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World of Tanks rolls on to release day
How's about we strap ourselves inside 60 tons of steel, form up with a company of like-minded comrades, and steam-roll those unfortunate chaps rolling along in the enemy tank brigade on the other side of the map? If you answered hooaahh, World of Tanks is probably an MMO that you'll want to check out (and even if you didn't, the game is free-to-play, so you've got nothing to lose). So grab your buddies, your extra ammo, and a cup of that engine degreaser that passes for coffee and avail yourself of video tutorials, interviews with Victor Kislyi, and clan wars discussions -- all courtesy of the best World of Tanks coverage on the web. That's right, release day for Wargaming.net's action/strategy MMO is finally here, and Massively's got your mission-critical intel briefing just after the cut.
Allods Online launching April 26th
We'll forgive you if you did a double-take at the headline proclaiming an impending Allods Online launch, because frankly we did the same thing. While it seems like the free-to-play sci-fi/fantasy hybrid has been around forever, it has in fact been in an open beta period since February of 2010. All that is about to change on April 26th, as Gala-Net has announced the title's official release coinciding with the 2.0.02: Astral Odyssey patch. So while the game has been in the public eye long enough to provoke a controversy, resolve another one, and generally make itself at home amidst the collective free-to-play psyche, it's all been something of a gigantic warm-up. The Astral Odyssey update is bringing a lot of new content to the table, including a level cap increase (47), two high-level zones (Kirah and the Isle of Revelation), and two new gear systems (refining and draconic relics). Six new allods are coming as well, and you can read all about the officially official release patch at the game's website. [Update: The EU version will be launching May 11th]
Divine Souls launches today
Divine Souls has been in the works for a while; we first previewed the title way back in March of 2010. Since then, the team at Outspark has been hard at work polishing, tweaking, and updating the free-to-play action MMO, and today gamers around the globe get to see the results. Yep, it's launch day, and very soon you'll be able to indulge in the game's detailed visuals and arcade-style fighting game functionality (including complex air- and ground-based combos). Divine Souls also boasts Xbox and PlayStation controller support and is designed to run on a huge variety of hardware configurations. The game also features a small downloadable client to get you up, running, and into the action quickly. Choose from one of three classes (Mage, Slasher, or Fighter), check out the trailer after the cut, and look for our Divine Souls first impressions later this week.
Nintendo claims best first-day US handheld sales ever for 3DS
Nintendo is staring at some three-dimensional stacks of cash today. Nintendo of America issued a press release claiming that "U.S. day-one sales numbers for Nintendo 3DS were the highest of any Nintendo hand-held system in our history." Update: that's unit sales, according to Nintendo. The publisher declined to comment on exact numbers, saying only that more information will be available when the NPD releases its report on the first-week sales. We guess that $250 price point wasn't much of a deterrent after all. Find the full statement after the break.
Black Prophecy blasts off in Europe today
T-minus three, two, one... and that sound you hear is the latest space-based MMORPG lifting off the launch pad, heading for the stratosphere and the stars beyond. At least, that's what gamigo and Reakktor are hoping when it comes to Black Prophecy, which officially takes a bow in Europe today. Beta characters, clans, and clan sectors will be wiped for the kickoff, and Black Prophecy will initially feature both an English and a German server. Snowcrash (no, not that one) has posted a note informing customers of impending forum downtime and has also let us know that game updates will be available via the launcher application while the launch-day forum restructuring is in progress. "This is not an end. It's a beginning; the foundation is laid and we will now move forward with the continued development of Black Prophecy after its release," says assistant production manager Chris "Snowcrash" Schutt. While you're waiting to log in -- or stuck at work -- check out our coverage roundup after the cut and get caught up on the biggest Black Prophecy news items from the past few months.
World of Tanks launching April 12th
After nine straight months of intensive beta testing, the end (and the beginning) is finally in sight for fans of Wargaming.net's World of Tanks. The World War II-based action MMO is officially launching in both Europe and North America on April 12th, and die-hard testers "who did a long way from [closed beta] to release will get some bonuses" according to a post on the game's website. World of Tanks looks to blend the fast-action gameplay of its squad-based modes with the large-scale strategy of the clan wars mechanic to create the definitive heavy armor MMO title. The game features destructible environments and authentically rendered combat vehicles from a variety of nations, and it's all wrapped in a free-to-play package designed to allow curious gamers to try before they buy. "Our team has been working really hard to create a unique blend of action, strategy, simulation, and RPG in World of Tanks, and now the moment all fans across the globe have been waiting for is right around the corner," says Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi.
PAX East 2011: Massively interviews RIFT's Scott Hartsman
With the launch of RIFT still fresh, members of the Trion team packed their bags and flew to Boston to attend PAX East. Even though they didn't have a booth, their "We're not in Azeroth anymore" banner made their presence known. In addition, Community Manager Cindy "Abigale" Bowens hosted a party in Boston to celebrate the launch with players and fans. Massively had a chance to sit down and talk with Trion CCO and RIFT Executive Producer Scott Hartsman about launch day, security, plans for the future, and a whole lot more. Read on for the full interview!
Dreamlords: Resurrection launches, Paradox offering free ducats
MMORTS gamers have reason to celebrate, as Paradox Interactive has announced the (latest) launch of its free-to-play Dreamlords title. A German version of the game was published by gamigo in 2007, while a North American version originally debuted in the summer of 2008 under the name Dreamlords the Reawakening. This time around, Paradox is calling it Dreamlords: Resurrection, and the company is also giving away 1000 Paradox ducats (the game's item shop currency) to anyone and everyone who signs up. Dreamlords: Resurrection was developed by Lockpick Entertainment and puts the player in the role of a titular guardian and tasks him with inspiring followers, building an army, and engaging in various defend-and-conquer excursions against the Nightmares that roam the world. The game features cooperative PvE play where the player can team up with other Dreamlords, as well as fast-paced PvP combat and RTS staples such as troop and technology research. Paradox has released a new gameplay trailer to celebrate the Dreamlords launch, and you can view it after the cut.
RIFT launch-day roundup
The day many MMO gamers have been waiting for is here -- it's time for the official launch of Trion Worlds' epic fantasy MMO, RIFT! For those of you who decided not to take the pre-order plunge and will instead be starting with the second wave of players, we've assembled a pile of posts to help speed you on your way. From some of our spotlight columns and impression postings on the game to exclusive soul reveals and more, there's a little something for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage, fire up your installer or downloader, and settle in for some of the highlights of our RIFT coverage. Of course, if you manage to make it through all of these posts before you're able to log in and play, there are tons of other great information in our RIFT archives to check out as well! Enter At Your Own Rift: The first day FAQ For this week's Enter At Your Own Rift, we'll take a look at a few common questions that players might have. Are you wondering about how to form a guild? Have you already made a soul build that you regret and want to reset? Are you lost trying to find an auctioneer or a mount merchant? Read on for some answers! Ten levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara With two RIFT beta events under my belt, I was given the supreme honor of creating a guide to the first 10 levels of the game. Naturally, I fell apart under the stress, assumed the fetal position for a couple days while whimpering about "frame rates," and then was prodded into action by our editors. That's quite literally "prodded," mind you -- Massively purchased a pair of cattle prods last year at a police auction. It's going to be years until the scorch marks fade from my spine.
RIFT details Greenscale's Blight raid
The big day is almost here, folks. Yes, after months of beta previews, trailers, reveals, and a head-start, March 1st marks the official kickoff for Trion Worlds' RIFT MMORPG. The company's last PR gasp prior to the launch date onslaught is a look at the Greenscale's Blight raid content. Who is Greenscale, you might be wondering? Well he's no orc or goblin, as fantasy stalwarts might suppose after a cursory glance at the name. No, Greenscale the Primeval is a dragon most foul, responsible for unimaginable destruction and terror by virtue of his penchant for "seeding the world in vines and vegetation that could devour cities" according to Trion's latest literature. As you're counting down the hours until launch day (or taking a break from your headstart), join us after the cut for a bit of lore relating to the fearsome wyrm and the prison temple that serves as his current home (as well a challenging bit of content for Defiants and Guardians alike). %Gallery-101448%%Gallery-99479%
Nikkei: All 400,000 Japanese 3DS units sold out, more on the way
Japanese news outlet Nikkei (via Andriasang) has put a number on the nation's early adoption rate for Nintendo's new, steroscopic handheld: According to their report, Nintendo shipped 400,000 3DS units to Japanese retailers, which managed to just about sell out during its first 24 hours of availability. Who would have thought that there'd be more than 400,000 tech-savvy Nintendo acolytes that lived in Japan? (Us. We would have thought that. As would everyone else.) If you didn't manage to grab one of the elusive, endangered handhelds, you'll get a second chance soon. According to Andriasang, a number of Japanese tech retailers reportedly received another shipment of 3DS this morning. Which ... probably already sold out by now. Hey, maybe you'll be able to get down on the third shipment! Let's keep hope alive, shall we?
Enter At Your Own Rift: The first day FAQ
You've watched the trailers, downloaded the podcasts, scoured the forums, and sold your soul for a VIP key. Tomorrow, your patient wait is over, and the RIFT head-start officially begins. As you stock up on Red Bull and Mountain Dew and fight off the shakes during your server queue wait, you might have a few questions about what your first moments in RIFT will be like. For this week's Enter At Your Own Rift, we'll take a look at a few common questions that players might have. Are you wondering about how to form a guild? Have you already made a soul build that you regret and want to reset? Are you lost trying to find an auctioneer or a mount merchant? Read on for some answers!
Earthrise launch day arrives, sandbox title available for purchase
Zomg it's a sci-fi sandbox! You'll have to forgive our somewhat subjective enthusiasm on this one, as it's an increasingly rare occasion when we're able to announce the launch of something other than a themepark with classical fantasy elements. Yes, Earthrise is here to (hopefully) save the day for the sandbox die-hards in the audience, and Masthead Studio's skill-based title is available for purchase in both a retail edition (which features a poster and map) and a digital download from Direct2Drive (which comes with exclusive Overdrive armor). "Our team has channeled years of dedication and hard work into Earthrise, and we are thrilled for those fans who have been following us this entire time, as well as those who are just now checking us out, to experience the world of Enterra. We are already working on updates and expansion packs to be integrated within the next few months, and are excited to continue to develop and enhance the world," says Masthead producer Atanas Atanasov. As of press time, the server has not come up, and a couple of us have been unable to enter our activation keys into the account page on the Earthrise website. Fear not though, as we've got plenty for you to do while you're waiting impatiently to check out the world of Enterra. Join us after the break for a launch-day roundup of all the recent Earthrise news, interviews, and videos to get yourself up to speed and ready for action.
Cryptic unmasks the Champions F2P trailer
Defender calls out to all Champions: "Report to the nearest crisis zone and engage the enemy." If you have not experienced Champions Online yet, now is the time. Cryptic's superhero MMORPG is officially free-to-play as of today. This is your chance to design a hero in what G4TV has called "the finest character creator system yet seen in an online RPG." Or perhaps you're a former Champions Online player who hasn't played for a while... this is a great time for you to get back into the game to see what you have been missing. In the F2P launch-day trailer, Millennium City's being attacked while the other Champions are spread around the world in battles of their own. The distress call has gone out to you. Will you reply? Catch the full trailer after the break, then you can head over to the official site and start saving the world today.
SOE releases DC Universe launch trailer
Launch day for SOE's long-awaited DC Universe Online is finally upon us, and in addition to breathless anticipation, server queues, and coordinating friend meet-ups, we also have a brand new trailer making the rounds. The clip, which clocks in at around a minute and a half, starts with footage from last summer's Blur Studios cinematic before segueing into in-game material featuring heroes, villains, and player characters from the storied DC mythos. The video also plays up DCUO's superhero flavor in a manner reminiscent of Hollywood's greatest action movie trailers, from the heroes and villains facing off in the streets to the dramatic orchestral score and the "save this universe...or destroy it" titles. Check out all the mayhem after the cut, and let us know your early impressions of the game as the servers come up.
DC Universe Online: Launch-day roundup
Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's the launch of DC universe Online! Hopefully, you've already pre-ordered the game and have the loadscreen in front of you right now. If not, perhaps you will soon. When the game was first announced back in July of 2008, Sony Online Entertainment CEO John Smedley said, "I think for the first time, people are going to feel like there's a superhero game that makes you feel like a superhero." Many fans agree. DCUO is one of the first MMOs to use action-game mechanics; it also boasts physics that allow you to interact with the environment. Its character creation screens allow you to build a character intended to be modified as the game progresses. And most importantly, DCUO is the first MMORPG to be launched for both the PlayStation 3 and the PC at the same time. After the break, we've rounded up some of the best articles, videos, and images to bring you up to speed for today's launch of the game. Massively is also dedicating two new features to this particular game. On Saturdays, the Alter-Ego column will cover the ins and outs of this explosive title. Then on Wednesdays, Massively TV will host a video livestream of the adventure of our DCUO superhero. The game is breaking new ground in the genre. Trust us when we say that we want to be there for every minute.
Earthrise server located on US east coast
The folks behind the Earthrise sci-fi sandbox made headlines a couple weeks ago with announcements that the game would launch on February 4th and that players would be grouped together on a single worldwide shard. As it turns out, the server is located on the east coast of the United States, which is a somewhat surprising move given the European pedigree of the game's parent company and the title's Europe-centric retail plans. Masthead Studios community manager Kuliani has compiled a short list of frequently asked questions about the impending release and published it on the game's official forums. In addition to the server location announcement, he confirms that the Earthrise digital download will be available via the game's official website (as opposed to third parties like Steam or D2D) and that new forums will be introduced on launch day.
Get your Kinect launch coverage at Joystiq!
It's less than an hour away until Kinect drops in Times Square, as the motion-sensing peripheral is set to make its debut to a throng of freezing buyers. You know what that means -- our brothers-from-other-mothers at Joystiq are on the scene, chatting with folks that have sat for over two days waiting for the camera-equipped controller. Head on over for the full scoop!
Vindictus launch day roundup
With blood, guts, and gore galore, it's been an interesting ride for Vindictus since we first saw the official reveal in March. From those early days at GDC, on through several batches of screenshots, videos, and even beta keys, people have been clamoring for more on this new free-to-play title from Nexon. Well, for those who never seemed to get a hold of a beta key, today marks the official launch of Vindictus, with its abundance of in-your-face action. While you're waiting for the client to finish downloading and installing, we've gathered up a plethora of previous coverage for you to peruse while you patiently await the program. From the earliest steps to the most recent events, we've been there every step of the way -- and if you missed any of it, you'll find it lovingly tucked behind the break in our Vindictus launch day roundup!
LEGO Universe launch day roundup
Many of us at Massively have been looking forward to the launch of LEGO Universe, and we're pretty sure a lot of you have too. Most of us never really outgrow LEGO bricks, so translating them into an MMO format seems like a recipe for fun. The months leading up to today's launch have been full of opportunities to check out the game -- we took multiple trips into the world of LEGO Universe to check out different areas and report on what we found. In between were interviews, some awards, and an avalanche of images and trailers. Follow along after the jump for the highlights of the past months, from the launch date announcement to the heaps of just-before-launch-day goodies!
