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The Game Archaeologist: How Hellgate survived being Flagshipped
It seems that it really wasn't too long ago that I was filling in the time between night classes by boning up on video game news. I was drinking up all of the hot up-and-comers, such as Age of Conan and Warhammer Online, when I caught word that the maker of Diablo was trying to do the same thing again, only more online, in 3-D, and with a cool modern-day/futuristic/horror vibe. There's no better way to put it than to say that from the start, Hellgate: London looked all kinds of cool. Oh sure, you can scoff now with your perfect 20/20 hindsight, but I'm betting that more than a few of you thought the same with me around that time. Diablo but with guns and an online persistence -- how could we not be intrigued? One of my most vivid memories was being torn between the idea of buying a lifetime subscription deal for $150 (again, this was before the free-to-play era, but also before the era of us spending the same money on alpha access. I'm just saying that you can't judge me.). I didn't buy the lifetime sub, if you were wondering, but I did play. I even enjoyed Hellgate: London for a month or so, although something about it never quite clicked with me. It was only after I bailed that I watched with horror that one of the most infamous chapters of video game disasters took place. It's kind of like when you look at pictures of an earthquake and say to anyone near, "I was just standing there a week ago..." From its giddy heights of pre-launch hype to the crash simply known as being "Flagshipped" to its subsequent resurrections (yes, plural), Hellgate is a fascinating tale of a good idea, a terrible launch, corporate scapegoating, and improbable survival.
Mythos Global shutting down January 22nd
T3Fun, publisher of the free-to-play fantasy title Mythos Global, has announced that the game will be shutting down on January 22nd of next year. As a result, the in-game cash shop will be shut down during maintenance on December 18th, and the post notes that "A Compensation Model is currently at work mainly for users who made recent purchases." Game shutdowns are rarely fun for those involved, but Mythos has certainly had a rocky history of constant death and resurrection, so this might be just another turn of the wheel. In any case, Mythos will be around for a bit longer, so fans can jump in for one last hurrah before the game goes dark. You can check out the full shutdown announcement at the Mythos official site. [Thanks to Mehighlow for the tip!]
Jukebox Heroes: Hellgate London's soundtrack
Hellgate London was a title that I was highly anticipating back in the day. It was a post-apocalyptic MMO action-RPG brought to us by the makers of Diablo, all with techno-warriors and jaunts through the London Underground. I was on board with that. Sure, we all know how it ended and will probably kvetch about it in the comments, but I feel comfortable in saying that the concept sounded pretty awesome. Ironically, the sound is what remained with me long after my days in that game were through. It's no surprise, as the composing duo of Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan have tackled many other high-profile video game projects together, such as Prototype, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3. This score is pretty easy to get a hold of these days (try Amazon). It's a solid pick that has a few great tracks, as long as you're willing to tolerate darker themes.
GamersFirst dropping Sword 2, title picked up by T3Fun
GamersFirst is out of the Sword 2 business, it seems. The publisher announced that it will be dropping its contract to publish and host the title at the end of the year. Fans of the game have no reason to fret that they're about to lose their world, however; HanbitSoft's subsidiary T3Fun will take up the slack come January 1st. Due to the transfer between companies, players will need to expressly consent to allow their game data to be transferred over. The announcement post contains instructions how to do just that. Also, Sword 2 players won't be able to transfer their GamersFirst store currency, so spending it now is highly recommended. There are a lot of details to go over, so if this affects you, be sure to read the whole post very carefully. [Thanks to William for the tip!]
The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy). But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing. Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.
Mythos Global wants you to play your way
Mythos Global has been on one crazy rollercoaster ride throughout its lifespan, and the latest incarnation of the free-to-play Diablo-esque dungeon-crawler has been in open beta for a little over a month now. But T3Fun wants players to know that there's more to Mythos than just dungeon-delving, and the studio has released a trio of new videos to prove it. Whether you're a loot fiend, an achievement chaser, or a master crafter, Mythos has something for you. As with most Diablo-alikes, Mythos features a plethora of randomized loot for players to hoard like there's no tomorrow, while the artisans among us can become masters of their trades with the help of the game's unique crafting skill tree system. And of course, achievements and titles abound for those who just love showing off their heroic accomplishments. If any of these playstyles tickles your fancy, just head on over to the game's official site to get in on the action for yourself. [Source: T3Fun press release]
Enjoy more Hellgate Global with a prize pack from Massively
If you haven't yet given Hellgate Global a try, we may have just the thing you've been waiting for: in-game prize incentives. Today kicks off our giveaway for 100 in-game coupon codes that will grant you special consumables and unlock the expansion areas Stonehenge, 2nd Invasion, and Abyss. Note that these coupon codes are only available for new players and will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis through our giveaway page. Be sure to read past the cut for complete instructions on how to redeem your code, plus complete descriptions of the in-game prizes. Best of luck!
Play the MMO that never dies with Mythos Global's open beta
Mythos is the MMO that almost wasn't, then was, then wasn't, and then was again. The free-to-play Diablo-esque MMO was in playable beta as far back as November 2007, but its release was plagued by problems you wouldn't wish on your worst enemies. Mythos has somehow survived its entire original development team being fired, legal battles over the intellectual property rights to the game, and being kicked from publisher to publisher. Now in its third incarnation as Mythos Global, the game will soon relaunch to excited fans, and to curious gamers who didn't play it while it was live. If you didn't snag one of Massively's keys for the closed beta back in December, your chance to play the game starts now! Mythos Global officially entered open beta today, with free registration available via its new publisher T3Fun.
Mythos Global open beta starts February 2nd
The on-again-off-again saga of Mythos is apparently on again. HanbitSoft and T3Fun have issued a press blurb trumpeting the open beta for the rechristened Mythos Global. The preview period kicks off on February 2nd, and the devs say that the test will "be available to most of Europe." There's no word on an American server as of yet, but the release does promise a full month of lead-in activities to the Euro beta including "new stories, exclusive interviews, mini-games, quizzes, and more." Mythos originally launched in April 2011 before shutting down in October and announcing its impending return in late November.
Hellgate reveals 2011 stats, hints at 2012 updates
T3Fun has released a few statistics designed to keep Hellgate Global in the public eye. Included in the data are interesting nuggets like the gender breakdown for characters created (60/40 in favor of the guys), the most-played class (Marksman), the least-played class (Guardian), and the class with the highest growth rate in terms of character creation (also the Guardian). We're not exactly sure what that last bit means, but we can tell you that Hellgate's devs have a few new wrinkles planned for 2012 (assuming the world doesn't end in a hail of apocalyptic demon fire first). Among the improvements slated for the new year are "improved services, deeper guild engagement [...] and greater challenges for the most motivated players [via] some of the biggest events yet." Hellgate Global is free-to-play, so there's really nothing stopping you from moseying over to the game's official website and downloading the client. [Source: T3Fun press release]
Mythos returns as Mythos Global, closed beta starting December 1st
Is Mythos truly becoming the game that would never die? It might appear so, as this twice-nixed title is being rezzed for another go-around with players. Will this prove to be the success where others have failed? While Frogster's European version of the game was recently canceled, Hanbitsoft and T3Fun are bringing it back as Mythos Global and are already gearing up for a four-day closed beta test next month. The test will commence on December 1st through the 5th, with keys going out through various media outlets in the near future. Hanbitsoft has plans for more extensive beta tests along with related in-game events. The Mythos Global website is now open with a place to sign up for the closed beta, unsullied forums for potential players to discuss the game, and an awe-inspiring copyright notice. Truly, you'll want to break out your Print Screen key just for the occasion. The game also has a more informative Facebook page with plenty of screenshots and videos for the taking.
Hellgate is cursed... in a good way
Just when we thought we'd be stuck in London forever, Hellgate Global took us across the world to the ravaged vista of Tokyo late last month. To celebrate the good times and charred corpses all across virtual Japan, the resurrected MMOFPS is bringing a set of new challenges for players to overcome. For those who scoff at curses and camping out on top of primitive burial grounds, Hellgate dares you to activate your Curse of Dawn mode and attempt to take out Imhotep and Anaksunamun. Those who do so will be on the receiving end of rewards beyond imagination. Also, in-game currency. Other challenges heading into the game include a guild battle system, and the return of Boss Time Attack. It's not all work and no play, as players will enjoy bonus supplies, free gifts at specific levels, and XP boosts. For a limited time champion monsters will drop lucky coupons, which can then be exchanged for rare items. These will only be in the game until the end October 15th, as luck can only last for so long. [Source: T3 Entertainment press release]
Nexon, NCsoft refuse to fully cooperate with South Korean MMO gambling probe
South Korean MMO makers are under the Game Rating Board's microscope for allegedly obstructing an investigation related to MMORPG gambling. The ratings board has questions regarding real-world money transactions that offer a chance at valuable in-game items, and a veritable who's who of Korean development firms are refusing to fully cooperate, according to This Is Game. NCsoft, Nexon, and HanbitSoft are just a few of the companies mentioned in the report, and while the publishers have given up item names, costs, and other details related to the transactions, the companies are thus far refusing to divulge information on payout percentages. GRB chairman Soo Keun Lee says that his organization is simply trying to determine the legality of RMT transactions using a set of gambling standards adopted by South Korea in 2008. "Game companies ask us why GRB tries to touch their business model and [they] refuse our request[s]," he said.
Hellgate expanding to Tokyo on September 22nd
If you were wondering why HanbitSoft and T3Fun rechristened Hellgate: London as Hellgate: Global prior to resurrecting it as a free-to-play title earlier this summer, now you know. The action-horror MMO is expanding to a new burned-out husk of a metropolis, and on September 22nd, you're invited to partake in more grisly demon-slaying action in what remains of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The city features 24 new levels as well as new monsters and boss mobs. There are also a couple of new game modes on tap, including Cow Room (which pits players against hordes of zombies) and Base Defense (which is exactly what it sounds like). Finally, Hell Mode gets an encore, and hardcore types who want better loot, more XP, and more it'll-put-hair-on-your-virtual-chest challenge are welcome to queue up and prove their e-manliness. [Source: T3Fun/HanbitSoft press release]
Mythos Europe adds PvP features and new levels
"Lamentation" is a word that isn't associated with PvP as often as it ought to be, with the lyric "QQ" generally taking its place. But the latest update for Mythos is bringing back lamentation in style with the new Lamento PvP system in place. Players at level 50 or up can fight in 1v1 or 2v2 matches against other players, with the winner obtaining Lamento points that can be used to purchase new level 51 armor and weapons. What's that? You're stuck at level 50? Well, not any longer -- level 51 has been added, allowing players access to new pieces of equipment and another notch of power. The full list of patch changes is quite extensive, including new rewards for clearing dungeons quickly, improvements to movement speed, and new stats that can be generated when items drop. Amidst all of the new doses of power, it's for the best that PvP is coming out in force. After all, why settle for crushing computer-controlled enemies when you could be hearing the lamentations of your opponents?
Mythos set to break the speed barrier with its new update
Life in Hack-n-Slashville too slow for you these days? Well buckle up and keep your arms and legs inside of Mythos at all times -- the game is set to get a tad faster. An upcoming content update for Mythos is set to include a new feature that encourages players to cut their way through dungeons at a record pace. Using the Dungeon Master feature, adventurers who beat dungeons and accomplish other challenges under a set time limit will be showered with gifts and glory. If you choose to play in this mode, a timer will start the second you enter a dungeon and will go until you vanquish every foe in the place. If you make a new record or beat an old one -- you'll be competing against other players in this -- you'll get a nice package of rewards including in-game currency and rare items. The update is set to increase the level cap and add more PvP content as well.
Hellgate open beta starts next Thursday
Hellgate, T3 Entertainment and HanBitSoft's free-to-play relaunch of Flagship Studios' doomed MMO, will open up its doors to any and all interested evil-smiting parties starting next week. The game's public beta will launch in North America and Europe next Thursday, June 30, giving new volunteers the opportunity to try out the beta's limited suite of features. You can sign up to try out the relaunched title on the official Hellgate website. According to a HanBitSoft press release, the arrival of the open beta will bring two new game modes to the client: A PvP arena, and the "Cow Room," which tasks players with surviving waves of attacking zombies -- and notably lacks any bovine aggressors. You may be wondering, "Why is called the Cow Room?" It's almost worth checking out the beta to find out.
Hellgate open beta to begin June 30th [Updated]
Hellgate's closed beta has been going on since the beginning of this month, but now it's almost time to kick open the doors and blast some monsters in open beta. T3FUN announced today that the freshly rebooted Hellgate will be entering open beta in six days on June 30th. Strap up your armor and choose your weapons and get ready to jump into the seedy supernatural underbelly of the world of Hellgate. Just make sure you come prepared by checking out our previous coverage of the game! [Update: The official announcement has been released, and it contains news of a few new features for the game. Duel Areas will be included for players who wish to take part in some team-based PvP combat, while those with a PvE inclination can test their mettle with the Cow Room (surely an homage to Diablo II's infamous Cow Level), where players face off against wave after wave of zombies in hopes of netting some rare loot. For the full press release, hit the official site.]
Hellgate shows off its new Duel Areas
No matter how bad the environmental conditions might be in Hellgate, that's no reason to eschew one of the time-honored traditions of MMOs everywhere: PvP. But the game's relaunch won't just be including the original PvP elements, and one of the newer additions has just been highlighted -- the Duel Areas. This new addition allows players to face off against one another on specially designed maps, complete with dynamic elements on each map to keep battles unique. With four different maps to choose from and a number of pre-fight variables, the Duel Areas are limited at the moment by the fact that only deathmatch games are available within. Killing opponents will reward players with PvP experience, leading to valuable rewards for future PvP matches. Check out the video previews for two of the new arenas just after the break, something that should be enough to get Hellgate players excited as the game moves toward release.
Hellgate beta videos show off character creation, gameplay
Horror fans and MMOFPS aficionados have been setting their clocks back a few years courtesy of this weekend's Hellgate closed beta event. You may recall the original Hellgate: London as something of a dud when it originally debuted in the winter of 2007. Not to worry, though, since HanbitSoft and T3Fun have revived the franchise and converted it to a new free-to-play title called Hellgate Global. MMO Culture has a trio of videos chronicling this weekend's event, and you can glimpse character creation as well as a bit of the shooter's demon-slaying gameplay. Hellgate intrigued us with its blend of action-horror and apocalyptic stylings the first time around, and we're just as curious for chapter two. Have a look at the videos after the break and share your thoughts on the beta while you're at it.
