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Defiance spotlights a new kind of arkfall
If you've played Defiance for a while you're pretty familiar with how the game as a whole works. There are rules, an ordered nature to the whole thing. Arkfalls happen a certain way. Except the game's latest DLC pack has introduced a new wrinkle in the form of Dark Matter arkfalls, events pitting players against waves of Dark Matter enemies with the goal of being the only side left standing. Which is easier said than done. Players will encounter four types of event in both Minor and Major categories; the former lasts 20 minutes and the latter runs for 60. Extractor and Mayhem events pit players in an escalating shootout with Dark Matter forces, Obliteration tasks players with destroying an arkfall core, and the Extraction Force event pits players against the strongest of the forces that the Dark Matter troops can rally. Take a gander at the video past the break for some of the feel contained within these new events.
EVE Online starts up new player training sessions
Starting new in EVE Online is like learning to swim in the deep end of the pool when there are alligators in the water. It's not that you can't do it, just that it requires equal measures of dedication and luck. And in such a player-driven game, there's only so much that tutorials can teach you. What you really need are lessons from veteran players who can teach you exactly what to do... which, not coincidentally, are being offered starting October 15th. Why help train others to be better players? Simply put, according to the official post, it's because educated players are more likely to keep playing the game and actually expand the universe. You might get an easy kill by sniping someone who doesn't know how to fit a ship, but that player isn't going to stick around to provide you anything of use. So if you'd like to learn or help some new players up, take a look at the schedule and consider taking the time to make EVE Online more welcoming for new players... and then blow them up.
LotRO players support charity by following Frodo's journey in-game
Frodo's initial adventures from the Shire to Rivendell have a special significance to some Lord of the Rings Online players, because it's this journey that they're recreating in order to raise funds for charity. The Fellowship Walk, as it's called, is already underway with a goal to raise $5,000 for Child's Play by October 24th. For every monetary milestone met through donations, players in the game will recreate a portion of Frodo's walk with the ultimate goal of arriving in the Last Homely House. The player event also includes charity auctions, giveaways, and a treasure hunt. You can read more about the Fellowship Walk on LOTRO Players. [Thanks to everyone who sent in this tip!]
Star Trek Online challenges fleets to build better mines
Star Trek Online has a new special project for fleets, but instead of taking place on starbases or embassies, this will be exclusive to dilithium mines. Starting Thursday, October 3rd, player fleets can (ahem) engage in constructing a better mine. The goal is to improve the efficiency of the mine, and players can construct enhancements to the outside of mines to boost their productivity -- not to mention add a few visual flairs. This is the final special project for fleet dilithium mines, and fleets will need to at least start on it by October 17th in order to have a shot at completion.
September producer's letter announces return of the Cat God to The Secret World
At the close of every month, Joel Bylos pens a producer's letter to all The Secret World fans reviewing the activities of the previous four weeks and outlining what's still to come. For September, Bylos updated players on the progress of both Issue #8 (scenarios are being balanced for solo, duo, and groups as well as nightmare versions) and the much-anticipated Issue #9 (when visiting Tokyo, bring your origami skills!). Bylos also invited players to jump in and participate in the current Whispering Tide event and reminded them that many more phases of the event are yet to come. On top of that, he announced that the Cat God event from last Halloween will be back, so everyone who missed out on completing that line will have a chance this year. Additionally, a new series of missions called Stories from Solomon Island will be available where players will investigate the legitimacy of the islands' various urban legends. This series brings players back to the stories of Tyler Freeborn and the Groundskeeper at Innsmouth Academy.
Chaos Theory: The Filth is on! A guide to starting TSW's long-term event
Hot diggity dog -- it's finally here! Ever since we learned the title of A Dream to Kill last May, we've known that Issue #7 was going to to go out with a black-pulsing-slithery-tentacled bang. And The Secret World fans have been waiting with bated breath for the game's first first mega multi-month collaborative event, the culmination of which will be the introduction of Tokyo! I thought that would get your attention. Yes, there's not a Secret World fan out there who isn't looking forward to the release of Issue #9 and all the glorious new areas to explore and missions to complete; in fact, it will be the first full new zone to come to the game since launch. Wait, so why all the fervor and why am I babbling on about Tokyo when we haven't even gotten Issue #8 yet? Because the Agartha filth event (as it was known up until now) was the first step toward both of these new issues. And now that step has been taken! It's called The Whispering Tide event, and the mere fact that it has started means that Issue #7 is at an end and players must now actively work to open the Tokyo portal in Agartha. But this portal cannot be opened until the filth is pushed back and wiped clean from the World Tree. So if you want to get to Tokyo, you've got to jump in and contribute to the effort; the more players contribute, the faster it will go. And this guide is the perfect way to get started!
Filth invades Agartha in The Secret World's collaborative event
You knew it was coming, and you've waited for it -- the day when the filth would infiltrate Agartha itself and a new cooperative long-term event would begin in The Secret World. Well, that day is today! Starting now, players will have to work together to fend off the Filth, unlocking new content and rewards as they go; the more each player contributes, the more rewards and success the entire community will have. The Whispering Tide event will escalate as the months go by, and the culmination of the event will pit the community against a brutal foe whose defeat will open the Tokyo portal and herald the release of the much anticipated Issue #9. [Source: Funcom press release]
Champions Online suffers from an invasion... again
Attention players of Champions Online: Millennium City is being invaded! Wait, what do you mean by "again"? Yes, the city does get invaded on a fairly regular basis as this is a superhero game, but this time it's serious! It's robots! Specifically, robots that appear to be controlled by Dr. Destroyer, also known as the guy who ruined Detroit (like, more than now) and who has long been presumed dead. We know, normally an invasion of the city by any sort of robot elicits little more than a yawn and an inquiry about what to do for lunch, but there are rewards to be had too. The Drifter is collecting the cores of these Destroids in an effort to learn whether or not these are a knockoff of Dr. Destroyer or the genuine article. So log in and start defending Renaissance Center, and get ready for the Mega-Destroids slated to attack Champions HQ later in the month. Because of course they are.
Hyperspace Beacon: Five reasons to love SWTOR's Bounty Contract Week
If you missed the first Bounty Contract Week for Star Wars: The Old Republic, never fear because it's on its way here again -- today, in fact. I didn't really talk about this event when it first came out because I was too busy talking about the free-to-play experiment, and frankly, I thought the event was pretty straightforward fun and didn't need too much explanation. That was before I spent a week actually participating in the Bounty Contract event. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the new content. The basic premise for this SWTOR event centers around the Bounty Brokers Association. This organization, totally made up by BioWare, is overrun with the number contracts that it needs fulfilled and is willing to pay anyone for completing the bounties. (To be fair, that's not too much different than a normal bounty contract, but let's just run with it.) Participants can complete one standard contract and one kingpin contract a day per character level 15 or higher. Players travel to one of eight planets (two Republic-only planets, two Empire-only planets, and four shared planets), hunting down eight different henchmen and eight different kingpins. Players earn credits, experience, reputation, achievements, and titles. Let me give you my top five reasons for loving Bounty Contract Week.
Chaos Theory: Get your bling on with our guide to The Secret World's Gilded Rage event
One saying I grew up hearing was, "Be careful what you wish for because you might just get it!" Well in this case, I couldn't be happier that I did! After pleading the case for event encores in The Secret World, we actually have just that. Starting last Friday and lasting for two full weeks is a continuation of the Guardians of Gaia anniversary event. However, Gilded Rage is not an exact duplicate of the one enjoyed when TSW celebrated the one-year mark of its release; rather, it's an additional performance after the main event with definite similarities to the original (fighting a golem!) as well as some distinct differences (fighting A golem!). And this is the place to get the scoop on all of it! Whether you missed the event the first go-around and you want to get in on the experience (and the AP!) this time or you are driven to complete the pet collection (gotta catch 'em all!), this is the guide for you. With tips, tricks, and valuable intel, you can make the most of this golden opportunity.
Wings Over Atreia: Aion's birthday bash delivers daily presents
If you had the opportunity to celebrate your birthday for an entire month, you would, wouldn't you? I mean, what reason could you possibly have not to stretch out the festivities for four weeks... as long as you don't have to foot the whole bill, that is! Well that's exactly what Aion is doing in the weeks leading up to its fourth birthday later this month -- it's throwing a multifaceted bash with a variety of activities for Daevas to participate in. So was can party-goes expect first? How about daily presents and the return of the Wheel of Fortunerk! You heard me right: You join the party and you get the gift! And while you might have missed part of Aion's recent summer block party event, there's no reason to this time. The Alchemy Event runs until maintenance on September 18th, so you have plenty of time to get in and start hoarding your goody bags. While there's more a-comin' as the week's wear on, keep reading for all the details about these first festivities (and maybe a hint or two about the next ones).
The Secret World's new outfit a deal for impulse buyers only
So, we already know about The Secret World's new Gilded Rage event that starts today. We also know that the special AP bonus is only for this weekend only. But did you know that the event has a special semi-exclusive outfit available to players in the item shop? Well now you do! And if there is any chance at all you want to get this shiny new ensemble, you'd better put aside your leisurely shopper ways and jump on it ASAP. What makes this outfit semi-exclusive? Style and Gilt is currently being sold for 90% off (lining it up with the cost of all others in the store); however, apparently once the weekend is over, the original price will be implemented and the cost will skyrocket up to the ranks of EVE's infamous monocle. How many will be willing to spend 12,000 points ($90) on a little golden sheen? Tell us your thoughts: Do you appreciate the fact that an event-exclusive outfit will actually be available after the fact even (at an exorbitant cost), or would you prefer the outfit to just retire from the store? Let us know in the comments below. [Thanks to Rachel for the tip!]
Age of Conan's August letter previews the Great Hyborian Race
How do you implement open world PvP in an aging game? Age of Conan is going to do precisely that by running a race. Director Joel Bylos discusses the upcoming Great Hyborian Race in his director's letter for August, an event designed to promote PvP as well as give everyone a chance to see the game through new eyes. New players and old will have a chance for glory, fame, and fantastic prizes. How will it work? After the server merge (which has been delayed slightly by moving the game's offices), a new Blood and Glory ruleset server will be started specifically for the race. Players will have sharply limited use of XP potions, no use of offline levels, and a simple goal of reaching level 80 as fast as possible. Prizes will be given to players who reach the top first and who gain the most PvP experience. The letter also discusses upcoming unchained dungeons and upcoming unchained PvP, so even if you don't want to race you'll have something to explore.
Neverwinter invites players to the Summer Festival
The summer is winding down and we are rapidly approaching autumn. But Neverwinter has a bit of slightly unorthodox summer fun for players in the new Summer Festival, an in-game event that goes live today and runs until September 18th. Rather than have players traipse about in swimsuits and visit beaches, the event asks players to take part in a variety of tasks and pastimes to enjoy the waning days of the season, most of which center around standard maintenance like gathering loose animals and fighting off trolls. Fighting trolls qualifies as standard maintenance in a world that includes trolls, honestly. So what do you get for your troubles? An array of cosmetic rewards, including new weapons and armor that have an appropriate summer theme. You can also earn an armored boar mount and a pig companion if you really want to go hog wild. Players can enjoy the content on the live servers starting today, so anyone who needs a respite from more serious fantasy fare is encouraged to log in and round up some pigs.
Wings Over Atreia: No Aion block party for you!
Batten down the hatches and prepare yourselves for a storm, my friends, because I have a rant that's just waiting to burst forth! I know, I know -- it's hard to believe I am that riled up over anything in Aion. After all, I've managed a grand total of only four rants in more than three years. But I am! I am downright annoyed. Ironically, this rant also comes right when I was going to give you all the heads-up on an Aion job opportunity. It's not exactly what I'd call the best timing for NCsoft to make a blunder, but it is what it is. So what is "it" exactly? You know that big summer event block party that was advertised as going until September 4th? Well, I hope you got what you wanted out of it because the bartenders have packed up and gone home. That's right: The event ended two weeks earlier than announced. Not only did this seriously put a damper on my personal Atreian adventuring plans for the next couple of weeks, but it seriously screwed with my event guide for this week's Wings Over Atreia (no point now, right?). Even worse, "it" is the fact that Aion outright said one thing but did another. And that, my friends, just chaps my hide, ruffles my feathers, and gets my goat. The whole things leaves a sour taste in my mouth and gives the game's credibility a big fat black eye.
LotRO challenges servers to complete the Bounder's Bounty
A brand-new event is dawning on Lord of the Rings Online, and this one isn't your typical festival fare. The Bounder's Bounty is a long-term event that starts today and will run up to the release of the Helm's Deep expansion. The goal is to collect tokens, finish deeds, and help your server complete a collection goal. Players will find these new Bounder's Tokens from mob drops, quests, and other places. Turn enough in to a vendor in Michel Delving, and you'll earn personal rewards from a nearby vendor. However, if the whole server works together to collectively meet a grand goal, then a second vendor will unlock to sell cool items like war-steeds, mounts, and other goodies. In addition, the server goal of Bounder's Bounty will grant everyone a persistent buff until the expansion releases and help to erect a new statue in the center of Michel Delving. Speaking of the expansion, Roger at Contains Moderate Peril did a bit of file rummaging and came up with several possible maps from the expansion. Thanks to Andang for the tip!
APB Reloaded offers more gun-borne pathogens to players
A week ago, APB Reloaded introduced a new gun that had a unique trick to it: You could only get the gun if someone killed you with it. The Colby .45 AP was a hit, and killing several players offered a special title, so the team decided to go to the next level with new guns that travel like diseases. Players who rack up kills with the limited-time Colby .45 AP can unlock two new weapons based on the Argotech Close Engagement System (ACES) platform. The ACES SMG boasts a permanent modification that increases its rate of fire while degrading accuracy, making it ideal for taking down opponents in close quarters. The ACES rifle, on the other had, has an extra-long barrel for increased accuracy and damage, turning the same core weapon into a long-range killer. If you've already got the Colby, start racking up kills to unlock the SMG and then the rifle; if you don't, the handgun can be purchased from Armas or Joker Distribution. Start infecting people with bullets!
Xsyon hosts two months of GM-run events
The post-apocalyptic world of Xsyon may be harsh and unrelenting, but it also has its moments of fun and frivolity. And those moments are often found in the various GM-run events. Luckily for players, the next couple of months are chock full of them! Most events will run several times, affording those in different time zones the chance to participate and nab some prizes. Here's a run-down: Aug 17, Handy-Man Provider Challenge: An orienteering-style event utilizing navigation, crafting, and organization. Aug 24, Haunted House: Find hidden treasure with a partner in a haunted house filled with frights. Aug 31, Ironman Race: Run, swim, and pull a cart all the way around founder's island. Sep 7, Gladiator Event: A PvE event involving the dreaded Shadow Bear. Sep 14: For the time-pressed, a weekend full of mini-events. Sep 21, Crazy Basket Hunt: Search for the treasure cart to find prizes galore. Sep 28, Mega Cross Country Challenge: A race across multiple zones with Guides (GMs) waiting at various checkpoints. [Source: Notorious Games press release]
Firefall open beta weekend includes dev-hosted missons
Been dying to try out Firefall but have had the worst luck obtaining a beta key? Sir or madam, this weekend is for you (and everyone else). Red 5 is kicking off the first of Firefall's open beta events with a weekend packed full of activities and specials. The open beta weekend begins today at 8:00 p.m. EDT and continues until Sunday at the same time. During the weekend, players will enjoy a 2X bonus to all Crystite drops, easier access to Firefall's newer zones, and discounts on battleframe unlocks. Red 5's devs will also be hosting missions through the five-man Blackwater Anomaly. If you're able to get in on one of these instance runs, you'll be treated to special rewards and be able to tell your jealous friends and family that you rubbed shoulders with developer royalty. [Source: Red 5 press release]
Party hearty at Lord of the Rings Online's summer festival
It's that time of year again, when the Men, Hobbits, Dwarves, and Elves of Middle-earth come together to celebrate the summer with -- you guessed it -- the summer festival! This annual Lord of the Rings Online event runs from July 24th through August 6th, giving revelers two weeks to get down and party it up. Festivities include horse races, fishing challenges, scavenger hunts, and more. Players can guess which Hobbit can eat the most the fastest in the Taste of Hobbiton competitions as well as which Dwarf can navigate the keg races while inebriated. Want to cut the rug but don't know how? Learn a jaunty step or two from the dance masters. And, as always, gain reputation with either the Inn League or the Ale Association as the rivals vie for top dog status. Participation in the various events nets a player festival tokens, which can then be turned in for rewards like cloaks, robes, and new steeds.
