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Massively's holiday guide to cash shop prices
I've been asked by readers, many times, to put together a comparison of cash-shop prices. I have always avoided the topic for one glaring reason: There is no constant. Sure, I can tell you how much you get for a dollar, but a wonderful mount in one game might not even be recognized as a mount in another! Quality is subjective, so how would I attempt to measure that? Also, if we wanted to compare the hundreds of cash-shop games out there, we would simply not have enough room. Yes, there are hundreds -- with more coming all the time. Let's be really conservative, though. I broke it down into 10 games that Massively readers will probably recognize or care about. Not all Massively readers, granted, but many, I am sure. It would do me no good to compare some tiny, indie game to Lord of the Rings Online, simply because I would be met with the equivalent of a blank stare. Such is the unfortunate state of gaming right now. After I marked up the list of 10, I lost two straightaway because -- while they have a cash shop in the technical sense -- those cash shops aren't something that can be put up against the others, or they have many items that just wouldn't make much sense. For example, I can tell you how much you can get for 10 dollars in Mabinogi and that you can sell some of those items to possibly purchase a house, but then we have to discuss the variable cost of the house, the upkeep -- on and on. I will definitely have to do a much larger list at some point. Anyway, read on, and I will put notes where needed. Let this serve one main purpose: to prove that there is no constant in cash shops and no generalities -- it's all up to the individual to decide on the quality and value of the items.
Updated: On the sixth day of giveaways, Nexon gave to me...
[UPDATE: All winners have been selected and contacted. Congratulations!] On the sixth day of giveaways, Nexon gave to me... six Vindictus packs! On the fifth day of giveaways, Mythic gave to me... five upgrade codes! On the fourth day of giveaways, ChangYou gave to me... four welcome gifts! On the third day of giveaways, Icarus gave to me... three months of gameplay! On the second day of giveaways, Hi-Rez gave to me... two gift packages! On the first day of giveaways, Turbine gave to me... a lifetime VIP! Today's giveaway comes to us courtesy of Nexon. The Vindictus team has prepared quite a holiday party -- complete with snowball fights in stripey underwear. No party is complete without some presents, so for this sixth day of giveaways, we've got gift packages for six lucky readers. Nexon's got another video for the holidays titled "Dance of the Colhen Mercenaries," which you can check out after the cut. We're going to continue with the theme by offering up six Merc Survival Packs. Each pack contains 10 Platinum Tokens, 100 Merc Recovery Potions, 10 Goddess Grace, 5 Goddess Grace (Party), and five 30-AP Capsules. Simply comment to win as always -- the deadline to enter is tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. EST. Today you can tell us what you'll be doing or acquiring first in the Vindictus festivities. Check out our contest rules page, and good luck!
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: Vindictus, zebra stockings and giant spiders
It's not often that we in the Massively offices are just plain stumped, but today Nexon receives that rare badge of distinction. To usher in Vindictus' holiday event, Nexon has put together a 48-second video of pure insanity. It runs the gamut of snowball fights, mostly naked people wearing zebra underwear, giant spiders, pigs and one exhausted-looking Santa Claus. The festivities begin in Vindictus on Wednesday, December 15th and revolve around the battle with Laghodessa, a giant arachnid with a penchant for taking all the presents and drinking all of the egg nog. Nexon has asked the players to speculate about why their characters may have a vendetta against the plus-sized spider and for the players to send in their stories. Once players have defeated Laghodessa, they'll have the opportunity to craft a unique spider cloth armor set. Nexon's also throwing out a number of goodies, including free XP weekends, free boat trips and free potions for the taking. Head on over to Vindictus to read up on the event, or hit the jump and witness the holidays seen through the lens of the insane.
MapleStory's Big Bang update takes a bow
There are updates, and then there are updates. MapleStory's Big Bang patch is most definitely the latter seeing as how it's the largest set of changes in the history of the game. It's so big, in fact, that the roll out is going to happen in three phases. Phase one began yesterday and includes overhauled graphics, a simplified UI, rebalanced skills, a faster leveling curve, and two new shards. "Big Bang is going to completely change the way players enjoy MapleStory. We've been listening to our players and this complete overhaul of the game will implement major changes based on their input, making the game more current and modern, allowing them to experience new adventures in a game they know and love," said Nexon producer Crystin Cox. Check out all the details on the game's official website, and don't forget to watch the trailer after the cut.
Vindictus brings in the King of the Gnolls
Nexon has just what Vindictus players want for the holidays -- more content! Episode 4: King of the Gnolls has just been released to the live servers, and with it comes a variety of additions. This new patch raises the level cap to 44, perfect for players who had already maxed out their characters. Additionally, weaponry has been updated to add three new stats: balance, critical hits, and attack speed. A host of new powers has been added to the Evie, Fiona and Lann archetypes as well, offering new ways to lay the smack down -- but that's not all! Also added in this update are two new high-level dungeons: Prairie Entrance and the Ruins of Sanctity. The Prarie Entrance offers wide-open spaces and challenging trap-filled landscapes, requiring players to employ a bit more strategy than just running in and smacking everything around. Meanwhile, the Ruins of Sanctity is a dark, overgrown area where particularly nasty monsters are lurking around every corner, ready to snack on your face. We've snagged a handful of screenshots from the new areas and added them to the gallery below. For those who prefer their action in video form, check behind the break for some shiny new Vindictus gameplay footage. %Gallery-97587%
Vindictus set to unleash its newest episode in December
What do wolves, toads, arachnids, and swordplay have in common? If you said a new program on Animal Planet produced Jerry Bruckheimer, you guessed wrong. If you said the highly addictive free-to-play MMO Vindictus, you would be right. Nexon just announced a new episode for its action-MMO. In early December, Vindictus players will be introduced to two new dungeons. Prairie Entrance's open field unleashes traps for mercenaries who dare tread on its soil. And the Ruins of Sanctity dungeon introduces the adventurer to an all-new Gnoll clan, some deadly toads, and a multitude of giant spiders. We can't forget the new boss battles: Goliath, Dim Gray, Warchief Black Scar and Giant Spider -- Giant Spider? You do not dare take on these formidable foes without mastering some of the new skills introduced with this episode. If you have mastered all of your current skills look, forward to learning Berserk, Lightning Fury, Large Shield Mastery, and other action-oriented skills. Vindictus continues to bring its fans more action-packed content. Be sure to browse the gallery below and visit Nexon's official website or the Vindictus Facebook page for more information. %Gallery-108033%
Mabinogi to host in-game fundraiser for Starlight Foundation
Nexon America's Mabinogi is known for its bright clothing and extreme customization. It will now be known as charitable as well, thanks to the recent sale of the Starlight Scepter, a silvery wand that puts out a wonderful rainbow effect. During the charity event (scheduled to run for an entire year) 50 percent of the wand's cost -- roughly $4 US -- will be donated directly to the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity that helps seriously ill children and their families. This would be the perfect opportunity to look good and feel good at the same time. Not only that, but if you purchase one of the newly submitted Mabinogi soundtrack songs from iTunes, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the charity. That means that for every 99-cent song, Starlight Children's Foundation will receive 35 cents! The Foundation has been helping children with serious illnesses for more than 25 years. So, the next time someone asks you where you got that killer looking wand, you can tell him how you helped the foundation!
Vindictus launch day roundup
With blood, guts, and gore galore, it's been an interesting ride for Vindictus since we first saw the official reveal in March. From those early days at GDC, on through several batches of screenshots, videos, and even beta keys, people have been clamoring for more on this new free-to-play title from Nexon. Well, for those who never seemed to get a hold of a beta key, today marks the official launch of Vindictus, with its abundance of in-your-face action. While you're waiting for the client to finish downloading and installing, we've gathered up a plethora of previous coverage for you to peruse while you patiently await the program. From the earliest steps to the most recent events, we've been there every step of the way -- and if you missed any of it, you'll find it lovingly tucked behind the break in our Vindictus launch day roundup!
Mabinogi reveals Return of the Hero, 12th generation updates
It's been awhile since we checked in with Nexon's anime-inspired Mabinogi MMORPG. The stalwart free-to-play title is gearing up for its latest "Generation" patch (the game's twelfth), an update called Return of the Hero that's packed with a good bit of new content. In addition to new quests, capture-the-flag events, and fashion shows, the update will feature bonus items for players who have already completed the previous Eleventh Generation content, as well as seasonal celebration events. These events include Halloween-themed quest lines, rare customization options, new pets, and a time-limited opportunity to befriend the Angry Pumpkin (who will then permanently accompany your character throughout the world of Erinn). Head over to the official Mabinogi website for more information. [Update]: Nexon has just released a new video for Return of the Hero. Check it out after the break.
Vindictus open beta off to an early start
Looking to get a head start on some F2P dungeon-crawling, vampire staking, and goblin smashing? It's your lucky night, as Nexon America has let us know that the Vindictus open beta has left the terminal a bit ahead of schedule. The festivities include the game's newly accessible third episode, the aforementioned new mobs, and a new dungeon (Ainle), which you can enter from boat dock three. Inside, you'll encounter a town overrun with fireball-flinging undead and assorted underworld minions, many of which can be picked up and used as thrown weapons thanks to the game's Source Engine physics. In addition to the new content, early access beta players will be able to retain their characters, rank, and loot when Vindictus officially launches later this month. Check out more of our Vindictus coverage, including video of the game's grappling moves, or head over to the official web site for more info.
Vindictus is moving into (fully) open beta in North America
Are you part of the masses eager to get your hands on a Vindictus beta key? Well, we have good news for you! Nexon has let us know today that its highly anticipated free-to-play hack-and-slash action-adventure how-many-hyphens-can-we-get-in-a-sentence game, Vindictus, will be heading to a true open beta status in North America on October 13th. So, sure, you could continue spending time trying to track down a key, or you could simply relax and get ready for the doors to open on the game in a couple of weeks. As part of the opening, Nexon is going to be adding in the dungeon of Ainle, which will offer players new challenges in the form of fireball-throwing vampires and goblins intent on destruction. Nexon has also said that players will have to do everything they can to stop these new invaders, including "hurling the corpses of their defeated enemies at the attacking mobs." Also, players will have a chance to check out the fishing system as a way to enjoy some downtime and potentially land some nifty loot. You know, if you can pry yourself away from hacking everything to bits. If you aren't in the beta, we have a handful of new screenshots for your eyes below. %Gallery-97587%
Vindictus rolls out the next phase of beta testing September 15th
There has been no shortage of player interest in Vindictus, the upcoming action-MMO from Nexon. And it's not hard to see why -- the game been pushing forward some interesting mechanics, on top of beautiful graphics and high-energy gameplay. The first closed beta recently came to a conclusion, but there's good news for hopefuls, as the game is starting the newest round of open beta testing on September 15th. Although the official line is that the beta is open, the development team seems to be using the term in the sense that the game isn't closed off behind an NDA. That being said, all testers from the first round of the Vindictus beta will be granted two codes to offer any friends interested in playing, and Nexon plans to distribute codes to more outlets. With the next wave of testing just under two weeks away, players should keep their eyes open -- and maybe make a few friends with former testers.
Vindictus teases build-a-golem mechanic
Nexon's free-to-play fantasy epic Vindictus continues to turn heads both in the industry and in fan circles. This time, the culprit is a newly released video showcasing the ability to summon and control a golem while playing as the Evie character. Once you've learned the correct skill, you can make use of a summoning gem to create the construct, and the golem's spirit will use nearby environment objects to define its physical form. You heard right: the golem will take on a unique appearance each time it is summoned, though there are restrictions on how often the creature may be called. Currently, Evie can only carry one summoning stone per dungeon instance, and the stone can only be used once, which of course means one golem per dungeon. Check out the video after the cut.
Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on
There is so much to be excited about in the MMORPG world that I am always perplexed when someone claims lack of innovation in the market. I tend to think that this comes from an inability to play more than one game, or to support more than one idea in gaming, rather than from the actual state of the market. The fact is that there is so much happening in the world of gaming, and specifically free-to-play gaming, a player should feel almost overwhelmed. I wanted to point out three games now in development (or very close to release) that I believe will do very well. Think of this as a list of predictions -- in fact I am going to have some fun with it and predict just how well these games will do. I have always enjoyed testing my gut. Concerning these three games, my gut is very, very excited. So, let's get right to the list.
Because every Vindictus warrior needs a wolf hood, we're giving some away!
Do you want to be a true, hardened warrior like Beau Hindman? I mean, look at that man. Look at the battle lust in his eyes. Look at his tense, unruly face and tell me that he's not a man made of solid stone. Tell me that he doesn't look like a man who could hold back the Fomor invasion almost single-handedly and lead his people to the feet of Morrigan herself. Ladies, Mr. Beau Hindman is obviously the man your man could spill blood like. Of course, you wish you could be as war-hardened as this. You want to be the man your man could spill blood like. Unfortunately, however, we can't make you into that man. But what we can do is give you one of Nexon's Vindictus wolf hoods so you can think you're that man. Interested in entering? Follow after the break for your chance to win one of these hoods!
SDCC 2010: Massively interview with Vindictus producer Chris Gyselinck
Among the insanity that is the exhibitor floor of the San Diego Comic-Con was the demo booth of the upcoming, free-to-play action MMORPG from Nexon, Vindictus. Though sandwiched on one side by the Warner Bros' booth (where the stars of True Blood were generating enormous crowds) and on the other by G4's two-story monstrosity (which was blaring live broadcasts from the second floor of the booth), you still couldn't miss the Vindictus staff members wearing their signature red gnoll chief spirit hood. After our hands-on with the game at E3 in June, we were eager to speak to Chris Gyselinck, Assistant Producer for Vindictus about the highly anticipated game. Yes, he was wearing the gnoll spirit hood. No, he wouldn't let me try it. But he did give me the scoop on the game, including upcoming beta plans. Check it out after the jump.
Vindictus shows off the dual-wielding mayhem of Lann
Vindictus has no small number of people looking in its direction with longing, on account of its detailed graphics and action-oriented approach. Potential players might get a chance at previewing the game at San Diego Comic-Con, but everyone will get the chance to take a look at the newest preview video featuring Lann, the dual-blade warrior of the game. Even within the context of the game, Lann is a high-speed character, spinning about and dispensing death with both of his weapons. Starting in light armor, Lann will eventually get access to heavy armor as well as the potential to wield paired spears instead of swords. He specializes in mobility, able to easily sidestep several blows and move quickly to engage an enemy. Even if he doesn't get out of the way, he also possesses skills to counterattack after a knockdown and hit multiple enemies at once. Take a look past the break for the short video, and keep your eyes peeled for more reveals about Vindictus as we approach the promised release late in the year.
Mabinogi rolls out Independence Day events
Get ready to say Happy Birthday America with Mabinogi's 4th of July Fireworks Event. The free-to-play fantasy MMORPG from Nexon is celebrating the holiday weekend with an Independence Day promotion that begins July 1st and runs through July 6th. Players can grab fireworks from general shops in the game, shoot them off as high as possible to win in-game prizes, and check out the special messages that will appear when the fireworks are launched. Also new for the holiday weekend is the Ice Capture the Flag event, in which players attempt to steal watermelons from the opposing team while freezing enemies in place with a special event weapon. Finally, players can also take part in the Premium Treasure Chest event, in which treasure boxes will drop from mobs all over the world of Erinn. Check out the official website for all the details.
Vindictus enters closed beta
Blood, guts, and shiny graphics -- if you've been waiting to see more of Nexon's upcoming gritty MMO, Vindictus, then we've got good news for you. Or, potentially good news if you're quick! According to a message that just recently went out from the Vindictus Facebook page, Nexon is now accepting applicants for the first round of closed beta testing! However, before you charge over to their site, be warned -- this isn't your typical free-to-play closed beta sign-up. Once you've logged into your Nexon account and hit the shiny button to apply, you will actually be taken to a short application form that will ask you not only about your gaming history, but what you're looking forward to in Vindictus, and what you expect to gain from being on the front line of beta testers. If we had to guess, it sounds like they're actually looking for testers as opposed to people who would simply like to use closed beta as an early free trial -- something they seem to be discouraging if that form is any indication. Nonetheless, if you're interested in slaying bugs while slaying monsters, then head on over to the Vindictus site and get signed up for the closed beta before July 19th. From there, you'll have to check back on the 22nd to see if you got in. [Note: We are told that the signups are being restricted to the US & Canada only at this time.] [Thanks, Adam!] [Updated]
Preview: Vindictus
2010 marked Nexon's first appearance ever at an E3, and that says quite a bit about both the company and the free-to-play business model it's adapted for MMO action titles. The South Korean company was showing off three different games at the show: the recently released 2D action MMO Dungeon Fighter Online, an upcoming 3D fantasy MMORPG with a casual bent called Dragon Nest, and this one, Vindictus, an action RPG using a heavily modified version of the Source engine to provide a little physics-based hacking and slashing fun. While the look of these games is very different, they all have the same origin (free-to-play titles with lots of microtransactions, originating in South Korea and translated over to North America for Western audiences), and the same problems. They all have excellent premises and even some good design ideas, but they just don't have the polish, especially when compared to popular Western games, to make the experience shine. %Gallery-95822%
