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Star Trek Online previews the new Undine battlezone in Season 9
Star Trek Online captains have been diligently fighting against the Voth in the Dyson Sphere for some time now, but when Season 9 comes out, the Undine will arrive. That means players will have to face off against new challenges, starting with the Undine battlezone. While this region of the sphere was previously under Voth control, the Undine have taken this area for their own, forcing Starfleet, the KDF, and the Romulans to work together in order to drive them out. The Undine Battlezone will be accessible directly from the Ground Combat Zone and the Contested Zone. Players will be tasked with taking control of nine points within the map, followed by assaulting the Undine's planet-killer ships. Success earns Dilithium and Undine Marks, while failure... well, you can imagine what that involves. For more details on access and the point control, check out the full development blog.
World of Tanks lets you roll out national forces in a new game mode
Have you ever rolled around in World of Tanks and thought that it was fun, but what you really wanted was to be rolling your Soviet tank alongside a group of fellow Soviet tanks? Then you'll be happy to know that the game's newest update is letting you do precisely that. A new game mode is being added in which tanks will be grouped up with other tanks from the same nation, allowing you to replicate the feel of British tanks moving into battle against American tanks in World War II! Wait. Something's wrong with that idea. Aside from this new mode, dubbed Confrontation, the update will also add in a new map and revamped "winter" versions of two existing maps, giving players even more battlefields to roll across whilst spreading destruction. You can check out screenshots for the update in the slideshow just below. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
MechWarrior Online discusses the state of the game and the road to launch
MechWarrior Online has already gone into open beta with a functional cash shop, but the game still isn't officially launching until September. So how's the road to launch looking so far? According to creative developer Bryan Ekman, it's going quite well. Despite summer traditionally being one of the slowest times for games like MWO, the community has been strong and growing. The development team is also thrilled that response to the game's first charity drive was immensely positive, with Sarah's 'Mech raising over $40,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society on the first day of release. So what comes next? According to Ekman, the development is currently split into two teams, one focused upon major features and the other on content. A revamped UI and the Community Warfare system are the two biggest elements for the feature team, while a new map, Terra Therma, is set to debut next week. Third-person mode is also in testing for those who prefer to see their multi-ton death machines from the outside. Players would be well-served to look at the full letter for more dispatches about the game's future as September creeps closer.
World of Tanks 8.5 adds new stuff, offers premium features to free players
Not surprisingly, updates in World of Tanks usually feature a tank or two to bolster the already impressive roster of available war machines. With new Soviet and German vehicles, update 8.5 is no different. The unexpected, however, comes in the form of changes to premium services: As of 8.5, non-paying players will be able to access some of the premium features previously only available to those who paid. In addition to three new Soviet light tanks (the small-sized T-60, T-70 and the T-80), a new line of German medium tanks (headed by Tier X Leopard 1), and a fast-firing American SPG joining the battlefield, free players will be able to create three-member platoons and companies as well as purchase all premium consumables with silver credits. On top of these changes, players will also see revamped visuals for the Siegfried Line, South Coast and Malinovka maps as well as a brand new map called Pear River. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Path of Exile update adds new maps, overhauls audio, and improves art
With Path of Exile's open beta well under way, players can expect changes here and there as issues are addressed and bugs are squashed. Yesterday, Grinding Gear Games rolled out a new update that included reworked audio and updated artwork as well as added 11 new types of maps. Full details can be found in the 0.10.1 patch notes. Although not deployed yet, players can also expect other changes in this patch series including minion targeting, high-level mods in items, and improved livestreaming features. Then the next big patch, 0.10.2, will mark the beginning of the open beta content schedule that promises even more core content. For more on Path of Exile, check out Massively's impressions and hands-on experiences. And be sure to watch the action next Sunday, February 17th at 10:00 p.m. EST on Massively TV.
Massively Exclusive: Check out these sweet Blacklight: Retribution screenshots
Blacklight: Retribution is getting its "largest update ever" soon. What better way to whet your appetite than with some tantalizing screenshots of two upcoming maps? Welcome to Safehold and Metro, agents! The Metro map is set underneath the ruined cityscape, bringing players into the old subway system to go mano-a-mano with the enemy. Above ground, the Safehold features an open plaza and its surrounding buildings. Get a taste of the new maps in the gallery below. %Gallery-178151% [Source: Perfect World press release]
Massively Exclusive: Blacklight: Retribution shows off the end of the world, part 1
If you're a fan of Perfect World Entertainment's competitive MMO shooter Blacklight: Retribution, you're in for the end of the world. The game's latest update, World's End, is coming after the end of this week's scheduled maintenance, and it's a big one, complete with new playable characters, new specialized assault robots, and new maps to shoot your way through. Chronos, the new hero, is meant to act as a group's computer specialist, with an innate ability to hack control nodes faster. He comes equipped with an auto-turret and HRV decoy by default, allowing him to place traps or simply defend himself while hacking. These skills will be put to good use in the new maps, Decay and Trench, with the former featuring close-quarter alleyway combat and the latter giving plenty of mid-range sniping spots. Take a look at the official launch trailer just past the update screenshot gallery, and stay tuned this week for more previews leading up to the patch launch! [Source: PWE press release] %Gallery-126205%
World of Tanks' 7.4 update to feature new game modes, maps
Two new game modes are coming to World of Tanks. Encounter battle and assault will both debut with the 7.4 patch, as Wargaming.net looks to up the ante in terms of complicated combat assignments. The patch will also expand the French tank tree as well as add two new maps to the mix. The first map is called Widepark, and it takes place amidst the ruins of a bombed out German town. The second map is called Airfield. It transports players to a Mediterranean location surrounded by temple ruins and rocky hills. The most noteworthy 7.4 changes, though, are the game modes. Encounter battle "invites two sides to fight for one base," according to a Wargaming.net press release. Assault "sets the players in the roles of attackers and defenders where the former have superior combat capabilities," the company says. [Source: Wargaming.net press release]
Star Trek Online's Season 5 content almost ready for prime time
Another day, another Path to F2P dev blog from Star Trek Online. The 24th entry in the series takes the wraps off the game's newest content update, and the Season 5: Call to Arms patch is almost ready to see the light of day on the holodeck server. Season 5 boasts the new Borg invasion of Defera ground combat map, reworked Borg strategic task force maps, new non-combat Federation and Klingon Academy maps, a patrol mission revamp, and more. Gameplay tweaks abound as well, with improvements to duty officers, space skills, and the leveling curve among the changes. Read the full list at the official STO website.
World of Tanks 6.5 patch debuts June 30th
A new retail box isn't the only thing in store for fans of World of Tanks in the near future. Wargaming.net has just issued a press blurb confirming the action MMO's latest patch release for June 30th. Update 6.5 brings two new maps to the battlefront. Redshire takes it inspiration from traditional British settlements, while Arctic Region is the game's first pure winter locale. In addition to the maps, 6.5 also features a new lineup of American destroyer tanks including the famous T95 "super-heavy monster." The patch also introduces two premium light tanks (the American M22 Locust and the Russian T-127) as well as the M46 Patton, which is slated to replace the M26 Pershing. Wargaming.net CEO Victor Kislyi says this tweak is the first step toward a global tech tree revision. "We constantly keep polishing the game balance, and updating World of Tanks to 6.5 is yet another important step in this direction."
World of Tanks trailer shows off two new maps
All's been fairly quiet on the World of Tanks front since the free-to-play World War II action MMO went live last April. Today, Wargaming.net has released a new video heralding the upcoming 0.6.4 game update. The setup is a series of idyllic scenery shots that look to be taken directly from the picturesque landscape of any number of fantasy MMOs. The tranquility doesn't last for long, though, as various tank squads are shown rolling through the countryside and shelling their enemies with abandon. This particular video exists to show off the two new maps coming in the 0.6.4 patch, and despite a relatively short running time (1:30), it does a darn fine job. The Mountain Pass and Prairies regions are vast and rather beautiful -- and a stark contrast to the scarred steel of the player-controlled tanks using the landscape for cover. Check out all the details after break, and be sure to head to the official World of Tanks website to read the 0.6.4 patch notes.
Global Agenda's 1.39 patch is here
Well, technically Global Agenda's latest patch will be here when the servers come back up, which is tentatively scheduled for 5:00 p.m. EST according to Hi-Rez Studio's server status Twitter page. While you're waiting, a run through the extensive patch notes might tide you over. In a nutshell, the update brings four new maps (including Breach and Payload types), new PvP rewards, updates to the /challenge system, tweaks to Dome City, and seasonal flair for the holiday events coming later this month. Don't forget to read up on the new Global Agenda Alienware laptop contest, and also be sure to check out our recent interview with Hi-Rez producer Todd Harris for all the latest info on 1.39 and beyond.
World of Tanks rolls out American armor
The World of Tanks beta just got a bit bigger, as Wargaming.net has released a good-sized update that features tons of new vehicles as well as two additional battlegrounds. The Monastery map boasts both rural and urban landscapes, while Sandy River shows off desert terrain. The patch also introduces American tanks of various classes including light, medium, heavy, and super-heavy units, plus artillery that offers new options for expanded gameplay and tactics. "The tanks that we have in the game at the moment form the backbone of the American armored fleet that will gradually grow bigger and stronger. Such legendary vehicles as the Pershing, M10 Wolverine, and M18 Hellcat are already in development and will join the ranks soon," says Victor Kislyi, Wargaming.net's CEO. Check out the gallery of new armor below as well as a trailer after the break. You can also sign up for beta on the official website. %Gallery-96260%
World of Tanks releases two new maps
Wargaming.net's World of Tanks MMO keeps rolling right along, as the development studio announced the release of two new battle maps earlier today. The World War II-based action title features a plethora of historically accurate tanks for players to collect and control and, thanks to the update, also features the Komarin and Cliff locales. Komarin is a small Eastern European village and Cliff is inspired by the shorelines and rock formations of the infamous Normandy coast. Nick Katselapov, Wargaming.net producer, is excited about the new maps and their tactical gameplay possibiliies. "[These] maps will encourage players to apply even more teamwork and cooperation because they require a totally different tactical approach than any battlefields that World of Tanks has had to offer so far," he said in a press release. If you're wondering where you can get a piece of this heavily armored action, head over to the game's official website and enlist in the closed beta.
MAG releases Interdiction expansion
Zipper Interactive's PS3-exclusive MAG MMOFPS has released a couple of small content updates since its debut last January. This month however, the action title kicks off its first proper expansion pack, titled Interdiction, and is available to download from the Playstation Store for $9.99. The pack adds a new game type, unsurprisingly called Interdiction, three new maps (Iron Cree Quarry, Sovot Motorway, and Lake Bayano Spur), as well as a bevy of smaller gameplay additions. These include new ribbons, medals, and trophies which can be earned both in the new Interdiction mode as well as over the course of your MAG career. "MAG Interdiction is a brand new game mode built for 128 players. In it, two rival attacking factions fight to gain control of three different command posts while using armored convoys for every squad on the map (that's right, 16 APCs onscreen at once)," writes Zipper Senior Community Manager Jeremy Dunham on the official Playstation blog. MAG is also featuring a double XP weekend beginning Friday, June 25th, for players with or without the new expansion.
Atlantica Online adds new content
NDoors Interactive has a brand new content patch for Atlantica Online, and it introduces players to a brand new storyline. The "Call of the Wild" patch will lead players to Coyote's Valley, the home of the Great Bear tribe and the druids that serve as their defenders. The Great Bear tribe has lived in Coyote's Valley for 400 years, enjoying a peaceful existence, but that's about to change: "...a malevolent mastermind plans to unearth the powers buried deep beneath the land to leverage for his own evil gain." Players in groups of up to eight people will fight alongside the Great Bear tribe in an attempt to stave off the invaders. If you are level 100 or above, you will have a little extra help available to you. Raging Wind is a young boy, but one of the druids who harness the power of the land to help defend the tribe. Players at a high enough level can recruit him as a mercenary to join your party. The "Call of the Wild" patch is available now.
Team Fortress 2 DLC details being worked out
As PC gamers have known for some time, Team Fortress 2 has been receiving some significant updates, including more achievements and weapons. For some time it was unknown what sort of release these updates would see on 360, the existence of the achievements hinting that it would see some sort of release. Speaking at EA's Spring Showcase, Doug Lombardi of Valve said that there would be details coming soon on the content and confirmed that it would be seeing release. Apparently the devs were waiting for enough new content to create a DLC "Pack", which is more conducive to the 360's downloadable content structure. Unfortunately, there is no word now as to whether the pack will be free like its PC counter-part. Hopefully the forthcoming info including good news about the DLC's pricing.
New Gears of War update, content on the way
Joystiq has confirmed a scoop from XboxZone.com.au with Mark Rein at Epic that there will be some new things rolled out for Gears of War this week. Namely, two free new maps and a video which can be downloaded via the Xbox Live Marketplace this Wednesday -- which is also being sponsored by the Discovery Channel. Rein also told us that there will be a GoW update rolled out ahead of the new content. Hopefully it'll address some of the glitches that players have been complaining about. Details about the new maps: Raven Down: "A Raven Helicopter has gone down in the middle of a large scale battle with the omnipresent Locust Horde. Gears have taken out the Seeder and gamers join Delta Forces moving into the crash site from all angles to search for survivors." Old Bones: "In an attempt to eradicate any traces of human history and culture, the Locust Horde has emerged under Sera's Capitaline Museums and has begun to destroy them brick by brick. Each gamer's mission is to help the Delta Force recapture the museums before all remnants of humankind's existence are obliterated." Not bad for some free content, especially considering the fact that we've just about run our GoW maps into the ground. It'll be nice to see some fresh locations, and hopefully one day they can drop in some new game types as well.
