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EverQuest displays new screenshots for the Veil of Alaris expansion
In March of 1999, the upstart studio Verant Interactive created a little game called EverQuest. Who knew that 11 years later we would still see growth from the spearhead MMO of the company now called Sony Online Entertainment? Last week at SOE Fan Faire, the developers announced that EverQuest will see its 18th expansion, Veil of Alaris, sometime in November of this year. SOE promises to reveal more about this about this hidden continent of Norrath in the coming months, In a post on the official forums, the community manager reiterated that the level-cap increase and the guild-hall revamp will be added to the game with this expansion. However, the true reason behind the post was to show off the new screenshots from the land of Alaris. Keep in mind that this game is 11 years old when you gaze at these screenshots of the deadly Resplendent Temple, mysterious Windsong Oratory Crypt, and beautiful Rubak Oseka in the gallery below. %Gallery-128419%
Aika Online's Epic II expansion launching in August
gPotato has published a new press release for Aika Online, and the free-to-play fantasy title's largest expansion to date is being prepped for an August launch. Epic II adds a new campaign to Aika alongside new weapons, armor, skills, skins, and a new zone. Players will journey to the island of Traband to battle dozens of new mobs, partake of over 100 new quests, and level their characters from 70 to 75 courtesy of the cap increase. If that's not enough, Epic II boasts a new PvP system that ignores alliances and focuses on tower control by the game's various nations. Aika players will also be treated to an XP bonus for the remainder of June, while July will feature various bonus events designed to bring everyone up to speed for the expansion. More info on these events is forthcoming, and in the meantime you can learn more about Aika at gpotato's official website.
Runes of Magic Chapter IV launches today
Today's a big day for Runes of Magic fans, as Runewaker and Frogster are launching the long-awaited Chapter IV: Lands of Despair update. The patch brings four new explorable regions to the realm of Taborea, new monsters and dungeons, server-wide battlefields, over 300 new quests, and a level cap increase (to 67). In story terms, Chapter IV introduces Demon Sismon, a new baddie who is fond of trailing disease, pestilence, and various forms of yuck in his wake, and players will need to discover his true motives in order to save Taborea and its citizens. The Chapter IV launch also features a new community event. Frogster is running a sightseeing contest and giving players the chance to win prizes including Logitech gaming mice and in-game items. Check out the new Chapter IV trailer after the cut and head to the official website to download the game!
Wasteland Diaries: Sector 4 lives!
To many players of Fallen Earth, the expression "when hell freezes over" has been supplanted by "when Sector 4 is released." At launch, the sector was supposedly largely completed, and it was expected to be released shortly thereafter. After a year had passed and we were still waiting to see it, many players started to believe that it didn't even exist. Well, I am here to tell you that not only does it exist, but I spent a few hours roaming around on the other side of the big wall. Aside from some nice pictures, I got a little bit of insight on what we might expect to see in Alpha County, which will be the first installment in the fourth sector. It's been quite some time since Fallen Earth's opening day, and we have been waiting quite some time for the new sector. But the team at Fallen Earth, LLC has given us a few things to tide us over: Deadfall and Terminal Woods, which combined have as much content as a full sector. So it's not like we've been stuck in Sector 3 for over a year and a half; the devs have given us some new stuff and made some fundamental changes to the game (some good and some bad, but mostly good). The first bit of S4 we will see was released on the public test server (PTS) earlier this week, so I took the opportunity to do some exploring for you (actually my motivations were entirely selfish). After the cut, I'll tell you a little bit about what I saw (slight spoiler alert!).
gPotato releases Tears of Arcana update for Iris Online
gPotato has announced the official release of its latest update for Iris Online. The Tears of Arcana patch went live today and brought with it plenty of new content for fans of the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG. In addition to a level cap increase (65) and a new elite monster zone, today's patch features a revamped hard mode for the Wood Garden instance. The new difficulty level rewards unique items (and epics) and represents a significant step up the challenge ladder. Iris Online also features a new accessory imprinting system that allows for customization via stat additions and a nifty item forging mechanic that upgrades weapons, mounts, and armor (and turns your unused items into epics). Finally, Terminus boasts a new armor exchange NPC which gives players the opportunity to temper their equipment for free. You can learn more about the Tears of Arcana update, as well as download Iris Online, at the game's official website.
Mythos raises open beta level cap, adds Umbral Peaks region
April 28th marks release day for Mythos, the long-in-development mythology-inspired hack-and-slash MMO. As a prelude, HanbitSoft and Frogster have released a massive patch to the game's current open beta client that, among other things, raises the level cap to 50 and introduces a new explorable region called the Umbral Peaks. Dungeon play has also been optimized for groups according to a Frogster press release, and the client has received a "comprehensive localization update." Finally, lots of new guild-centric features have made it into the current build, chief among them a guild message board, storage safe, and a guild ranking system. You can download the open beta client for free -- and learn more about the game -- at the official Mythos website.
GamesCampus announces Legend of Edda Chapter 2: Return of the God
Hey Legend of Edda fans, are you ready for new maps, new dungeons, new skills, and upgraded third job classes? Hopefully you are, because GamesCampus is giving you all that and more on April 27th. Legend of Edda's Chapter 2: Return of the God update is right around the corner, and GamesCampus is upping the ante in terms of features and content. Upon reaching level 40, players will be able to select a third job class from a list that includes Templars, Champions, Shadow Runners, Scouts, Bishops, and Necromancers. Speaking of levels, we've learned that the cap is being raised from 40 to 54, and new skills are available as a result. In fact, a new guild skill system allows for experience and drop-rate boosts for all members. Legend of Edda's world is expanding as well, with four new open-world maps and three new dungeon instances arriving on patch day. Finally, GamesCampus is tweaking several under-the-hood features including the addition of camera rotation functionality, custom keymapping, a mail system, and various itemization adjustments. You can learn more about Legend of Edda at its official website.
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]
Exclusive: Mythos Europe reveals details on new content and early beta access
Last month we told you all about the upcoming open beta, level cap raise, and new content for Mythos Europe. Umbral Peaks, the third region to come to the game, sounded great, but there was a small disclaimer: You have to wait until April 12th for open beta. Well, it turns out that's not technically true. You have to wait until April 12th if you aren't a Massively reader. Yes, you're being rewarded for your excellent taste with 24 hours of exclusive early access, beginning today. If you didn't get a closed beta key in one of our previous giveaways, this is your chance to participate anyway! All you have to do is use this link for access. The event begins today at 1:00 p.m. EDT (sorry, the link won't get you in until then) and lasts for 24 hours. When the event ends tomorrow at 1:00, you won't be kicked from the servers; you simply won't be able to log back in once you log out. This setup will allow you to finish whatever you're in the middle of without racing the clock. You've got a few hours before the event begins, but don't worry -- we've got a few things to help you pass the time. You'll of course want to create a Mythos Europe account if you haven't done so, and then follow along below, because we've got all the dirt on Umbral Peaks: screenshots and an overview of the new zone. Check them out, and have fun with your early look at Mythos Europe! %Gallery-10781%
Zentia dishes on virtual romance and expansions
It looks like ChangYou, publishers of Massively favorite Zentia, has been keeping itself really busy lately. Besides its recent opening of a PvE server, the company has now released a major expansion for the game. What's inside the rollout? A lot. You can marry your in-game sweetheart thanks to the new marriage system, adventure up to the new level cap, explore new areas and dungeons, check out the new discipline system, tame and collect new mounts and pets, sell your items to other players for tokens, and much more. Of course, you could go to the official site and just read the patch notes, but we can do you one better. We thought the expansion marked the perfect time to sit down with Susan Revelt, the game's producer. She was gracious enough to take some time out between napping at her desk, drinking gallons of coffee, and shooting Nerf Guns at her wily community manager to answer our questions. Click past the cut and enjoy the interview and trailer!
Zentia pushes patch 1.2 live
If you've been looking forward to the big expansion patch for Zentia, you're in luck. The patch has recently gone live, giving players a chance to enjoy a plethora of content -- including the marriage system, a rather apropos addition that allows players to have both a ceremony and a reception to commemorate the happiest in-game day of their characters' lives. And if you're not quite feeling in the spirit of Valentine's Day, the newly increased level cap should still offer you plenty to work toward. East Island, a level 70-80 zone, has also been added to the game, complete with mounts and pets to locate. There's also a new Discipline system in place to allow players to focus on new class-based combat skills, helping to distinguish characters and focus specialization. Between that and a variety of new items (including some additions to the cash shop, as could be expected), Zentia players have more ways than ever to enhance a character and plenty of new content to enjoy.
Vindictus spreads the love with new update and holiday
Whether you're in the mood for hard combat or soft, silky underwear, Vindictus has you covered, strangely enough. Nexon's free-to-play title is charging through February in style, starting with a Valentine's Day event and ending with its massive Lost Artifacts update. Quirky events have quickly become one of Vindictus' staples. Right now players can participate in V-Day events for special rewards. If fishing and chocolate hunting isn't your bag, you can simply purchase a Valentine's Package at the Supply Depot for "sexy Valentine's themed Inner Armor." Cute undies, in other words. Valentine's events will end after the 15th, so players are encouraged to partake sooner rather than regret it later. On the 16th, Nexon rolls out the Lost Artifact update, which includes an increase in level cap to 60, six bonus chapters, and the Hoarfrost Depths and Hilder Forest zones. Lost Artifact also features two new modes, Hero and Gauntlet, for those seeking a more challenging dungeon experience. You can check out pictures from these events as well as the Lost Artifact trailer after the jump.
Archlord reveals 2011 update plans
2011 is shaping up to be a busy year for Archlord, the free-to-play PvP-centric MMO from Webzen. In a press release earlier today, the company announced plans for various updates over the course of the year including a level cap increase, new battlefields, and tweaks to the game's racial balancing. A new title system is also on the way, as well as a new map for high-level characters (both in the first half of the year). For the second half, Webzen is aiming for new boss monsters and a new Battle Square called the 3rd Challenge where players are pitted against one another with a chance to obtain rare items. Archlord launched in 2006 in Europe and North America and features a unique crafting system as well as the ability for players to become the Archlord, a singular (and incredibly powerful) ruler who reigns over the server in four-week intervals. Learn more at the official site and check out our new gallery below. %Gallery-114527%
Next RIFT beta event begins January 25th
The dust is still settling from last week's "Warfronts" beta event, but Trion Worlds is already gearing up for the next RIFT-related shindig. The latest round of testing will commence on Tuesday, January 25th at 10:00 a.m. PST, with a wrap date of Friday, January 28th (also at 10:00 a.m. PST). For those keeping score, this marks the fifth RIFT beta preview to date, and the new event (titled "Battle of the Ascended") brings several additional features to the world of Telara. Among them will be a raised level cap (30), the Scarlet Gorge zone, and a new dungeon called Foul Cascade. Trion is also trumpeting the fact that beta players logged over a million hours of playtime during last week's "Warfronts" event, and today's press release also mentions that the Codex PvP warfronts will continue to be available in the next round.
Aika Online's Last Bastion expansion now live
The world of Aika Online just got a bit bigger, as Gala-Net and gPotato have announced that the game's second expansion is now live. The update, titled The Last Bastion, increases the level cap from 60 to 70 and allows players to explore the creature-covered swamplands of Termiz. The Last Bastion also features over 100 new quests through which players will uncover the story of Termiz and assist in preventing the Dark Legion from further damaging the region. Aika boasts six player classes, five nations fighting for territorial control via castle sieges, relic thefts, and custom battlegrounds, as well as considerable PvE options. You can learn more about the game, and the new expansion, at the official website. Also be sure and have a look through our expansion screenshot gallery below. %Gallery-108758%
Flyff's Rise of the Muran expansion now live, complete with catgirls, achievements and more
When it comes to the free-to-play business model, US-based early-adopter Gala-Net has certainly raised a few eyebrows with its light-hearted fantasy MMO Flyff. Also known as Fly For Fun, Flyff has now had its doors open for several years and is showing no signs of slowing down. The game's latest expansion, Rise of the Muran has just gone live, bringing players a whole array of new content and gameplay just in time for Christmas. The expansion raises the game's level cap to 139 and includes a new third job evolution system, introducing eight new classes to the game. Players can now take on the roles of Templar, Slayer, Harlequin, Crackshooter, Force Master, Seraph, Mentalist, and Arcanist. Also included for players is a new guild housing system, in which high-level guilds can bid on huge shared buildings. As if that wasn't enough, Rise of the Muran opens a new area of the game for exploration -- the lost region of Kaillun. It's here in the safe city of Eillun that a new race of friendly cat-like creatures known as the Muran live. With all the new content to explore, new classes to try out and a brand new achievement system coming in, there's sure to be a lot for Flyff fans to do while wrapped up warmly in their houses this winter.
Wizard101 gears up for a big month of events and expansions
What does Spooky Bob, Selena Gomez and a deep sea kingdom have in common? They're all part of the big October lineup as detailed in the latest Wizard101 newsletter. We also would have accepted "They all have a fondness for backgammon" as well. Celestia, Wizard101's new underwater expansion, is slated for release later this month. Not only will it be the MMO's biggest world yet, but the expansion offers a increase in the level cap from 50 to 60, new spells and amazing vistas. Players can get a sneak peek at this world right now by going through the Selena Gomez questline. October also sports Wizard101's take on Halloween, appropriately titled "Hallowe'en." The apostrophe makes a difference, yes sirree Bob! Speaking of Bob, Spooky Bob is the ringleader for this holiday event, and he'll be selling special items during this period for crowns (Wizard101's microtransaction currency). Also, if players haven't finished the unique quest from last year to explore a scary tower that pops up in Ravenwood, then Jack Hallow will be more than happy to send you to your doom. Er, on your way! On your way! You can read the full October newsletter over at Wizard101.
Atlantis surfaces in Bounty Bay Online
Long ago thought lost, the lands of Atlantis have resurfaced in Frogster Interactive's Bounty Bay Online! The new area offers two new islands for players to check out: Bimini and the Northern Islands. The free expansion also offers a wealth of new content for players at endgame, as well as some modifications to systems that will make the game more enjoyable overall. To top it all off, all Bounty Bay Online players of all levels will get twice the experience all weekend long to celebrate! Players will find a new level cap of 150, crafting improvements, tricky treasure map puzzles, an all-new achievement system, quests, and several new dungeons among the numerous additions. In short, this new update is absolutely bountiful! If you'd like more details or to sign up for some historical(esque) MMO free-to-play fun, head on over to the Bounty Bay Online site!
New Final Fantasy XI weaponskill trailer released
Prior to the June version update for Final Fantasy XI, Square-Enix helpfully gave players a trailer showing off all of the exciting new weaponskills that could be used with the increased level cap. The September version update will raise the cap once again, and to carry on in the tradition a new trailer has been released showing off the newest batch of skills that players may unleash. Once again, there are a variety of techniques on display for every weapon, complete with the requisite ornate visual effects. Aside from the obvious fact that your sword-wielding characters may now impersonate Zorro, several of the skills feature even more elaborate particle effects than normal, including the complicated crosshair brought into play on the new gun skill. Take a look past the break to see the trailer in all its goodness, and keep your eyes peeled for further previews as Final Fantasy XI approaches its next major milestone.
Runes of Magic Chapter III adds marriage, raises level cap
Frogster and Runewaker Entertainment have announced that Runes of Magic is adding even more content to its recent Chapter III publish, in the form of tomorrow's 3.0.3 update. The patch boasts an entirely new zone, the Northern Janost Forest, which also adds over 100 new quests to the free-to-play fantasy title. In addition to the new high-level content, the player level cap is being raised to 60. The patch is also introducing a new relationship system whereby players can bind themselves as lovers, friends, or as a master and an apprentice. Each pairing grants buffs to players when grouped with their significant others, and marriage is also possible via a wedding ring and a special chapel in the city of Varanas. Finally, Frogster is implementing a new beginner pet to ease the newbie transition into the world of Taborea. The pet manifests itself in the form of a pixie and grants buffs and heals in addition to providing gameplay hints.
