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Nexon opens beta for mobile MMO Legion of Heroes
Nexon M, the mobile branch of Nexon Co. Ltd, has announced the release of its mobile MMO Legion of Heroes into beta testing. The beta test is currently available for Android users and will open for iOS mobile devices in the future. Already released in Korea, the fantasy mobile MMO focuses on community, allowing teams of players to unify against an ancient evil. This stage of beta ends at 1 p.m. EDT on June 30th, so be sure to head over to the official site to sign up soon if you're looking for a new mobile MMO. [Source: Nexon press release]
Atlantica Online entering the realm of the Three Kingdoms
If you've never read Romance of the Three Kingdoms or studied a bit of Chinese history, you're missing out on a drama full of intrigue, cleverness, and sweeping battles. Fortunately for players of Atlantica Online, you don't need to know the history to enjoy the upcoming Three Kingdoms update. Slated for release on the 26th of April, the update will contain a variety of new quests and systems along with a new mercenary hero, Guan Yu. The quests will center around the Battle of Red Cliffs, with players getting the chance to rub shoulders with well-known figures such as Cao Cao and Liu Bei. Players can also enjoy the new Expedition Team feature, which allows mercenaries to be dispatched for side objectives while the player focuses on the more pressing battles of the day. Check out some of the concept art in the gallery below, and if you're fond of Atlantica Online, make sure to check out the new update on the 26th. %Gallery-25535%
Rise and Shiny recap: Atlantica Online
Is it possible to be simultaneously annoyed and enchanted by an MMORPG? I think it just might be, now that I've spent several days and hours with Atlantica Online, now published by Nexon. It might not make sense to a lot of you, but the overwhelming and possibly overly complicated UI and systems of gathering basic information ("where's the bank?") filled me with a sense of wonder and even awe. There was so much to learn and see -- or was it just that the poorly designed UI gave me way too much information in too many ways? For example, if I wanted to locate the bank, I would open up an information window, go into a few more selections until I found the city and then the bank, then either try to find my way there or click on auto-walk to get there. Once there, I would have to join the bank then ask why the bank didn't allow me to store items in addition to money. Then I would find out that the only city with item storage is Rome, so then I'd need to open up the information book to find Rome, only to discover that I had no way of getting there until level 20. So then I would need to find an NPC through the book, auto-path to him or her to sell the goods that were taking up way too much room in my inventory, then double-click on the quest so I could double-click and auto-path my way top the NPC who gave me the quest (since the quest's mobs were not linked in the book), then continue on with my quests that would result in my bags becoming full again. Phew. Click past the cut and let me tell you all about it.
Nexon takes Atlantica Online under its wing
Like a kid moving back into his parents' house, Atlantica Online is coming back home to Nexon. Nexon-owned NDoors both developed and operated the turn-based MMO, but Nexon has decided to take over the publishing and servicing duties directly as of March 22nd. While Atlantica Online will continue to run as normal, this move does signify a few changes for the game. Nexon has promised that it will improve gameplay, make the servers run more efficiently, and ensure new content for the playerbase. Atlantica Online will also start using Nexon's NX Cash for in-game currency and will convert current Gcoins into NX Cash at the rate of 100:1,000. Atlantica Online has already removed the stamina system from the game, allowing gamers to play as long as they like without restrictions. The transition between NDoors and Nexon will take the better part of a month to make sure that everything moves over smoothly. Until April 19th, players will be able to use their NDoors accounts to log into the game, after which it will be necessary to make the switch to a Nexon account. By moving early, players will get a grab bag of goodies for their diligence. Atlantica Online has posted a rather extensive FAQ about this transition for all interested parties.
Atlantica Online removes Stamina, allows unlimited play
Nobody likes to be told how to play. Even if you have a good reason to try to limit player activities, players want to have the freedom to play an MMO however they want and whenever they want. It's a lesson that Atlantica Online has taken to heart with its latest mechanical change overhauling the Stamina system. Specifically, the overhaul consists of removing the system in its entirety as of today, allowing players unfettered access to the game's content. Previously, the system was in place to prevent players from taking too many actions during a given period of time, which fatigued characters and locked down further progress. The removal allows players to continue playing for as long as they wish. Atlantica Online's players will no doubt be happy to hear that there's no clock in the background any longer, which is undeniably good unless you needed to be reminded to get up from the computer once in a while.
Atlantica Online rings in the holidays
Christmas has come to Atlantica Online, and with it, a host of changes that are certain to excite both new and veteran players. In the most recent updates, players are enjoying sweeping changes in the game's tactical battle system, the opening of Santa's Villa, and a new dungeon to explore. Small groups of three 125th-level-and-higher players can head into the Ancient Lava Valley area and pit their skills against a host of monsters called the Flame Guardians. The overhauled battle system has opened up more control of battles for players, as well as introducing a solo mode for the Trojan War missions. As if that wasn't enough, players also have the option of adding a stable, which allows them to showcase two mounts of their choosing at their homes for other players to ooh and aah over. In addition to all of the above, Atlantica Online is also holding a 200% bonus experience weekend from December 24th to the 26th, perfect for getting your character caught up over the holidays. Those playing at other times won't be left out, however, as nDoors is running 150% bonus experience weekends in Atlantica Online leading up to the big Christmas event. To top it all off, players who log in Christmas day will be awarded gifts at certain times -- and the next day boasts a huge World PvP competition for those more interested in a festive holiday gankfest. Pop over to the Atlantica Online site to check out the details of their most recent patch and the various ho-ho-holiday events!
Atlantica Online prepping big December patch
Ndoors Interactive is getting ready to unleash a substantial December update for its turn-based Atlantica Online MMO. In a press release Friday, Ndoors let us know that we can expect a brand-new dungeon, new journeys and storylines, and a significant makeover for the game's Tactical Battle System before the end of the year. The facelift includes a larger UI and tweaks to camera angles, message alerts, and indicators, all of which should enable players to more efficiently manage their gameplay. After you've gotten acclimated to the UI changes, the new Ancient Lava Valley dungeon will allow you to join with two buddies in order to take on the fearsome Flame Guardians. The dungeon is timed, so make sure you clear all the monsters quickly to claim your share of the new loot items. Finally, Atlantica will be adding a solo mode to the Trojan War missions as well as new mount stable functionality to its player mansions. Check out all the details at the official website.
Atlantica Online unveils new vampire countess mercenary
Ndoors Interactive recently introduced a new mercenary to Atlantica Online and, just in time for Halloween, the latest addition is a sultry vampire countess named Carmilla. Players can make use of Carmilla's tactical advantages as well as spells that can be used in multiple ways. These include Dark Harmony (a healing spell), Dusk Elegy (which deals AoE damage), and Vampiric Thirst (which deals damage and leeches health). Ndoors has also updated the in-game store to feature an array of Carmilla-centric items including skill books, a coffin, a summoning rose, and a jewel box. Atlantica's newest mercenary is also noteworthy for being fan-created. Symban from the Macedon server was the winner of the Mercenary Madness Contest that resulted in Carmilla's design and inclusion in the live game.
Atlantica Online unveils Sheriff Christine
Atlantica Online has given us a rather appealing bit of information -- a new mercenary is moseying into town tomorrow. And true to form, she's promising to bring some interesting new wrinkles to the gameplay for anyone interested in laying down the law. Sheriff Christine is the latest addition to the game, offering players a variety of abilities to help control the flow of battle and interactions with the enemy party, using stuns and control-like abilities to turn the tide. Among her arsenal of stuns and control abilities is her new Arrest ability, which freezes an enemy unit for two turns. She also brings area damage into play with her Revolver Rush skill, or single-target damage with her self-buffing skill Steady Stance. We've also been given a few exclusive screenshots of Christine in action, so check them out in our small gallery, and keep your eyes open for Christine's full launch in Atlantica Online tomorrow. %Gallery-102377%
Massively takes its turn with Atlantica Online's new patch
As we waited on the conference call for the Atlantica Online developers to start our virtual press tour, a fellow journalist and I chatted about the possibilities of virtual tabletops. I told him about my desire for a real virtual tabletop game, one that would allow players to take turns setting up scenery, adding armies and destroying each other. Little did I know that I was about to see something that would make me feel the same satisfaction as a tabletop does, despite their being different in a few ways. Atlantica Online's new patch will allow players to participate in the new Tactical Battle System -- essentially a turn-based strategy game of moving pairs of soldiers across a map, avoiding and setting traps, and defeating mighty enemies. During most of the interview, I found myself asking questions that were already covered, since I was just having too much fun playing the game to hear our hosts speak. Frankly, I wasn't embarrassed. After all, isn't becoming immersed in strategy the point of a game like Atlantica Online? Read on and I'll tell you the details of what I found, including the scoop on the eagerly awaited housing system.
NDoors summer events offer players over $30,000 in prizes
Fans of Atlantica Online and WonderKing will be paying extra attention to those games in the coming weeks, thanks to a pair of summer contests that offer over $30,000 in cash and prizes. Details on the WonderKing contest are still in the works, but Atlantica Online fans can start competing now. The "Play, Win, Drive" contest gives players the chance to win everything from G Coins to an Alienware gaming laptop to a brand-new Chevy Camaro. Players enter by using master keys, which can be obtained through several methods of gameplay. The event lasts until August 31st or until the final milestone (the Camaro) has been reached, whichever comes first. Check out all the details on the Atlantica Online site, and good luck!
Nexon acquires controlling interest in GameHi
Earlier this month, Nexon acquired NDOORS Interactive, but apparently that's just the beginning of their acquisition spree. The company behind popular free-to-play titles MapleStory and Mabinogi has just acquired GameHi, makers of Dekaron among others. The deal reportedly took place for 73.2 billion won (nearly 60 million dollars in US currency), which looks to be higher than GameHi's overall revenue for 2009 (which was reported at 41.5 billion won). No word yet on how this will affect any services for GameHi's games. Considering the recent NDOORS acquisition, Nexon seems to be taking advantage of their dominant share to buy out several smaller free-to-play developers in both the Korean and American marketplace. All signs point to their acquisitions focusing on developers, which raises the question of whether Nexon is aiming in the direction of overarching companies such as NCsoft, with several owned studios working with the central company. It's food for thought, although the promise of the quick-approaching Vindictus certainly dissuades any notions that Nexon's own developers are sitting idle.
Latest Atlantica Online dev diary details new patch
Atlantica Online's latest developer diary brings welcome news to players: details of the latest major patch. NDOORS have made changes and adjustments to both the PvE and PvP sides of the game, so no matter where your gameplay preference lies, you're sure to find something new that interests you. Many of the changes are small on the surface but will bring some important conveniences to fans. PvP players, for example, don't need to worry about finishing a competition with a full inventory. They'll now receive any items that don't fit in their inventory by mail. PvE players will find some updates to old quests as well as one completely new one. We've included the full Atlantica Online developer diary entry after the jump, so follow along for all the details.
WonderKing unveils new PvP system
NDoors has something new for fans of WonderKing: a brand new PvP system. The existing system has undergone a complete overhaul, and the WonderKing team is anxious for their players to check it out. Some of the revamped features include an in-depth user interface that will show your opponent's statistics, varying maps, a dedicated PvP arena, the ability to set hotkeys for your favorite skills, and brand new mechanics to encourage strategy and quick thinking. Want to check it out? The new PvP system launched yesterday, so all of the new features are up and running for players. What's more, NDoors is making it even more exciting by offering some great real-world participants. An iPad, iPod Touches, NDoors game cards, and many other items are all up for grabs. A PvP guide can be found on the WonderKing site, as can all the details on the contest.
Atlantica Online bringing housing and new mercenary
NDoors is bringing a couple of exciting updates to Atlantica Online, thanks in large part to the game's fans. Last month players had the opportunity to create a new mercenary for the game through the Mercenary Madness contest, and they've announced a winner. Symban from the Macedon server is the player bringing you the newest mercenary, Vampire Countess Camilla: "She floats through the air, draining life from other players to sustain her existence. Camilla looks every bit the part of a Vampire Countess, with jet black hair contrasted against her snow-white skin and blood-stained lips." We'll find out more about Countess Camilla as her release date moves closer. A new mercenary isn't the only thing players are looking forward to, though, because housing is on the way to Atlantica Online. Housing, complete with the ability to hire mercenaries to help out around the house, will come to Korean servers this Thursday. International servers will have to wait a bit longer, but they'll be able to enjoy housing later this year. Keep an eye on Massively for more news on these upcoming additions!
Atlantica Online adds cherry trees, XP boosts
It's time for another weekly update on Ndoors Interactive's Atlantica Online. The free-to-play fantasy MMORPG is celebrating Japan's Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom) festival by making the craftable trees available to players for a limited time. From April 20 to May 18, town owners can craft cherry trees, place them in their towns, and provide a beautiful view for residents and visitors alike. The trees will bear fruit which players can pick once per day by obtaining 100% will and paying 200,000 gold. Half of the gold payment will go directly to the sponsoring town's guild fund. Cherry tree fruit will also give players a 10% XP boost for two hours upon consumption, and the bonus stacks with other XP boosts such as the Blessing License. The cherry trees can only be guild-crafted and require a building craft skill of level 5 or better. You'll need to gather a cherry leaf, stem, and root, then spend 10,000,000 Workload to place the tree in your town.
Get experienced with Massively's new WonderKing giveaway [Updated]
Those generous people at NDOORS are at it once again with a brand new giveaway in their 2D MMO WonderKing. This time, the Level-Up Set Giveaway presents new players with the opportunity to grab one of 1,000 keys we've been given for our readers. These keys grant seven days of in-game EXP Tickets (+20% EXP) and Drop Tickets (+30% drop rate). Limit one key code per person. How can you grab one for yourself? Simply head over to our giveaway page, claim a code at the bottom of the page and follow the directions there. You'll need to be a new WonderKing player with an active account, which can easily be remedied by visiting their main site and signing up. [Update: We contacted NDOORS after comments left on this post and they've now informed us that these codes are only for new players.]
Atlantica adds Empress Himiko, teleportation
Free-to-play fantasy MMORPG maker Ndoors has just announced a new patch for Atlantica Online. The update brings a wide range of new features including a new Mercenary (Himiko), new Mercenary-only fashion accessories, and the ability to trade in unwanted mounts, decor, and clothing in exchange for AT Points. Ndoors has also added the Decoration Book, in addition to the pre-existing Mount and Clothing Books, which will allow players to store their decorations as well as earn further Collection Points. Also, players can now earn new magic skill books by trading their elements to the Jules de Goncourt NPC. Equipment repair has also been streamlined in the new update via changes to the Atlas Ore system. Atlas Ore fragments are now all that is necessary to repair equipment, and they can now be obtained by dismantling full Ores. Finally, the folks at Ndoors have given players a map save location, enabling teleports anywhere on the map. Check out the patch notes for full details.
WonderKing hosting Spring Break events
Sure, while some people's real life Spring Breaks have since passed, that doesn't mean you can't celebrate elsewhere. At least, that's the stance Ndoors Interactive's WonderKing is taking, as the game is holding several in-game Spring Break events now through April 7th. If you're a WonderKing player, the big three events to check out are an Easter Day party, the chance to win fashion items and a big Spring Break-style party. Granted, we expect any of you going in will probably just party most of the time. At least, that's what we'd do... Check out the full, official list of events after the break.
Atlantica Online adds voice chat functionality
Vivox has brought voice communication to yet another MMORPG with today's news that Ndoors Interactive's Atlantica Online now offers the feature to its players. Interestingly, the voice-over-IP service has been made available through the game's official website, as opposed to within the game itself. While there's nothing stopping players from accessing voice chat while in-game, it's still an odd choice. The only thing that really matters is whether or not it works, and given Vivox's fairly extensive experience via games like EVE Online, EverQuest II and Global Agenda there shouldn't be any unacceptable issues for Atlantica Online players. The feature should be available to players now, so long as you're logged into your account when trying to access voice chat.
