally agreed to sell its development stake in the LEGO Universe MMO to the LEGO Group (the game's publisher and custodian of the world-famous toy brand). Most of the LEGO devs, formerly employed by NetDevil (a Gazillion subsidiary), have received employment offers from the LEGO Group and will continue iterating on the game from the company's Louisville, Colorado studio. Gazillion is re-focusing its ongoing development efforts into browser games, according to President and COO David Brevik. "The transition of members of our team to the LEGO Group enables us to focus completely on internally-published, free-to-play game businesses," he said.
