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Choose my Adventure: Goodbye Defiance, hello WildStar
In my final week with Defiance in this Choose my Adventure series, I want to talk about my overall impressions of the game as it stands. First off, I'm sad to say that I didn't reach my goal of a 1000 EGO rating, because seriously, what was I thinking? I am, however, happy to say that I had fun and experienced more of the game than I ever had before. But will I continue to play when it goes free-to-play next week?
Amazon sale discounts Defiance, FFXI, FFXIV, and Warframe
Right now through May 31st, Amazon is throwing a truly massive Digital Game Mayhem sale. For MMO gamers, this means that you can get many titles, upgrades, and point codes for a good discount. Here are a few of the offerings: Defiance 7th Legion [Online Game Code] - $4.99 (50% off) Defiance Arkbreaker [Online Game Code] - $4.99 (50% off) Defiance 4-Pack [Online Game Code] - $14.99 (50% off) Defiance Castithan Charge Pack [Online Game Code] - $4.99 (50% off) Defiance Digital Deluxe Edition [Online Game Code] - $14.99 (50% off) Defiance Digital Deluxe Upgrade [Online Game Code] - $9.99 (50% off) Defiance Gunslinger [Online Game Code] - $4.99 (50% off) Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin [Game Download] - $6.99 (65% off) Final Fantasy XI: Ultimate Collection Seekers Edition [Online Game Code] - $11.99 (60% off) Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn [Game Download] - $14.99 (40% off) Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Collector's Edition [Game Download] - $22.99 (49% off) Warframe Fracture Pack - $29.99 (40% off) Warframe Shatter Pack - $59.99 (40% off) Warframe Splinter Pack - $11.99 (40% off)
SOE adds implants to PlanetSide 2
SOE has added implants to PlanetSide 2, and the firm's latest press release says that implants allow players to "make additional strategic loadout choices to better handle various situations they come across in game." Implants have three tiers, and everyone gets a low-level Tier 1 enhanced targeting unlock for free. Additional implants can be obtained via gameplay drops and progression or purchased in PS2's cash shop. [Source: SOE press release]
Choose My Adventure: Week three in Defiance
In this third week with Trion World's Defiance, our adventure continues with my Irathient Outlaw as she just surpasses the 600 EGO level threshhold. Considering the fact that this is already higher than I got my original main character from launch, you can tell I'm having fun. As voted upon last week, I've been trying out a bit of everything I could get my hands on, from Incursions to Arkfalls and the main storyline to random side quests.
New Defiance crossover missions live this week
Trion has announced the availability of new crossover missions in its Defiance sci-fi shooter this week. The Cradle to Grave storyline "affects the entire Defiance universe," the company says, so if you're a completist you'll want to check it out to see how it relates to SyFy's ongoing television series. The missions focus on Eren, the first Earthling-Votan hybrid who is colloquially known as the hope of Tranquility.
PlanetSide 2 shows off PlayStation 4 graphics
Sony Online Entertainment is gearing PlanetSide 2 players up for the upcoming release on the PlayStation 4 by showing off a couple new screenshots with the PS4 graphics. These teaser images are photos of a screen (probably not the best way to show off new graphics to the internet), but of particular interest to fans is the inclusion of the PlayStation Vita in one of the shots. The strategic placement of the Vita and box hint that it's not accident, but we have no official word yet on the Vita's role in the game -- or a release date for the PS4 version either, for that matter. Check out the two new screenshots included after the cut.
PlanetSide 2 explains new implant system
PlanetSide 2 has loot for the first-time ever in the form of implants. The ins and outs of this brand-new system are explained in-depth in a new dev video. Players begin with an enhanced targeting implant (that tosses up player names and health bars onto the HUD) but can swap those out for more interesting ones, such as implants that protect you from fall damage or that mark players who have shot you. Implants need a charge to function, and players can either earn or pay for chargers to power these. SOE said that it is definitely listening to players for ideas for future implants. Check out the full video after the break and let us know what you think of this system!
The Division delayed to 2015
Remember that rumor where an Ubisoft employee used the word "laughable" to describe the 2014 launch window for The Division? As it turns out, it was pretty much spot on. "As you have noticed, The Division is not included into our full-year guidance," Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said during today's financial call. "It will now be released in calendar 2015. We will provide more information on this highly anticipated new brand at E3."
Choose My Adventure: Starting out again in Defiance
For the month of May, I'll be playing in Trion Worlds' Defiance for this Choose My Adventure column. I played the game a bit at launch and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Since then, the MMOFPS has grown significantly, with five DLC packs added to its stable in only one year as well as another season renewal for the Defiance TV show on Syfy. But does all of this ultimately mean that the game is good? I'm going to take another look at everything while you guide my path a bit. This week, you'll be voting on how I'll spend my EGO points as well as my progression through the story.
SOE announces game-specific player events for SOE Live
Are you headed to SOE Live this summer? We are, even if the game list is a tad shorter than in previous years. And that's why we're excited to see SOE's latest official post about the convention, set to run in Las Vegas, Nevada, this coming August 14th to 17th. The studio has announced special events for several of the games it plans to feature at the event: Plane raids await EverQuest fans. Deck-building games and PvP tournaments lie in store for DC Universe Online players. EverQuest II players will participate in speed instances and a murder mystery quest. Landmark devotees will be treated to a mega-build event and a harvesting-themed dice event. Finally, the studio has planned a squad showdown event for PlanetSide 2 players. Early bird registration for SOE Live ends on Monday.
Heroes & Generals patch is the biggest content update since open beta
Heroes & Generals' latest update is live, and the 'Patton' patch marks the largest set of content additions since the World War II title went into open beta. There are nine new tanks as well as personal vehicle loadouts which provide players with unique sets of upgradeable rides. Reto-Moto has also added entry-level submachine guns and tweaked the game's introductory experience to ease players into its persistent strategic shooter. You can view the full press release as well as a new video after the break. [Source: Reto-Moto press release]
Choose My Adventure: Defiance edition
A funny thing happened last week after I decided to play Trion Worlds' Defiance for this month's Choose My Adventure: Trion announced the game will go full free-to-play! Should I consider this perfect timing to show off the game a bit before the transition? Yes, yes I should. But before I can jump into the game, guns blazing, we have some work to do. Follow along after the cut to vote on how I'll play Defiance throughout the month of May.
SOE compensates players for All Access issues
Acknowledging that the recent switchover to the new All Access program has been "frustrating," SOE announced today that it will be compensating its playerbase for these issues. The studio will be handing out 50 replay badges to DCUO players, adding an additional week to seven-day Landmark closed beta keys, and triggering double XP weekends for Dragon's Prophet, EverQuest, EverQuest II, and PlanetSide 2. "The implementation of this new membership plan across SOE's game portfolio has been one of the most complicated updates to our billing system to date," SOE apologized in a post. "As fellow gamers, we know that this has been frustrating and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this has caused."
Defiance will flip the F2P switch this summer
Trion Worlds has just announced that the PC version of its transmedia-synergistic wonder Defiance will go free-to-play on June 4th of this year, with the PlayStation 3 version to follow around July 15th and the Xbox 360 edition expected to switch over at an unannounced date. The game had been running a free unlimited trial since last December. The studio says that new players will have access to the Bay Area storyline, the original endgame content, and future missions for free. Gamers who pick up a new copy of the game earn 1,000 Arkforge (currency), four character slots, five loadouts, up to 75 Ark Keycodes, and a minimum of 70 inventory slots, as well as a month of "Paradise Patron" status come the F2P conversion. Existing players, fear not; Trion says that "these bonuses are also granted to all existing Defiance box or digital copy owners." Paradise Patron status grants character boosts (to skill, XP, scrip, salvage, and reputation gain rates), store discounts, and grab bags that include lock boxes and more boosts. Trion also hinted that we'll see new crossover storylines "in the coming weeks": The world of Defiance is rocked when the hope of Tranquility, the first Earthling-Votan hybrid on record, lies dying in Eren's emergency facility. As players track down the half-human and half-Irathient crossbreed's medical history, they'll quickly discover other forces are working to cover them up for a dark purpose. [Source: Trion press release]
PAX East 2014: PlanetSide 2's Higby on weekly updates
It's been three months since PlanetSide 2 started updating once every week, if you don't count one update that was pushed back simply because it wasn't quite ready. As creative director Matt Higby put it to me at this year's PAX East, the schedule comes second to making sure that every update is the best it can be. But it's still been quite a ride, and it means that the game has kept up a schedule that's astonishingly fast. More than a year out from launch, Higby has a lot to say about the game's development process as well as the updates it's already undergone. It's not an unmitigated success story, but it's filled with a lot of lessons and improvements. And like any MMO, the game's development is far from finished. In PlanetSide 2's case, it's a complex process that requires supporting new players, veterans, casual gamers, and professional gaming, sometimes in unconventional fashions.
Defiance's fifth DLC to release on April 15
Tax day just got a bit sweeter as Trion announces that Defiance's fifth DLC pack will release on April 15. Arktech Revolution introduces an EGO rating cap increase, new perks, new enemy difficulty tiers, dynamic event scaling, expert co-op maps, and much more. PC and Xbox 360 players can grab the DLC on April 15th, while PlayStation 3 players will only get it that day if they have a PlayStation 3 Season Pass. The DLC will be available in the PlayStation store on April 29th for North American players and April 30th in the European store.
PlanetSide 2 video takes you into the thick of the war
SOE has posted a new episode of its PlanetSide 2 War Correspondent series, this time showing a battle in the Indar and Amerish zones. Presented as a faux news report shot on locale, the video showcases some of the brutal ambushes and sieges that the game has to offer. You can check out the full report after the jump!
Defiance throws an extended anniversary celebration
Today is Defiance's one-year anniversary and Trion is pulling out all of the stops to celebrate... twice. Defiance will host a global boost to XP gain, skill gain, and loot drops from Wednesday, April 2nd, at 3:00 p.m. EST through Thursday, April 3rd, at the same time. The studio acknowledged that some people can't play during the week, so this global boost will be re-activated from Friday, April 4th, at 3:00 p.m. EST and continue through Monday, April 7th, at the same time.
Ex-Red 5 staffers blast Mark Kern's 'destructive' behavior
If you wondered what was going on behind the scenes of Red 5 Studios turbulent past year, then a new exposé on Game Front might illuminate you. Anonymous former employees of the Firefall studio allegedly came forward to spill the beans about mass layoffs, questionable decisions, and ex-CEO Mark Kern's erratic behavior. One person said that Kern's constantly shifting decisions caused severe stress on the team: "Months of work would be thrown out simply because he would change his mind, or he would have another 'revolutionary' idea." Another anonymous ex-staffer said that Kern was worse than that: "When he did get involved in the production of the game itself he was simply destructive. He would swoop in one afternoon and berate a series of features several teams had spent months on, declaring they begin again and LISTEN to what he told them to do. He'd be back in a few days to see if it was done. This crushed morale, and forced people into spontaneous, isolated crunch mode. He would shout and scream his perspectives." [Thanks to Dengar for the tip! Part three of the expose is now live as well.]
Player Studio goes international in Landmark and more this spring
You've already seen a number of the amazing player-designed creations in Landmark; come Spring, you will be able to own some as well! SOE has announced that Player Studio will be live in the sandbox game on or before May 1st, 2014. But the even bigger news is that Player Studio will expand internationally for all the studio's games that support it! Designers in select regions outside the United States will be able to submit items for consideration to be sold to their peers in EverQuest, EverQuest II, and PlanetSide 2 as well as Landmark. Approved items will then be added to the marketplace and the creators will make a real-life profit from each sale. In Landmark, Player Studio is a vehicle by which players will submit templates for various building contests, and winners could see their creations end up in EverQuest Next. [Source: SOE press release]
