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Exclusive interview: Exploring the Forsaken World
Perfect World Entertainment is no slouch when it comes to big games. After all, they have Perfect World, Ether Saga Online, Jade Dynasty, Battle of the Immortals and more under their belt. It seems as though they have decided to one-up themselves, though, with their recent development on Forsaken World -- so named because it is practically the opposite of Perfect World. Forsaken World promises to be more stylistically blended and to be a little darker, as well. Most of the 3500 (yes, that's 35 hundred) Perfect World International developers have been working on the project over the last three years. Previous PWI games took closer to a year to release -- so that might give you some idea of the scale of the game. We've been handing out some nice chunks of information lately, but when I sat down with Jonathan Belliss, Director of Marketing, I found out there was a lot more to come.
Forsaken World unveils new Bard class
Ready for another Forsaken World class spotlight? If not, well, too bad! Perfect World Entertainment has just released a new blog entry highlighting the Bard, which the developer describes as one of the more complex archetypes for its upcoming free-to-play fantasy MMORPG. With phase one of the game's closed beta coming next week, you've got just enough time to wrap your head around the Bard's eccentricities before testing them out for yourself. The class looks to be a hybrid DPS/buffer spec, as, according to the blog, Bards "have the ability to both increase everyone's combat and defensive abilities as well as drop massive twisting cyclones of music notes that shred enemy targets." Sound interesting? Head on over to the official website for more details, and don't forget to sign up for the beta while you're there.
New Heroes of Three Kingdoms trailer introduces Miao race
Heroes of Three Kingdoms, a new free-to-play MMORPG based on the lore and legends of ancient China, is on display in the latest game trailer from Perfect World Entertainment. The video shows off the game's sumptuous visuals, not to mention a sizable helping of its 18 classes (including the ever-intriguing Ringblade). Also of note is the introduction of a new race, the Miao, nomadic barbarian warriors who live off the land in the southwestern reaches of the Yizhou province. The trailer is also heavy on in-game combat footage, showing a number of classes in action across varying locales, as well as what looks to be cinematics centering on the Battle of Redcliff. You can view the trailer after the jump, and don't forget to sign up for beta on the game's official website.
Forsaken World details protector class
Hot on the stiletto heels of their assassin and vampire spotlights, Perfect World Entertainment brings us a brand new Forsaken World class preview focusing on the protector. According to the game's official blog, protectors are "nine feet tall, carry hammers the size of people, and are regularly seen carrying dwarves on their shoulders." Dwarf-tossing references and subtlety-related snarkiness aside, the protectors serve as Forsaken World's tanking class, complete with the usual amenities such as aggro-building taunts and very large pieces of armor. Protectors also make use of a special ability called fury, which gradually charges up over the course of a fight. Theoretically, protectors grow stronger and more dangerous the longer the fight continues. To learn more about the protector class, head over to the class preview at the official Forsaken World blog.
Forsaken World's assassin slices and dices
"By the time you see one," Perfect World Entertainment promises, "it's already too late." Of course when you do see one of Forsaken World's assassins, your last thought may be, "Where are all your clothes, girl?" The assassin is the focus of Forsaken World's latest class spotlight, and if you're thinking "rogue" right now, you're not too far off the mark. This class, playable only by Human and Kindred characters, certainly seems to embody many of the typical qualities of a MMO rogue, from dual-wielding to stealth attacks to working off a combo points system. However, they do get a few interesting abilities, such as being able to run down fleeing opponents with as much mercy as you might expect from an assassin. The class spotlight also lists a few of the assassin's skills-in-progress, which include a brief increase to run speed, the ability to enter and remain in stealth even while in combat, and transferring a slow effect from yourself to your enemy. You can read the full rundown over at Forsaken World.
Forsaken World readies first closed beta test
Perfect World Entertainment, the prolific publisher behind free-to-play games such as Battle of the Immortals, Jade Dynasty, and Perfect World International, is adding another title to its all-star roster in the form of Forsaken World. Formally known as Project EM, Forsaken World is ready for its first closed beta phase and, thanks to a limited number of keys available on the official website, you are invited. The testing is currently scheduled to begin on October 27th. The title makes use of Perfect World's proprietary Angelica graphics platform, and focuses on empire-building and expansion as one of five unique races. Eight classes are available, with an unusual vampire option added to the usual fantasy suspects such as warrior, assassin, and priest. You can grab a beta key and find out more information from the official Forsaken World website. Also, don't forget to browse the human assassin screenshot gallery below. %Gallery-102381%
Battle of the Immortals launches an expansion teaser
There's something to be said for verisimilitude. Despite the fact that we've all accepted limitations in just how much a game can model at any given time, it's nice to be able to break things when you unleash whatever horrible ultimate spell your character of choice is packing. Battle of the Immortals recognizes this, and that's why one of the big features in their new teaser trailer is the addition of destructible environments to the game. While the game's first major expansion update is ramping up for release, this trailer is for an addition not slated for arrival until spring of 2011. It's a bit of a wait, but the trailer already looks detailed and interesting, promising several graphical and environmental upgrades for the game. Take a look past the cut for the full trailer, and keep your eyes peeled for more news on the updates for Battle of the Immortals, as they seem to be coming fast and furious.
Light up your day with the first Torchlight 2 trailer
The first trailer for Torchlight 2 doesn't dance around the issue: The original Torchlight should have had multiplayer. As such, be prepared to be bombarded by the fact that Torchlight 2 does have multiplayer, and that it appears to be a (magical) blast. Basically, the trailer makes 2011 seem really far away. %Gallery-99869%
First expansion coming to Battle of the Immortals
Perfect World Entertainment is enjoying the continuing success of Battle of the Immortals, and the development team is ready to give fans more to explore. The game's first expansion is coming, and even though there's no date announced yet, PWE promises "more and more details" in the next few weeks. Our first peek is of the new Mount Olympus high-level map. It will bring new monsters and bosses as well as a welcome update for players: coin drops. One of the strengths of BoI is that the dev team is willing to listen and respond to player concerns and complaints, and the lack of coin drops from mobs was definitely a concern. As a result of that feedback, mobs in the Mount Olympus zone will drop coins in addition to regular loot. All of the current preview details can be seen on the Battle of the Immortals site.
Jade Dynasty expands with a Vengeance
Sadly, there's no Bruce Willis, but there is a lot of martial arts action (which we feel is a fair compromise). Jade Dynasty, the free-to-play MMORPG from Perfect World Entertainment, is releasing Vengeance on August 25th, and the update looks to bring plenty of additional content to new players and veterans alike. If it's faction choice you want, Vengeance has it in the form of the manipulative Celan or the dangerous Rayan assassins. Also new to Jade Dynasty is the Territory Wars system, featuring alliance vs. alliance warfare that varies from server to server depending on player actions. If PvE is more your style, check out the new daily events and daily quests, as well as ten new world bosses designed to test your martial arts and magical mettle. Finally, the Vengeance expansion introduces a cross-server partying system to ease the pain of finding a group, as well as a unique take on auction houses that rewards players based on their bids. For more details, be sure and visit the official website.
Grab a Heroes of Three Kingdoms beta key like it's hot, hot, hot!
It's Christmas in July here at Massively, and we want to hook you up with a free gift -- in this case, a closed beta key for the upcoming Heroes of Three Kingdoms. Perfect World Entertainment's latest MMO entry looks to set itself apart from the pack with a historical setting, the ability to control NPC soldiers and a dynamic PvP faction battlefront. If this sounds intriguing to you, then make sure to take advantage of our Christmas spirit today, as supplies are limited! To get your key, just head over to our Heroes of the Three Kingdoms Closed Beta Key Giveaway page and follow the instructions when you get there. For added amusement, check out the URL.
One Shots: A sunny beginning
Need a change of pace? Feeling a bit stymied with working on your main character? Well, if you're still wanting to get your game on, but not sure what to do, it's a great time to roll that alt you've been thinking about! If you happen to roll one in Perfect World Entertainment's Jade Dynasty, then you might run into today's contributor, Prantik G., who captured this early-level look at the game for us. He writes in: "Not all starting areas are dull and boring. In Jade Dynasty the starting area for Athans starts with a lush forest, merging into a plain, flowing into a river, rising to mountains, and ending with a mysterious portal to the human realm. This picture is one of the fields of the Divine Realm. To the right is a stony, beaten path leading to one of the Athan cities. The Athans truly enjoy their first moments in Jade Dynasty!" From the starter areas to endgame, we love to see your images of MMOs. If you'd like to help us out with One Shots, then send in your screenshot to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the nod. %Gallery-85937%
Heroes of Three Kingdoms closed beta announced
Perfect World Entertainment has announced that their forthcoming historical MMORPG, Heroes of Three Kingdoms, will enter closed beta on July 13th. In a press release from earlier today, the company revealed more details about the ambitious title that looks to allow players to participate in (and even change the course of) one of China's most famous historical battles. "Heroes of Three Kingdoms is one of our most anticipated games to date and we're very excited to be launching the closed beta in North America in less than two weeks, says A.J. Potter, Product Manager. "The legend [of the Battle of Red Cliff] is one that resonates throughout history -- Heroes of Three Kingdoms brings to life one of the most turbulent periods in history." Check out the official website to sign up for closed beta testing.
E3 2010: Massively's look at Forsaken World gameplay
We've heard bits and pieces of information regarding Perfect World Entertainment's upcoming title, Forsaken World. The game has gotten a fair amount of attention thanks to the unusual classes offered and the vampire element. Those two small details are just the start, however -- there is much more that distinguishes Forsaken World and makes it one to watch. We've been anxious to get a closer look at the game, and this week at E3 the PWE staff was happy to oblige. Follow along after the jump for a rundown of some of the features of Forsaken World.
E3 2010: Perfect World Entertainment introduces Swordsman Online
The folks at Perfect World Entertainment have been busy at E3 this week. They're showcasing several of their new titles, including the increasingly popular Battle of the Immortals. They didn't stop with titles we already know, however. PWE has also introduced a brand-new game. Swordsman Online is the working title of this newest venture, and we got the first details just a few days ago. Today brings more information in the form of a teaser trailer that gives a nice overview of the feel and style of Swordsman Online. PWE CEO Dr. Alan Chen is very optimistic about what this will bring to the free-to-play market: "Swordsman Online highlights our commitment to constantly push the industry envelope and what it means to be a free-to-play game. Players should never have to settle or compromise on game quality regardless of business model and we want players to expect more from their MMOs." Want to see for yourself? Follow along after the jump for a first look at Swordsman Online.
Swordsman Online looks to bring Louis Cha's famous novels to life
At E3, we learned that Perfect World Entertainment (Battle of the Immortals, Perfect World) is working on a new MMO tentatively titled Swordsman Online. Based on the book series by Louis Cha, Swordsman Online will take players back to ancient China, where martial arts and bravery were needed to win the day. As with Perfect World Entertainment's other MMOs, Swordsman Online will adapt a free-to-play model. Louis Cha, who also goes under the pen name of Jin Yong, may not be a household name in your neck of the woods, but trust us, he's incredibly popular in China where he's written well over a dozen best-selling historical martial arts novels. His Swordsman books, in particular, are well-loved and were made into a hit movie franchise starring Jet Li. Massively will be sitting down with Perfect World Entertainment tomorrow at the convention to talk about Swordsman Online as well as their other titles. We'll hopefully get our first look at the game, and bring to you our findings as well as the debut trailer. If you have any questions you'd like us to ask them, please throw them into the comments section!
Your Battle of the Immortals questions answered: Our developer chat with Clifton Chu
Didn't get to come to our developer chat last night with Clifton "Kantorek" Chu from Battle of the Immortals? Don't worry, as we've got you covered with this transcript of last night's question and answer session! Clifton fielded many, many questions in one hour and 30 minutes, covering everything from BoI's player-killing system to future updates and new skills. We even got a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at the game's Westernization, covering some of the many changes Perfect World Entertainment made to the game in order to make it "fit" better for Western audiences. So, without anymore time wasted, let's take a time warp back to last night, and see what questions you had to ask Clifton!
[Updated] Reminder: Come play Battle of the Immortals tonight!
What are you doing tonight? Playing some other MMO? Are you playing that MMO with the developers? No? Then you should come on over to party with Massively, as we host a play night of Battle of the Immortals with Perfect World Entertainment! Join us on Battle of the Immortals, Poseidon Server, Realm 8, at 7 PM EST in Atlantis (116,189) for a run of the level 20 instance, Knight's Jail! If you don't have a Battle of the Immortals account, just grab one over at the game's official website and start leveling up! Level 20 only takes an hour or two of playtime, so you'll be ready to join us in no time at all! Plus, a few players were gracious enough to offer us their invitation keys, so you can get awesome armor right away at level 1! Just input 5100107G090807088004511S3fcfb2 (Thanks Zsazsa!) or 8000168G020408001002501S1fb1fe (Thanks Talanx!) into the top most field of the game's character creation screen. Need more information? Want to know who to look for and important stuff like that? Just check here for the answers to all of your burning questions. See you all tonight! [Update: More information on how to join our Massively guild is after the break! Make sure to read this over!]
Come play Battle of the Immortals with Massively.com and Perfect World Entertainment!
You've seen us post about it, and you've seen Perfect World Entertainment boast about it. But have you played it? Well, if you haven't (or if you have and you like the game, or if you just want to come and play with some developers) then we here at Massively.com invite you to come mob Battle of the Immortals! Perfect World Entertainment has graciously partnered with us not only to help coordinate, but also to come and play with everyone else! How can you turn down playing the game with the people who helped create it? Plus, after playing the game, join us in our IRC chat room (irc.quakenet.org, #massively) the next day as we pitch your questions to Clifton Chu, the assistant product manager of the game. Need details? Follow me after the break and I'll tell you all you need to know about this event!
Battle of the Immortals shows off new armor art
We spend our time stomping around in MMOs wearing (or coveting) armor that someone dreamed up, but sadly we don't often get a chance to hear about the time and effort that went into creating these interesting bits of art. That's why we are particularly intrigued by the new series called BoI Blueprints from the crew over at Perfect World Entertainment. This time we're treated to a quick Q&A with Liao "Fruit" Shuiguo, the Lead Art Designer on the Battle of the Immortals Development Team, who gives us a bit of an insight into how one of the sets -- the above pictured Soul Gear Prometheus set -- was made. For those who have always been curious about just what goes into making armor sets, then you'll want to pop by the Battle of the Immortals site and give this interview a read. While it's a small starting salvo, we're hopeful that the BoI team will dig in and bring us many more tasty developer interviews in the future. That said, more videos with sneak peeks like the one we've got after the break of the animated Soul Gear Prometheus set wouldn't hurt, either.
