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Rise and Shiny recap: Dragonica
I was so glad to get back to normal this week, logging into a new (well, newish) game to enjoy and to write about. Dragonica, from what I remember, had been shut down some time ago. Somehow, magically, the announcement of its return slipped past my eyes, but here it is. It seems gPotato EU is going to be publishing it, considering that that's where I found it. I know, I know -- I work at Massively.com, the worlds' coolest and most reliable source for all things MMO, so how did this news get past me? I have no idea. Still, I was glad to see it sitting on my hard drive, waiting to be played. I never gave it much of a chance before, mainly because side-scroller combat games were normally good for just a weekend jaunt or two. I hate repetition, generally, and sometimes the combat in these kinds of games can be boring at best. I was pretty surprised, though, once I gave the game a chance and learned some of my moves. It grew on me really, really fast. Also, it ran like a dream and was adorable to the point of nosebleed, which always helps. Still, there's more. Click past the cut and find out!
Allods Online "more free-to-play than ever" with new patch
How free is free-to-play? That depends on the game, and in the case of Allods Online, free just got a bit freer. gPotato Europe announced in a press release this morning that today's patch, an update to Volume 2: Rise of Gorluxor, will make the game "more free-to-play than ever." Players may now complete daily quests that offer selected premium rewards including double XP over time bonuses, items that negate death penalties, and buff trinkets that grant up to 24 hours of increased character power. Additionally, every Allods character will receive a free gift, so check your in-game mailbox within the next 30 days. Volume 2: Rise of the Gorluxor features a lengthy list of improvements including the Dream Factory (a new level 20 zone) as well as class tweaks and bug fixes. Be sure and take a look at the full patch notes on the official site.
GDCO 2010: gPotato's Tara Einis on Iris Online and Allods' cash shop
When I heard that I had landed an interview with Tara Einis of gPotato (publisher of Allods Online, the upcoming Iris Online, and many others), I immediately began daydreaming about poring over hours and hours of audio and transcribing hard-hitting interviews filled with fiery give-and-takes. Instead, I found myself calmly wanting to know about gPotato's general cash-shop practices, long history in free-to-play, and reaction to Allods' perceived "debacle." I also found evidence for my theory that the company is, yes, still publishing games and still excited for the future. It should be no surprise, though -- gPotato has maintained a hefty presence in the world of free-to-play for longer than most. So, what are we going to see next? What did gPotato have planned for the future? Turns out quite a lot.
Paris Strikes Back: Dragonica's biggest patch yet?
"French walkers spotted on the ridge!" Okay, maybe it's not exactly like that other "strikes back" feature, but EU's Dragonica is certainly setting the stage for the biggest patch invasion ever with "Paris Strikes Back." The oddly-named patch has a little something for everyone in Dragonica. Let's start with a whopping eight new classes (AKA "jobs") that will offer 10 additional levels of content: Dragoon, Berserker, Sentinel, Bombardier, Joker, Shadow Walker, Cleric and Chaosmage. These classes were named by the community, and can be selected once a player hits level 60 and completes a quest chain. Dungeon runners will be pleased to know that the Van Cliff and Drakos dungeons are getting a nice tune-up, including the choice of three levels of difficulty: normal, rare and hero. Boss mobs are going to be added to the map, to make navigating the instance easier. Finally, all players stand to benefit from an improved leveling experience with streamlined quests, more XP per kill and a new rest system. Paris Strikes Back is set to stomp into Dragonica sometime during June 2010. Note that this is the European version of the game, not the NA client.
Allods Online offering in-game and real-world prizes in Goblin-O-Ball tournament
Allods Online is bring a lighthearted version of PvP to their game with the Skrakan Cup, the first ever in-game Goblin-O-Ball tournament on Allods Online's European servers. The event begins on May 19th, but registration starts tomorrow. You'll need eight players -- a team of six plus two alternates -- to join, and Allods Online will make it well worth your while. While they're keeping details under their collective hat until closer to the match dates, there will be a generous number of both in-game and real-world prizes to make it worth your while, just in case the thrill of victory isn't quite enough of an incentive. All of the current details are on the Allods site, including the registration deadline of May 17th. Register your team on the forums beginning tomorrow to be scheduled for a match, then keep an eye out for more details on rules, times, and prizes as they're released.
The Drakos Tower returns to Dragonica with all new challenges
Dragonica -- the EU version of the game -- is gearing up to add the darkly sinister Drakos Tower back in to the game. Word is that the entire area has been completely redesigned from the previous incarnation, when only the first three floors were available. Now, players will have access to 20 floors of horrible, adorable monsters, great for Level 53-70 players. Of course, if you haven't made it that far in the game, don't worry! The team at gPotato (EU) have also started a "massive EXP event" until the update launches on the 4th, just perfect for players looking to level up. Those brave inhabitants of Dragotaka who decide to take on the challenge will find themselves facing off against a half-robot, half-human creature; a spider crab; and a winged demon; all hell-bent on your destruction. Players will also learn more about the sinister secret lore of Dragonica as they quest through the revamped area. With that said, if you're not quite to that level yet, the update will additionally introduce the brand new crafting system -- ensuring a little something for everyone. So, be sure to get those Dragonica patchers ready, and jump in to enjoy some bonus experience while you wait for the update on Thursday. Spooky surprises await!
