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Free for All: RaiderZ's Mark Hill talks punching, slashing, and beta
I was first introduced to RaiderZ back at E3 2011. The game has been in testing since then and has apparently grown a lot. I've had some time now to try the beta and chop up some monsters, and I have to say that the action is frantic but the open-world is not something I am used to from action-based MMOs. Mark Hill, Senior Producer for RaiderZ, answered my questions and explained just why we should be excited for this new free-to-play title. I'll let you read his answers, but I'd also ask that you try it out when you can. It really is a nice step forward from other action-based titles, but you can judge that for yourself. And after all, we love non-instanced combat, right?
Why I Play: Mabinogi
How do you define a sandbox MMO? In my opinion, sandbox MMOs are often described in ways that are much more complicated than they deserve. To me, they are simply MMOs that allow players to play how they want by providing systems -- real, game-impacting systems -- that foster unique character growth. These systems can be represented in a lot of different ways, however. You might grow a unique city in an MMORTS or customize an avatar in a social sandbox like Second Life. The general rule is that there are no rules in a sandbox, within the limits of the particular game, of course. Even then, sandbox players can be some of the most stringent rule-makers and followers. Just ask a Darkfall or EVE Online player how to get the most DPS and she'll rattle off a series of rules, essentially providing a class cheat-sheet. In other words, sandboxes are much like their themepark cousins, only with many more choices for character development. The themepark rules might be left out of a sandbox, but the sandbox communities often fill the void with new guidelines. Mabinogi provides so many systems to grow a unique character with that it's ridiculous. I can easily log in and spend an hour just decorating my avatar, crafting goods, exploring new areas, flying around in the hopes of stumbling across trouble, or growing my character by leveling any one of the possible hundreds of skills. However you describe a sandbox, Mabinogi should be one of the first on the list of examples. Let me show you three reasons why.
Nexon CEO says consoles will F2P or die
Never one to mince words, Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim stated that the traditional game console's days are numbered -- if it doesn't adapt to the market. "Console developers are starting to realize that as well, that unless they make accommodations or think about changing their own business model they're going to quickly go the way of the dinosaurs," he said in a GamesIndustry.biz interview. Kim predicts that there will be no way for the console market to grow without free-to-play. His perspective comes from Nexon's research in Korea, which indicates that market developments have shifted players away from the old way of doing things on consoles. He also said that F2P puts the onus on the developers to "earn the business" of players instead of taking their money up front and running. "It's really hard to beat free-to-play as an offering," Kim said. "I know it's tough for [console developers] to just cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to say 'OK, we're going to go free-to-play and make our bed here,' because that's going to piss off a lot of people who they already have an existing business relationship with."
Rise and Shiny: Darkblood Online
If you are a fan of action-based MMOs like Rusty Hearts and Dungeon Fighter Online, then you might want to check out Outspark's new title Darkblood Online. Not only does it hand out the same bang for the buck, but it does so with a unique and flashy style that I haven't seen before. I spent the last week chopping up monsters, shooting demons, and conquering dungeons. I saw some of the weaknesses of the title as well, but overall it possesses an honesty about its intentions that helps to keep the good times rolling. There is definitely a persistent nature to the game. It's an MMORPG, so don't worry. It's not a MOBA or social game with multiplayer elements even though a player could spend much of her time soloing areas. The whole thing is balanced between an arcade grinder and a living world. But I'll try to not get ahead of myself.
Why I Play: Vindictus
I've noticed a curious trend among the Massively staff when it comes to the Why I Play column: The writers here tend to choose games you wouldn't necessarily expect them to choose. MJ Guthrie, who is the wind beneath our Wings Over Atreia, wrote about why she plays the Secret World. Patrick Mackey, our former Champions Online caped crusader and lately our League of Legends legend, wrote about why he plays Global Agenda. Shawn Schuster, our boss-in-chief, wrote about the little MMO that could, WURM Online. Jef Reahard, our stalwart sandbox supporter, wrote about Lord of the Rings Online. And Larry Everett, our Jedi master, wrote about, well, Star Wars The Old Republic, but my point is that the Why I Play column seems to be a place for us to write about the games we play when we're not "gaming." That brings me to my choice for this week: Vindictus. Each week, I express my fondness for RIFT, EverQuest II, and various kid-friendly MMOs, but about a year ago, I began to do an MMO walkabout and sampled a bunch of games, many of which I livestreamed with Massively's Jeremy Stratton. I really enjoyed most of the MMOs we played, but one that stood out for me was Vindictus. There's something about the game that makes it my favorite game away from gaming, and I'll attempt to explain why in this week's Why I Play.
MapleStory lands on Steam with special offers
Free-to-play is the trend of last year; right now, the "in" thing for MMOs is to get a coveted spot in Steam's store. MapleStory has made the move to the cool kids' table, apparently, as Nexon announced that the title is now available through Valve's digital service. While MapleStory is free-to-play through the service, Nexon and Steam are offering two additional package deals for those interested in plunking down a few bucks for in-game goodies. The $9.99 starter pack includes a 30-day stat-boosting pendant, a teleport rock, a pair of megaphones, and a brown kitty pet that has a three-month lifespan. Alternatively, players may elect to buy the $4.99 value pack, which has just the teleport rock and pet. MapleStory recently released its Mutiny update, which overhauled the Pirate and Dual Blade classes and added several new "mini-dungeons." [Source: Nexon press release]
Pets join the battle in new Vindictus video
What's better than forging into battle against demons and dragons in Vindictus? How about forging in with your very own death-dealing pet fighting right by your side? The latest addition to the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG is the Gremlin pet: a ferocious companion that aids in battle and helps loot the spoils afterwards. So what fearsome visage to do these fierce fighters have? Nexon's video reveals Gremlins as furry little floppy-eared bunny/birds (or is it a bird/bunnies?). But don't let the cuteness fool you; they are killers! And every player can have one, regardless of class. Gremlins come in three types, each with its own attitude: Tiny Gremlin, Punk Gremlin, and Armor Gremlin. Check out the new cuddly, kiester-kicking companions in the video after the break. [Source: Nexon press release]
Free for All: The best weather systems in free-to-play
Perhaps someone can explain my obsession with in-game weather systems. I remember interviewing the lead designer for Vanguard: Saga of Heroes a few years ago. I had to stop him and ask for more details about the weather system the game used. He told me it was on a separate server, a pretty fancy program that ran independently of the rest of the game. It sounded as if he was telling me that there were real storms brewing in the game and the system knew when and where they were happening. I was fascinated. How cool it is to imagine in-game clouds forming at one point of the world and slowly moving across the land until the sky begins to rain on your character's head? Sadly, in-game weather seems to be either a low priority or a hard system to tackle. I'm guessing it's a combination of both. So I searched out those few MMOs that feature an impactful weather system. Not coincidentally, they also happen to be some of my favorite MMOs.
Why I Play: Glitch
As I began to write this column, it struck me that there are some people who do not actually want to play Glitch by Tiny Speck. I wanted to change the usual title of this column to "Why, of course I play Glitch!" but then I thought about my editors glaring at me from across an email. I guess I should explain my love for Glitch, the type I normally reserve only for certain wonderful titles like RuneScape, Dark Age of Camelot, Mabinogi, Wurm Online, Ryzom, MilMo, or even World of Warcraft years ago. I apologize, but it's a bit hard to explain something that seems so obvious. Some people probably consider Glitch a game for younger players or for players who are not as serious about their digital lifestyle. Why Glitch would not be taken as seriously while a game like Darkfall or (ironically) World of Warcraft is considered a more serious gaming venture is beyond me. But then, I think all gaming is silly... that's why it's wonderful.
Mabinogi's new bard class highlighted in video
If you thought the only thing missing from the world of Mabinogi was a battle-mandolin-wielding bard, Nexon's news will be music to your ears: The Battle Maestro joined the line-up of available classes in the free-to-play fantasy game. This new bard class supports others with the power of music, using seven new skills to enhance and buff teammates or debuff enemies. The Battle Maestro is live and playable now. You can catch a glimpse of the bard in action in the video after the break. [Source: Nexon America press release]
Nexon showing Shadow Company, unannounced project at Gamescom
Nexon has announced that it will be showcasing two new games at Gamescom next month. First up is Shadow Company from Doobic Game Studios, the company behind Combat Arms (and the PC version of Devil's Third). Shadow Company is slated for 2013, runs on Unreal Engine 3 and, like Combat Arms, is a free-to-play military shooter. It promises "highly intense multiplayer gameplay" including the "Blackmoney" mode, which has four teams of four players going at it. Honestly, it's hard to imagine Doobic topping the innovation of the "nut shot."Nexon will also be showing an unannounced, free-to-play naval RTS game. Check out a gallery of Shadow Company shots below (which doesn't feature any shots below, if you get our drift).%Gallery-161075%
Choose My Adventure: The indie edition
It might be your time up there, but it's my time -- my time -- down here! For this latest edition of Choose My Adventure, I get to hand out a selection of odd little games for you to vote on, and then for the next month and change, I will stumble my way through the title. At your direction and with your help, of course. The trouble is that I have already played darn near everything. I've downloaded and tried so many games that I simply can't remember them all. So, what to do? Well, I decided to give a mix of games a chance at several weeks coverage here on Massively. I picked out an assortment of browser games, independent titles, and lesser-known client-based MMOs. Hopefully you will steer me the right way, and if I am lucky, I won't even have a horrible time. I chose games that I know have a robust community in the hopes that plenty of voters will turn out. The key is to get the word out there, so if you have a favorite, go tell your community! But first, click past the cut and vote on the game you would like to see me tackle for the next several weeks. Just don't expect to see triple-A games on the list!
Kingdoms of Amalur MMO 'wasn't fun,' Take-Two was mystery Reckoning 2 publisher
Despite being "in love" with the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO before its developer filed for bankruptcy, 38 Studios head Curt Schilling worried "the game wasn't fun." Schilling opens up on a variety of subjects in a recent Boston Magazine feature story, saying, "It was my biggest gripe for probably the past eight to 12 months." Even 38's own employees weren't playing it in their free time, apparently.Additionally, Take-Two Interactive – publisher of everything from BioShock to Grand Theft Auto – is fingered as the mysterious publisher vying for rights to a Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sequel. For its part, Take-Two calls Schilling's claim "rumor and speculation." Schilling contends the sequel deal was close to "final sign-off" when Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee's mid-May public statements gave Take-Two cold feet.Finally, in a last minute effort to save his company, Schilling and other executives spoke with an unnamed Chinese investor about potentially working together, as well as South Korean MMO company Nexon. Neither deal panned out, and the company declared bankruptcy this past June.The Boston Magazine piece is quite a thorough examination of the history of 38 Studios, and contextualizes much of the sordid tale we've seen play out over the past eight months. Get a delicious beverage and a comfy seat – it's gonna be a while.
New patch and level-jumping event for Vindictus Europe
Between now and August 1st, Vindictus EU will be holding a jumping event. No, this isn't a late Easter event but a chance for any player to jump a new character straight to level 50. Special armor and weapon sets will be provided to get your new character on the path to glory. Nexon Europe apparently thinks you need even more incentive to skip 50 levels of grinding. Plus, jumped characters will grant their entire party double experience and see a chance for extra evil cores to drop. [Source: Nexon Europe press release]
Valve adds Nexon's Atlantica and Combat Arms to Steam
Nexon wants you to know that it has partnered with Valve to bring a couple of the former's older titles to Steam. The ubiquitous digital download platform now hosts both Atlantica Online and Combat Arms. Atlantica is a turn-based MMORPG set on an alternate-reality earth that features "monsters ripped from history and lore." Combat Arms is a lobby-based first-person shooter known for having the widest selection of weapons in the genre. Both titles are free-to-play and free to download via your Steam client. [Source: Nexon press release]
Dungeon Fighter Live punches up XBLA on July 13
Early last year, we heard that Nexon was bringing its immensely popular free-to-play beat-em-up, Dungeon Fighter Online, to Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade, but the wait's been long and quiet since then. Now, finally, there's a light at the end of the tunnel: The game will arrive on July 13.The full title is Dungeon Fighter Live: Fall of Hendon Myre, and it's a condensed version of the browser game that's claimed over 200 million players worldwide already. There will be three classes, as opposed to eight in the full game, but the XBLA title will have the added benefit of both local multiplayer and even offline play.The game will also include new HD graphics and a new storyline, along with the crazy itemization and combo-driven action gameplay of the original.
Atlantica Online update offers new puppeteer mercenary during festival
July is here, and with it comes heat, BBQs, and Atlantica Online's newest in-game challenge: the Bunraku Festival. Why participate in this summer festival? How about for the chance to recruit the new Puppeteer Rin mercenary? When battling the forces of evil, who wouldn't want to have a puppeteer with a power-saw-wielding puppet on his side? From now until July 26th, players can collect festival scripts just by logging in and also by helping bring an end to evil through a series of quests for Dr. Gon. These scripts can then be turned in for various prizes, including the mercenary. [Source: Nexon press release]
Nexon brings free-to-play offerings to Steam
Nexon America, the North American purveyor of Vindictus, Dungeon Fighter Online, and Combat Arms, is bringing these free-to-play titles to Steam. Vindictus is available on Steam starting today, and the other two games will follow later in the month. The games will be available to Steam players in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Steam's appeal as a platform was increased by the addition of free-to-play support in June of last year. Daniel Kim, CEO of Nexon America, says that using Steam for distribution is about making access to games as easy as possible and that "Valve has been a great global partner to Nexon for many years, and this agreement continues the marriage of Nexon's immersive content with Valve's strong distribution channel and large player community." [Source: Nexon press release]
Vindictus releases Episode 10, now with more dragons
It's double-digits patch time, and you know what that means: dragons, and lots of them. Vindictus has released Episode 10 to the public, giving players a trio of challenging dragons to take down. The ice, earth, and black dragons are all raid bosses for top-tier teams to tackle. The update also includes new metallic inner armor (read: underwear that rusts) and hair styles for the fashionably conscious. Nexon's also included the option for players to pay for a skill reset on most -- but not all -- of the characters in the game. Vindictus is currently hosting a quiz event in the game. Players are encouraged to take on the Strange Traveler and best him in a game of knowledge for select prizes. We've got a video of the new dragon fights in Episode 10 after the jump, so if you can't get enough of them scaly uber-lizards, check it out!
Nexon pays $685 million for 14.7 percent of NCsoft
Nexon is now a minority shareholder in MMO publisher NCsoft, having purchased 3.218 million shares of the company from NCsoft chairman/cofounder Taek Jin Kim to the tune of ₩804.5 billion ($685.43 millon) – 14.7 percent of total stock. This makes Nexon the largest shareholder in NCsoft, according to VentureBeat.The purchase is part of a two-year agreement between the two South Korean game companies, though the specifics of said agreement remain shrouded in mystery. This announcement comes somewhat cooly on the heels of reports that claimed Nexon had designs to take over EA; reports that ended up being far less interesting than originally thought. Update: Nexon has informed us that the deal was a "one-time purchase" and that they "have not made any announcements about any future plans."
