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Villagers and Heroes' latest update introduces subscriptions
Indie sandbox Villagers and Heroes' latest patch, Sands of the Equinox, landed last week. Of note, the patch adds a new all-level zone called the Oases of Anuk'Amon, where players can fight new bosses, collect new gear, and gather craft components. To address player complaints about the combat system, Mad Otter added a new optional dodging mechanic. And here's something you don't see a lot of indie F2P games doing well past their launch: With this update, Mad Otter implemented an optional subscription plan. Ardent Society Memberships, as the subscriptions are called, boost experience gained from most activities, grant unlimited travel hops and bonus consumables, eliminate house rent, and create extra shared storage. A month-to-month sub is $7.95. Massively last explored Villagers and Heroes in the wake of its April 2014 update and Steam launch.
A Mystical Land changes name to Villagers & Heroes, adds content
Remember A Mystical Land? Well, forget about it, at least under that name. Mad Otter and Neonga have sent out a press release announcing that the title is now called Villagers & Heroes in an effort to "better match the content and focus of the game." The name change isn't the only change, either, as gameplay has been upgraded by the addition of player-created custom gear, new realms to explore, and new epic bosses. Animal ranching is a thing now, too, so you can raise sheep, chicken, and pigs alongside those crops in your backyard. Additional improvements are planned for future updates, and Villagers & Heroes is also seeking your approval on Steam's Greenlight service. [Source: Neonga press release]
DragonSoul eyes early 2012 release, reveals Bard class
Free-to-play MMO betas often drag out for months on end. Not so with DragonSoul's testing phase, which began in early December and is scheduled to culminate in an official launch at "the beginning of 2012." Neonga AG says that launch day will also herald the arrival of a new class -- the Bard -- as well as more pets and mounts to go along with the 300 already in the beta build. The Bard is a support class that "prefers fighting in the second row," according to Neonga, and it offers an alternative playstyle that meshes well with the Warrior, Assassin, Mage, and Hunter classes. DragonSoul is a PvP-focused fantasy MMO, and you can sign up for the open beta (and download the free client) at the game's official website. [Source: Neonga AG press release]
DragonSoul enters open beta
We haven't heard much from Neonga AG regarding its upcoming Asian-themed MMO, DragonSoul, since the beginning of the month. Well, apparently the team has been hard at work, because the title entered open beta today. So if you want to experience the game's much-boasted political system, or if you just want to kill some mobs, make some friends, and do some quests, just head on over to the game's official site to get started. There won't be any character wipes between now and launch, so if you want a leg up on the competition, this is your chance. [Source: Neonga AG press release]
DragonSoul pries a website and trailer out of its opponent's cold, dead hands
We're often asked here on Massively about what makes one start-up F2P MMO different from the others. What's the "hook," so to speak? Well, with DragonSoul the hook is easy to identify because the hook is dripping with blood and gore. It's a tad adult-oriented, let's just say. This PvP MMO with political underpinnings has reached two milestones today. Neonga AG has opened the official DragonSoul website and released the first trailer for the game (which features plenty of white blood splatter). There's plenty of information about the game that's posted on the site, including several (but not all) of the classes, screenshots, game systems, and community networking. There's even a place for you to register for the upcoming beta program. You can watch the SFW trailer after the jump and get a feel for what might make DragonSoul stand out from the crowd.
Rise and Shiny recap: A Mystical Land
Over this last week I took a deeper look at the browser-based fantasy MMO A Mystical Land. This one even made it to my list of four games I am dying to play in 2011. Well, it has finally arrived, so I thought it would be a good time to tell you what I think about it. I spent the last week running through different areas, dying, crafting, exploring and generally having a pretty good time. Of course, the game is not without its issues. I wanted the game to be perfect, but then knew there was no way for it live up to my expectations. It's not as though it let me down, though, and the main flaws it has can be easily fixed or tweaked. Click past the cut and I'll tell you all about it! Check out my recorded Livestream of the game as well.
New F2P fantasy MMO DragonSoul announced
While many of you are no doubt playing a certain dragon-themed BioWare title that hit American shores today, the MMORPG world is being graced with a new dragon-centric title of its own in the form of Neonga AG's just-announced DragonSoul. DragonSoul is a free-to-play fantasy title sporting a political system that is "a main feature of the game" according to a Neonga press release. Players can choose to side with one of eight unique kingdoms, cast votes to determine a ruler, and take the field of battle in said ruler's name. DragonSoul isn't entirely about PvP, though, as the title also boasts various non-combat activities including "the cultivation of crops, the mining of resources, the upbringing of pets, and a versatile crafting and upgrade system." Interested players may register for the closed beta test at the game's official website and prepare for DragonSoul's open beta which is currently schedule for the second quarter of 2011.
