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Altis Gates brings in the Pet Corps
Altis Gates, the upcoming free-to-play title being published by IGG, is setting out to offer up some interesting mechanics for the f2p fans in the house. The game has 2 main classes with 12 subclasses, and offers players the chance to shape-shift into various different forms. To add to that, IGG is bringing in a new patch that will introduce a new type of game play called the Pet Corps to the game. Under the normal Altis Gates system, each player fights with one pet at his or her side. With the introduction of the Pet Corps pet training & battling system, the player will actually send a specially-picked formation of 5 pets into the battle to fight. Each formation calls on different elements to increase stats, while causing penalties -- thereby introducing quite a bit of strategy to each match. While players will not receive experience for these matches, the word is that pets will receive "incredible amounts" -- even if they lose. It makes this a great way for players to train up a number of pets in a shorter period of time, giving them a greater array of powerful pets to pick for regular battles. If you're curious about Altis Gates, we've embedded a video behind the break to show off some of the basic game play for you. IGG also let us know that the open beta for Altis Gates is coming on March 7th, so keep an eye on the official site if this looks like a game you'd enjoy!
Star Trek Online open beta dates announced
According to a press release put out today, Star Trek Online will hold its open beta from January 12th through January 26th. There are some preorder deals that will give you an open beta key, and there are bound to be numerous opportunities to win one at various spots around the net. Star Trek Online is currently in closed beta, which began last month. Champions Online six-month and lifetime subscribers have been told that they'll be in the closed beta before the end of the year, so those folks should get at least a month of beta access before the game hits the retail shelves on February 2nd, 2010. Once the open beta begins, you'll likely see a flood of information and guides about STO since the NDA will have been lifted. This will provide everyone with key information as to the finer details of the gameplay mechanics.
