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Ether Saga Odyssey officially launches
Some updates are too big to just write the whole thing off as a patch. Ether Saga Odyssey has just launched today... and if the name looks more than passingly familiar, it's because up until very recently the game was Ether Saga Online. Perfect World Entertainment has re-branded the game with a new title to commemorate the groundswell of content added with this update, including new races, new starting areas, and a brand-new graphics engine for the game. But the launch festivities don't stop with the new title -- there are plenty of other events and rewards to kick off the rebranding. For starters, experience gained will be doubled for the weekend, which should help new players bring characters up to level 30 faster than ever. That's a good thing, as new characters who hit 30 will receive special rewards, as will players who stay logged in for an extended period of time. The promotions end on May 4th, so if you're itching to give the new Ether Saga Odyssey a try, now is the time.
Ether Saga Odyssey relaunching on April 27th
Big changes are coming to the world of Ether Saga Online -- so big, in fact, that Perfect World Entertainment is relaunching the title as Ether Saga Odyssey. The free-to-play MMO will re-open its doors on April 27th sporting a new graphics engine, a new UI, additional races and starting locales, and new pets. Ether Saga's pet system is one of the more complex in the massive genre, and the revamp looks to add to the fun with hundreds of tamable creatures that may be combined to create stronger breeds with new abilities. ESO provides "an atmosphere to enjoy free-form wrestle and play; players get to create different looking pets that even transform into the monster that they defeat," says Perfect World's Aaron Potter. Head to the game's official website for more, and be sure to have a look at the new trailer after the cut.
Perfect World releases RaiderZ trailer, promises monster slaughter
Perfect World Entertainment just released a teaser page and trailer for its upcoming action MMO RaiderZ. We won't be getting a true taste of the gameplay until E3, but the trailer shows off some of the fast-paced action that is promised to change the entire world of monster hunting. We weren't aware that there was a world of monster hunting, but it had better be ready to be rocked. In the trailer we get to see different characters battling with all types of unusual, enormous critters that look like they would be a handful for any warrior. The website and trailer indicate the need for grouping with others, so gather some friends and click past the cut to check out the trailer! Now get out there -- those monsters won't hunt themselves!
Perfect World Entertainment offering E3 passes for what you 'Like'
E3 is no longer quite the gamer promised land that it once was, but it's still an event that a lot of gamers would love to get in to see. Perfect World Entertainment understands that quite well, and so it's going a step beyond just unveiling two new games at the show. The studio is giving away 25 three-day passes to the show floor to fans of the upcoming game Rusty Hearts, which will be unveiled at the show. Entering is a simple procedure -- you just have to navigate over to the game's Facebook page and click "Like" to be entered for the random drawing. Be aware, however, that the prize only includes the show passes, not lodging or travel fees, which might prove to be the bigger hurdles for some. Take a look at the full rules if you're interested, however -- after all, how often do you get a shot to get into E3 without being part of the press?
First Impressions: Forsaken World
Perfect World Entertainment's latest title, Forsaken World, is made to sound like the polar opposite of Perfect World, the older flagship title that serves as Forsaken World's foundation. When I first heard about this newer project, I was enthused. After all, I wasn't really fond of Perfect World. I thought it was too stale and linear. Still, I have admired Perfect World Entertainment for a long time, mainly because the company knows its audience and does really good work. Its games are flexible when it comes to system requirements, and its titles fit all sorts of different players and age ranges. Also, the developers claimed that Forsaken World would be a game made for a "Western audience." Of course this means absolutely nothing to me, being that there are easily millions and millions of players for decidedly "Eastern" games like Nexon titles or other large publishers, so I figured that PWE meant to say that it was a game made for those snootier Western players who consider free-to-play games to be nothing but point-and-click junk. Strangely enough, PWE got the WASD movement wrong in Forsaken World. I have no idea how or why this was missed, but the "Western" audience will notice, I promise. Click past the cut and let's talk about everything I loved about the game -- and a few things I did not.
Exclusive: Ether Saga Online's Maven class has been unleashed
Our friends over at Perfect World Entertainment are giving Ether Saga Online a major spring update by adding new content and classes. Last week, they gave us insight into the Hellion class, the Mogui who wield dual-bladed axe and a hot temper. Over time, knowledge of the Mogui has been forgotten, even knowledge of the spell-casting Maven -- this week's reveal! This class is capable of teleporting short distances, keeping its allies alive, and dealing ferocious damage to enemies. As with the Hellion class, the Maven is also breaks into two separate advanced classes at level 75: Seraph and Magus. Massively has gained an exclusive first look at this powerful ranged class. Below, we have added eight new screenshots featuring the Maven class. Check 'em out. %Gallery-65163%
Perfect World Entertainment offers Japanese disaster relief across multiple games
MMO industry efforts to rebuild Japan continue, as free-to-play titan Perfect World Entertainment is lending its considerable weight to the cause. The firm is donating 50% of the proceeds from special cash shop items to the ongoing Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief drive. Players of PWE's games can pick up a little something extra for their characters while simultaneously making a donation to the Red Cross. The promotion runs through April 13th and features a variety of items in games including Battle of the Immortals (bag expansions), Ether Saga Online (ancestral crystals), Forsaken World (star of hope), Jade Dynasty (meditation orbs), and Perfect World International (super inventory stone).
We've got more Forsaken World in-game pets to give away!
Last weekend we received a little gift from the Forsaken World team -- 1,000 codes for a free Khonem in-game pet. The little guys were snapped up in no time flat, but if you missed out, don't worry. So are you ready for round two of the Khonem pet giveaway? Perfect World has given us 1,000 more to pass on to our readers, and it's as simple as the last round! It's as simple as the last round! Just visit our giveaway page and get your code. If you're not a current Forsaken World player, register, download the game, and create your character. Once you have a character, enter your code on the redemption page. When you next log in to Forsaken World, you'll find a gift waiting in your mailbox. Enjoy!
Get a free in-game pet from Forsaken World and Massively!
Forsaken World is just over two weeks out of the gate, and the kind folks at Perfect World hope to enhance the experience for those of you who play with a little gift. They've given us some free Khonem in-game pets to share with you. The Khonem are a mysterious tribal race possessing fiery blue eyes and a skull head; they hunt and kill anything not of their kind in the name of their god Khunm. Want one for your very own? All you need to do is visit our giveaway page and pick up a code. If you're not a current Forsaken World player, register, download the game, and create your character. Once you have a character, enter your code on the redemption page. When you next log into Forsaken World, you'll find a gift waiting in your mailbox. Enjoy!
Exclusive: A preview of the Hellion in Ether Saga Online
Ether Saga Online has been quiet for a little while, but this spring, the game is gearing up for a major update which includes a brand-new race, the Mogui. Long locked away from the world, the Mogui have broken free of their confinement in the wake of the battle against the forces of Oxen Ultera. The race has two unique classes, and the team at Perfect World Entertainment has decided to start off by previewing the hot-tempered Hellion class first. Hellions are an aggressive class, wielding twin battleaxes and assaulting enemies through direct attacks and wide-range area abilities. They've also got the ability to improve their damage via sacrificing health. At level 75, a Hellion can upgrade to either a Warlord or Ruiner depending on player choice. We've got several new shots of the Hellion in action (including a distressingly happy dance) in the gallery below, which should keep Ether Saga Online players excited about what's coming with the spring update. %Gallery-65163%
Forsaken World launch trailer debuts
What's the launch of a brand-spanking-new MMORPG without a similarly wet-behind-the-ears trailer to go with it? In service to that tradition, Perfect World Entertainment has just released a sleek new video that coincides with the debut of its latest free-to-play effort. Forsaken World officially launched on March 9th, and even if you've already played it, you'll want to take a peek at the two-minute teaser that shows off a bevy of lush location shots as well as numerous big bads. If you haven't played the game yet, well, we submit that the launch trailer may very well get you hot, bothered, and ready to do just that. Luckily for you, we've got the clip available for your viewing pleasure just past the cut. Forsaken World is a deeper, darker fantasy MMO from the makers of Jade Dynasty, Battle of the Immortals, and Perfect World International. The title boasted an astonishing 3500 developers during its construction phases and is now available for download via the official Forsaken World website.
Perfect World Entertainment comments on 2011
Perfect World Entertainment is always busy. No, seriously -- these guys and gals do not sleep. They now publish nearly 10 titles and show no sign of stopping. Their newest and largest title, Forsaken World, just hit open beta at the time of this writing, so we thought it might be a good idea to ask a few questions of the developers. We tracked down PWE's Clifton Chu, product manager for Forsaken World, to give us some info on the new game and the company's MMO presence. If you have been excited to play it or any of the other titles in the Perfect World lineup, 2011 is going to be a very good year for you. Not only can you try out every title on its roster, but you can do it at your own pace. No subscription fee also means that you'll have more money to blow in the cash shop. Hey, everyone needs vanity items! Click past the cut to read the interview! %Gallery-107517%
Play for keeps: Forsaken World launches
Just like how Clark Kent and Superman are one and the same, so too is Forsaken World's open beta and launch. The free-to-play MMO was scheduled to go live on March 23rd, but Perfect World Entertainment surprised us all by moving it forward to... today. While the website calls this an open beta, the studio insists that this is indeed the official launch of Forsaken World. Semantics aside, players can now roll characters without fear of any future wipe as Perfect World Entertainment declares that from now on it's all "for keeps." From pets to prayers to floating guild halls, Forsaken World is trying to keep life spicy in the F2P market. Head on over to the official website to get into the game today, and don't forget to check out our exclusive Perfect World Entertainment interview of this darker MMO.
Forsaken World to launch early
Perfect World Entertainment's newest title Forsaken World has been in development for some time now, becoming the longest-tested game in the company's history. The lengthy process must have been worthwhile, considering that the decision has been made to launch in both North America and Europe two weeks early -- on March 9th! The game will launch with a total of six servers, three of them being PvE servers. Also, PWE will provide full support for the French and German versions of the game. You can get more information and sign up for the game on the official site. The developers have also released a brand-new developer diary video, this time on the guild system. If you'd like to check it out, click past the cut and enjoy!
Perfect World dev diary shows off all changes coming in Genesis
Perfect World International, the largest game in Perfect World Entertainment's free-to-play MMO stable, is set to erupt with enormous world-changing goodness. On March 2nd, the game's largest expansion, Genesis, is nearing launch. We've checked out the expansion in earlier developer diaries, but today we have a video showing off the many changes players can expect, all in one tasty, ready-to-devour package. In this video, the game's Product Manager, Clifton, and Community Manager, Steven, sit down to tell us all about the myriad things that will be coming to the game on March 2nd. The Earthguard race will emerge from the underground; players can pick up Runecrafting to buff their weapons; and even new dances will be added to replace some of the older ones. (Those are apparently so embarassing that Clifton and Steven are loath to put them on camera!) For active Perfect World International players, a huge rollback of Territory Wars to pre-nerf is coming as is a full map reset, which will open up the season for one heck of a power-grab. Finally, we also get a look into the upcoming guild bases, which players have been wanting for quite some time. You'll find the newest dev diary video behind the break, ready for those who want to check out more on Perfect World International's upcoming Genesis expansion.
Forsaken World closed beta opens up to all
Perfect World Entertainment's upcoming fantasy vampire MMO, Forsaken World, has decided to throw the definition of closed beta out the window and do its own thing. Phase 4 of the game's "closed" beta officially opens the doors to anyone who is curious to try the game out, whether or not he has a beta code -- or even signed up to test before. The new phase 4 portion of the beta test also marks Forsaken World's addition of two brand-new PvE servers, Storm and Legion. Also included in this newest phase is an auction house system, enabling a player-driven economy and greater availability of tradeskill materials to those who enjoy crafting. Along with this, the level cap has raised to 60, and there are 10 realms per server for players to wander through. Those curious can check out the phase 4 patch notes or sign up for an account and download the game from the Forsaken World site.
Forsaken World devs outline Phase 4 Beta
Perfect World Entertainment is just about ready to unleash its latest free-to-play MMO creation: Forsaken World. In the fourth developer video diary, Director of Marketing Jon Belliss outlines the development and testing process up to this point. He states that Forsaken World's closed beta testing has had the largest number of participants in Perfect World's history. The team expects great results from Phase 4, which arrives on February 23rd. This phase will allow all players to join in the beta if they wish to test out the game. Phase 4 also introduces the highly requested PvE server along with new realms and a level cap of 60. The level cap will open up a new world of gameplay and areas never before visited by players. Catch the full video diary after the break and then hop over the Forsaken World website for more information on how you can sign up. This is your chance to get in before launch on March 23rd.
Rise and Shiny recap: Perfect World
Perfect World International, brought to us by Perfect World Entertainment, is a beautiful game -- I'll give it that. I am not sure whether the newbie area I was playing through (which consisted of a race of mermaid- and mermen-type creatures) is newly made or recently redone, but the scenery, special effects, and characters are downright gorgeous. While near-realism (with a huge touch of pointy fantasy) is definitely not my favorite art style, I can see how much hard work went into the game. Props to everyone on the team! Still, a beautiful game does not guarantee a fun game. PWI is obviously very successful and boasts a massive population, but does that translate to a friendly community? I wonder, also, what the average age of players is. I would put hard-earned money (playing video games, so it's fitting) on the table and say that the numbers would surprise us. In fact, that could sum up a lot of how I felt about PWI while I played it: surprised -- a lot of the time. Click past the cut and I'll tell you more.
Forsaken World to be unleashed March 23rd
Looking for new vistas to explore, for untamed MMO wilds to colonize? Perfect World Entertainment hopes that you'll give its upcoming free-to-play title Forsaken World a shot, as the company just announced its March 23rd release date. Forsaken World will be simultaneously launched in North America and Europe with English, German and French versions. PWE's Director of Marketing, Jonathan Belliss, thinks the game should appeal to these regions: "Forsaken World is one of our most impressive games to date. With vast devotion from our talents and contribution from our players, this game was built from the ground up with the western gamers in mind. We're very excited to finally be releasing Forsaken World and a huge thanks goes out to our beta testing community for providing us with such great feedbacks." Forsaken World is an MMO that features both the familiar and the unusual (such as floating guild halls), and has been praised by testers for its performance and interesting classes. If you're looking to get to know the game a bit better, hit the jump to watch PWE's third developer diary covering locations and dungeons (here are the first and second videos, if you need to catch up).
One Shots: Open the floodgates
For some people, one character per game is pretty much their hard limit. That way they can level up, see almost all of the game's content, and only have to worry about gearing up once. For others, a new game just represents a chance to roll even more alts! Some are for crafting, some are for roleplay, some for raiding, and there's almost always that one inevitable bank and auction house mule. Today's One Shots comes from someone who was more the former but has crossed to the alt-tastic dark side recently in Perfect World International. This image comes to us from a player going by SiSSY LaLa, who writes in: "I almost never make alts, but I finally decided to make one and check out the Tideborn in Perfect World International. I was very intrigued by the interesting city decor. I hope my main doesn't get jealous of my time away." When you're running around in your MMO of choice this weekend, why not grab a screenshot and send it along to us? We love to see what you're all up to -- and it's easy to do. Just email your image to us at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a quick description. We'll share it with the world and give you the credit. %Gallery-112285%
