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New LEGO Universe trailer highlights building
With the LEGO Universe release date just a few months away, information on the game is coming at a faster pace. We've gotten game news on everything from pets to factions to character creation, and this latest LEGO Universe trailer takes us back to the basics with a look at building. The video illustrates some truly impressive building examples as an enthusiastic character sets out to impress his friends with a huge castle and courtyard, complete with a dragon. If a medieval castle's not quite your thing, try a frontier-style stockade, or even a farm. There is also a bit of battle footage, but the central idea is one that LEGO fans are counting on this game to provide: the ability to build whatever your heart desires. Check it out at the LEGO Universe site.
Dire Wolf Digital is building a Lego Universe trading-card game
Dire Wolf Digital and NetDevil have signed an agreement that will see the creation of a LEGO Universe trading-card game, due in 2011. (The Lego Universe MMO is set to launch on October 26.) What makes this deal interesting is the potential to create products outside of just the TCG. The agreement gives Dire Wolf Digital "a license to produce physical TCG products as well as digital products for PC, Mac and mobile devices." This could portend the TCG will come to digital spaces or it could simply refer to additional products outside of the card game -- as soon as we know something, we'll be sure to pass it along. Head past the break for the full press release.%Gallery-98015%
Lego Universe trailers rebuild our capacity to love
If you feel like dedicating around 10 minutes of your day to media from NetDevil's upcoming MMO Lego Universe, you'll find everything you need here. Check out a ton of screens in the following gallery, or watch videos featuring in-game pets, factions and the "partners" who helped create the game.
First Impressions: LEGO Universe's Gnarled Forest
Yarr matey, are ye lookin' for more information on NetDevil's upcomin' MMO, LEGO Universe, then we've got a treat for you today! In an interesting move, the team at NetDevil has decided to drop the NDA one zone at a time, thereby allowing us to give you some early impressions of the game while it's still in beta. With that said, I must reinforce that due to the game being in beta, some of this may well change. Nonetheless, the story should still hold true -- and it's a story chock full of pirates, monkeys, bananas and other bizarre things you might expect to find in a place called the Gnarled Forest. Before we start, I should perhaps explain a bit about the game's known back-story for those who haven't been watching too closely. The idea is that this dark force known as Maelstrom Energy (that's the weird purple glowy funk you see spread throughout these screenshots) has corrupted certain parts of the LEGO universe, and it's your job to help stop it. In the case of the Gnarled Forest, ships full of pirates touched down on the nearby beach and after adventuring into the forest, found large cracks in the ground that contained glowing purple crystals. Being pirates, they figured the glowing purple crystals were probably valuable gems. So, they greedily stuffed them into their pockets and treasure chests, only to wind up witless, mutated minions of this dark force. Curious? Join me for more on LEGO Universe's Gnarled Forest behind the break, and be sure to check out the screenshots in the gallery below too! %Gallery-97712%
LEGO Universe unveils new gameplay trailers
LEGO Universe looked like a fun MMO from the very start -- who doesn't love LEGO bricks? The screenshots, game details, and interviews increased fan interest, but any MMO gamer worth his or her salt is going to want to see some gameplay. LEGO has obliged us with three new trailer videos: battle, build, and play. The videos are pretty self-explanatory, with the first one detailing the building process which allows you to choose pieces from a menu. The "play" trailer shows fun dancing, jumping, and car-racing action, while the battle trailer provides a bit of hilarity when vanquished foes explode into a little pile of LEGO bricks (that's not new information, but it's never not funny). Check out all three of the new videos at the LEGO Universe site.
Preview: Lego Universe
There's no question at all: Lego Universe is a game built for children. Creative Director Ryan Seabury says the primary audience of the game is ages 8-12, and the interface is very clearly young user-friendly, with big, brightly colored buttons, and easy-to-use UI widgets. The game centers on collecting "imagination," and while there is combat in the game, it's simple and trouble-free, more fun than strategic. But here's the thing: good game design is ageless. And Lego Universe seems like a tidy summation of everything both developer NetDevil has learned about making MMOs, and Lego has learned over 75 years of making classic toys. %Gallery-95663%
E3 2010: Expanding the LEGO Universe
While E3 offers a glimpse into the imaginations of many developers, one game stands out as focusing on the imagination and creativity of the user: LEGO Universe. Where else can your mooing chickens randomly attack each other? In fact, creativity and imagination are the focus of this game, literally (imagination is a stat used to power your abilities!). With the game releasing on October 29th, 2010, we spoke with the guys at NetDevil to get a scoop on some of the unique features to look forward to, including customization, safety, levels of building, and their behavior system. Then Creative Director Ryan Seabury treated to an entertaining demonstration. Build a bridge over the cut for the interview highlights!
Captain's Log: Should Star Trek Online fans fear the competition?
Good afternoon, cadets and admirals. Welcome to this week's edition of Captain's Log, your ever-expanding guide to Star Trek Online. Last time, we discussed some basics of ground combat, and I promised more to come. But I've decided to change course a bit, so we'll cover those next week. Instead, I thought it might be fun to discuss what's on every Earth nerd's mind right now: E3! The Electronic Entertainment Expo has engines on full impulse this week in Los Angeles, and amid all the grand news we don't care about -- I was counting on the 3DS to not be totally awesome so I wouldn't have to replace my DSiXL! Curses! -- the MMO news is flying fast and furious. With all the news and shiny images of forthcoming space-based MMOs, should fans worry that STO's days are numbered?
E3 2010: Hands-on with Jumpgate Evolution
At E3 yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down and play some Jumpgate Evolution. Yes, I said Jumpgate Evolution: the game we've all feared was going away after announcements of its indefinite development. Interestingly enough, this is a game that many of you have shown great interest in. Is the game still alive? Is it playable? When's it releasing? Well, luckily for you, most of those questions were answered at E3. Not only is it playable, I spent probably 30 minutes barrel-rolling and dogfighting my way through a handful of tutorial quests. Is it ready for primetime, though? Follow along after the jump to find out my E3 hands-on impressions of the highly-anticipated space action MMO.
LEGO Universe starts its countdown to launch
Traditionally, October is a time for spooks and ghosts, tricks and treats. This year, however, you can add nexus-infused undead pirates, ninjas, robots, and more, as we just got word today that LEGO Universe will be launching to pre-order "Founders" on October 12th, and to everyone else on October 26th -- just in time for Halloween hijinks. We also have news that the game will be available to both PC and Mac players, thanks to a Cider port for the LEGOmaniac Mac-heads in the house. Along with the update on launch, we've managed to scoop up several new videos that we've tucked behind the break; they run the gamut from cinematic trailer to actual game footage. Furthermore, we've got a gallery chock full of screenshots and bits of concept art from the folks at NetDevil and LEGO for you to check out too. As if that weren't tempting enough, we have an interview coming up with the minds behind this brick-filled MMO later this week, so be on the lookout for that if you're hungry for even more on LEGO Universe. %Gallery-95352%
Jumpgate Evolution reveals playable Octavius faction
Jumpgate Evolution appears to finally be moving forward, as evidenced by the forum post from Lance Robertson, the game's Executive Producer. A new trailer depicting one of three playable factions has surfaced today as well, and our friends at G4TV got the exclusive. The trailer introduces us to the militaristic Octavius faction. They've been around for at least 200 years, overcoming death, disease and the near-end of the faction, rising "from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of empire." The trailer is an interesting look at a fleet of Octavius ships from construction to deployment, ending with the battle cry, "We are Octavius!" Follow along after the jump to take a firsthand look.
Lego and Warner Bros. partner on Lego Universe distribution
In an attempt to further expand its digital Lego empire, Warner Bros. has partnered with the iconic brick manufacturer and NetDevil to act as the retail distributor for their upcoming family-friendly MMO, Lego Universe. According to the press release announcing the partnership, Warner Bros. will be responsible for distributing the game "outside of LEGO channels." We assume they're talking about Lego Stores, and Legoland, and the underground Lego black market which operates in the shady corners of most metropolitan cities.
Executive Producer of Jumpgate Evolution gives information on game's status
After what feels like an endless period of silence from the developers of Jumpgate Evolution, Executive Producer Lance Robertson has delivered a surprisingly detailed forum post on the game's development. So what's going on over there? Why all the silence and delays? Apparently, those delays are due to the extensive overhaul to the entire game: "...the team made the crucial decision to completely overhaul JGE's game systems, while also refocusing specifically on the game play experience we wanted to make: space warfare on a massive scale." Much of the game was removed completely and replaced to fit the team had in mind. And the media blackout? "We couldn't discuss game features, because we were no longer sure what would make it into the game and what wouldn't. We couldn't talk about story, because it was being completely rewritten. There was so much that we wanted to share, but things were just at too early of a stage to discuss without the risk of disappointing you, our community. When we announce something, we ought to be as confident as possible that it will stay in the game – although in game development, there are no guarantees." The full story is an interesting read, as it explains what has been going on with Jumpgate Evolution, and what will be happening from here on out.
Jumpgate Evolution will get you into E3 -- if you can get there
While it's no longer quite the circus that it once was, E3 is still kind of a big deal. Of course, the result is that it's even harder these days to get into the actual convention if you're not part of the press. For those of you who don't get the sheer enjoyment of working bizarre hours and frantically writing up press releases on three hours of sleep, the Jumpgate Evolution team is giving you a pass into the show. If you can get to the location, they'll get you in. The team mentioned that they wanted to run a community meet-and-greet a while ago, and NetDevil has taken care of procuring a few extra passes for the fans. Unfortunately, if you're not already a registered member of the Jumpgate Evolution forums, you're out of luck -- registering now won't make you eligible for the giveaway. If you are registered, however, and you can take care of getting yourself to E3, a simple message might get you into the convention for all three days -- and give you a chance to play this anticipated game. It's a win-win!
Lego Universe pre-orders now available
Somehow -- and we don't know how -- pre-orders for Lego Universe kicked off this past Friday and, again, we don't know how, there's no "special edition" that includes some actual Legos. Some of you Legomaniacs may already know, but boxed copies of the upcoming Lego MMO from Netdevil are now available for pre-order at Lego retail outlets, the online shop, the amusement park (Legoland!) and on LegoUniverse.com. Dropping your 39.99 USD/EUR or 29.99 GBP on a copy will net you not just the game itself on DVD, but also a month of free play (30 days, to be precise), a "story leaflet," and a user guide -- some folks will also get an "exclusive Minifigure" and a code to redeem said Minifigure in-game ("while supplies last"). Though the game has been in closed beta for some time now, the game has yet to receive an official launch date. That said, we have to imagine that Netdevil is building towards that announcement, right? You know, with Legos? Isn't that what they do over there?
LEGO Universe pre-orders coming soon
With the closed beta humming along very well, the team at NetDevil have finally given us a pre-order date for the upcoming family-friendly MMO of awesome, LEGO Universe! For those who want to jump on and get your orders in, you'll be able to do so starting this Friday, May 14th. While there's currently no information on pricing available, we do know it will be on a monthly subscription model. Of course, for LEGO maniacs, this is a no-brainer. Not only will everyone who pre-orders get to launch into this crazy fun MMO first, but they'll also be treated to a special limited-edition LEGO Universe astronaut to display proudly with their LEGO collections (or on their desks). There will also be an in-game code to unlock the accessories to match, so your character can flaunt their super-cool spaceman style. Players who are interested will want to point their browsers at the official LEGO online store on Friday to snap up a copy of the game when they go on sale. We'll let you know if we hear anything more on pricing.
Jumpgate Evolution team plans meet and greet at E3
News about Jumpgate Evolution was scarce for a very long time, but we're finally seeing some hopeful signs. We got a large development update earlier this year, and now it looks like fans are going to get to chat with the NetDevil team in person during E3. There is a new poll on the Jumpgate Evolution forums asking for fan input on a meet and greet time, complete with an option for "I can't go and I hate you" (no, really). If you're going to be in the area, you definitely want to visit the poll and keep up on the scheduling, as the NetDevil crew will make it well worth your time: you'll be spending time with the NetDevil guys, of course, but you'll also get to play the game, see the very latest build, and come away with some swag. So what are you waiting for? Check out the poll and post your preferred time.
Lego Universe beta codes are starting to roll out
It's time to gather up your brightly colored blocks and figure out just what kind of cool things you're planning to build. Why? Because we're getting reports from around the Internets that the first invites for the beta for Lego Universe are starting to roll out to some very lucky gamers! Offering what looks to be tons of fun hearkening back to our childhood (or in some of our cases, our continuing childhood) the Lego Universe beta opened up for sign-ups just a month ago. Prior to that, we saw a pretty awesome pirate zombie trailer and even some pretty slick looking alpha footage. If you haven't signed up for beta as yet, you'd best head over to the Lego Universe site now. (What are you waiting for!) If you already signed up, be sure to check those spam folders -- your invite could be waiting for you already. Meanwhile, we'll be over here, obsessively checking our mail for any sign of some brightly-colored Lego brick love.
A significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress
NetDevil's Scott Brown has emerged from the black depths of development on Jumpgate Evolution to give an update to the commmunity. In fact, he's given quite a substantial -- if not brief -- update about the various game elements being hammered into proper working order. The topics covered are Battlespace, mission structure, faction definition and improvements being made to the previously lackluster enemy AI. So basically, NetDevil has been working to revamp the game ever since its June 2009 release date was changed into a To Be Announced state, leaving fans wondering when they'd be able to get their space fighter action on. We've posted Scott's bullet point update beyond the break, for those interested.
The Daily Grind: How do you feel about 2010's MMOs?
The year is still young and lots of MMOs are on schedule to release before it's over. So far, we've been able to see what Star Trek Online has to offer, but many people continue to look forward to LEGO Universe, All Points Bulletin and Final Fantasy XIV. However, we would like to know how you feel about MMOs this year. Does it seem like a pretty good year or are you thinking perhaps 2011 is going to be the big year for the genre, and why? It certainly seems like this year has already been pretty decent, given that Black Prophecy has a publisher now and we've yet to encounter any saddening shutdowns or cancellations of titles still in development. Plus, the free-to-play market is really starting to come into its own with great news for Dungeons and Dragons Online and a recent-but-remedied Allods Online hiccup. We're taking a positive outlook, but how about you?
