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Aeria opens new server for Call of Gods MMORTS
Call of Gods may not be a household name when it comes to MMORTS titles, but the free-to-play offering from Aeria Games must be doing something right. The company has just announced the addition of a fifth server, as well as a list of server-wide events designed to bring fame and fortune to some of its players. Events include a ranked player competition, group boss fights, alliance quests and upgrades, special hero and gear customizations, and "mystical rewards" for the top five alliances. Call of Gods is a browser-based MMORTS, and you can learn more about it at its official website. [Source: Aeria press release]
Age of Empires Online readying skirmish mode, new booster pack
Age of Empires Online is getting a skirmish mode courtesy of the upcoming Skirmish Hall booster pack. The new gameplay will allow players to team up and fight AI opponents in pursuit of experience and loot. Skirmish mode will pit you and a friend (or computer ally) against four computer-controlled enemies, and each AI can take on a variety of different playstyles. Each style is represented by a unique leader, and there are eight of these to choose from. Also of note is the fact that skirmish mode unlocks all of the game's units regardless of your overall level. If you want to preview some powerful Age of Empires units that are hidden away behind hours of advancement gameplay, skirmish mode is the way to go. Check out the skirmish mode trailer after the break for more details.
Daily iPad App: Trenches 2
Thunder Game Works' Trenches was quite the hit on the iPhone last year, combining a cartoony World War 2 setting with some solid real-time strategy combat and quite a few innovative game features. The game also spawned a few spinoffs, and was popular enough for EA to publish the sequel. There are some new features here. There are new unit types such as Cavalry and Snipers to hire and deploy for your armies, and the single-player campaign is significantly more fleshed-out, with an actual campaign to run, complete with choices to make about where and when to attack. But more or less, the action is pretty much the same as the first title, with you recruiting troops by earning points and then moving them around the battlefield in real-time. If you liked Trenches, you'll probably like this, and if you didn't like Trenches for whatever reason (the troops can sometimes be a little hard to control, and the strategy isn't always super deep), this probably won't win you over. In fact, the differences might send you back to the original game. EA has implemented a "perk points" system that works like a freemium title, where you can buy more for convenience, or sign up on EA's Origin game login service for extra points. Some players might not appreciate that. The iTunes reviews also say there are some issues with crashing, though I never had any on my iPad 2. That might be more of an issue on older devices. All in all, Trenches 2 is more iterative than innovative. It features much of the same gameplay of the old game, though there is some new wrapping around that fun. If you liked the old title, you'll probably enjoy this one a lot, and at a price of 99 cents on both the iPhone and the iPad right now, Trenches 2 is worth a try if the idea of a real-time strategy battle appeals.
Joyfort releases sci-fi MMORTS Light of Nova
A new MMORTS bursts onto the scene as Joyfort releases its latest title, Light of Nova. The title takes place in a sci-fi universe "thousands of years in the future after humans have colonized outer space." Players are tasked with building the ultimate spacefaring armada, destroying their enemies, and uncovering the mysteries of the universe through the game's storyline. For the full details on this new F2P title and to get in on the action for yourself, just click below to go to Light of Nova's official site.
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Alliances MMORTS announced
"I gotta present for ya!" What RTS fan doesn't remember the classic Command & Conquer franchise with extreme fondness? If you're one of the legions of supporters, then this is a good time to be alive. It seems as though C&C is slated for a revival soon, with BioWare working on Command & Conquers Generals 2 and EA prepping Command & Conquer: Tiberian Alliances. The recently announced Tiberian Alliances is being shaped as a free-to-play MMORTS in which players can choose one of three factions (The Forgotten, GDI, and NOD) and duke it out over a war-torn battlefield. Developed by German studio Phenomic, Tiberian Alliances will be playable in a browser and is currently accepting applications for its beta testing program. Will this be the MMORTS for you or will you call in an orbital strike on its prospects? Hit the jump to see the announcement trailer for your first taste of the latest chapter in C&C history.
Dawn of Fantasy tosses Dwarves and discounts at players
Tired of just controlling one measly avatar in MMOs? Does your ego go unfulfilled by such restrictions? Then this might be the time to try something a little more... large-scale with Dawn of Fantasy. This interesting MMORTS allows players to create entire armies, build up castles, and attempt to conquer the world -- and it's currently available for the masses. To promote the title, Reverie World Studios is offering the title at 33% off the normal price of $30, bringing it down to $20. Dawn of Fantasy has no subscription cost, so once you have a copy you can play indefinitely. Reverie also extended its Dwarven Invasion promotion, in which players will receive free Dwarf mercenaries and a special quest for no additional charge. These promotions are only available for the next week, so if you're interested, you might want to get a move on. We've included the launch trailer for the game after the jump if you're looking to get a feel for what's going on in this game world.
End of Nations unveils warfare screenshots
The End of Nations is upon us! Well, not really, but Trion Worlds has revealed a new batch of screenshots focusing on -- what else -- mass warfare. The screens give players a glimpse of the maps of which they'll be vying for control. Also on display are many of the units available to the game's three factions, including tanks, artillery, scouting vehicles, and more. For all of the freshly pressed screenshots, just click on through the gallery below. [Source: Trion Worlds press release] %Gallery-96732%
Star Supremacy enters the closed beta event horizon
If you have been looking for a space-themed online real-time strategy title, Star Supremacy may be the thing to quench your intergalactic thirst. In the game, three human factions find themselves at odds in the depths of space, and only by engaging in all-out warfare can a victor be declared. It's free, it's browser-based, and it's at a closed beta near you. Star Supremacy announced that its closed beta program starts today and can be joined by any space pilot who happens to possess... the key. Where do you get... the key? It's actually not too hard, as the official site lists a slew of participating partners that will gladly give you one of their... keys. The game is also giving away in-game currency and items to players who participate in one of four beta events. These rewards are designed to be incentives for good beta testing behavior, as they lure players into submitting bug reports, providing feedback, and promoting Star Supremacy.
End of Nations' Executive Producer discusses F2P model, buying power
With each game that announces a free-to-play business model, the same concerns immediately arise in the minds of the game's fans. Will the game allow players to pay for convenience, or will it allow them to pay to win? David Luehmann, Executive Producer of upcoming MMORTS End of Nations, addressed that very concern in a recent interview. What did he have to say? He was quick to put players' anxiety to rest, claiming that the game "will not be selling pay-to-win items that give one player a significant gameplay advantage over another" and adding that most cash-shop items will also be purchasable using in-game currency. But why go the free-to-play route to begin with? According to Luehmann, the team realized that in a game such as End of Nations, which is focused on large-scale multiplayer warfare, the game's fun factor will be directly tied to the number of players battling it out at any given time. As such, the team wants to "minimize the barrier to entry and maximize the fun." Of course, the game also features an optional subscription option. Luehmann is quick to note, however, that just like the item shop, subscriptions will not provide players with a gameplay advantage. It will instead yield "significant value and convenience extras." The full interview also includes a few details on the game itself, so if you're interested in Petroglyph's upcoming MMORTS, head on over to Gamefront for the full interview.
Land of Chaos Online celebrates first anniversary with free stuff
Like presents? If so, Alaplaya is betting you'll like Land of Chaos Online, not to mention the one-year anniversary party that's going on right now. The festivities run through August 30th and include special anniversary gifts for all players as well as free hero cards from the AP shop. LOCO blends action, real-time strategy, and traditional MMORPG progression together with third-person shooter elements and a matchmaking format similar to Defense of the Ancients. The formula is apparently working pretty well, as the game has attracted over 530,000 registered players in the past year, according to a new press release. More info on the game is available at the official website, and you can also download the client and start playing for free.
4X MMORTS Starjack Online goes live
Way back in February, we covered the open beta of Limbo Game Studios' Starjack Online. For the uninitiated, Starjack Online is an MMORTS of a variety known as 4X. RTS players will find themselves familiar with the 4X term, which stands for explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. In a press release today, the studio announced that the free-to-play title has now gone live, and players are able to 4X the hell out of each other to their hearts' content. The entire game takes place in real-time (as opposed to being turn-based), ensuring that players will be kept on their toes. Almost everything in the game is player-created, as well, so if you'd rather make a killing as a war profiteer, you can outfit other players with their ships and troops. If this sounds like your cup of tea, the game can be downloaded and played for free at the official site.
Golden Age goes for a walk on the town
Forget the silver age or the iron age -- the Golden Age is totally where it's at. Where what's at, you ask? Apparently where MMOs meets real-time strategy and crosses paths with castles and tall ships. Aeria Games is ramping up publicity for this upcoming title by releasing five new screens showing off the common town where players will bump into each other while they check out the sights. Golden Age is a free-to-play browser RTS where you can assume the role of the lord of a castle in the golden lands of yore. When you're not building up your fortress, you can go on hundreds of quests in the surrounding areas and unleash hell with your elite armies. You can take a tour of the town in the gallery below. Right now the title is in beta for both North and Latin America, so if you're ready to move out of your parents' basement and into a roomy 200-room keep, head on over to the official site to sign up! %Gallery-131092%
Age of Empires Online introduces Season Pass, details pricing
Microsoft has released more information on the pricing plans that will soon be available to players of Age of Empires Online, the newest installment in the RTS series that launched just today. On top of the previously established Premium Civilization packs (weighing in at $20 each), the Defense of Crete booster ($9.99), and Empire Extras ($4.99), players will also be able to purchase a Season Pass. The Season Pass grants players a 30% discount on all cash shop items for six months. The Season Pass itself is reported to set players back a hefty $99.99, so it will likely only be useful for the most hardcore of Age of Empires Online players. But if you're planning on buying up every bit of content the company drops, it may save you a few bucks. In addition to the Season Pass, Microsoft also announced that players who buy the Greek and Egyptian civilizations will receive the Defense of Crete booster for free. For more information on the just-launched online RTS, check out Joystiq's hands-on impressions of the game.
Planet War browser game to feature galactic conquest and alien foreign policy
Here at Massively we get dozens of game-related press releases on an hourly basis. Rarely, though, does a blurb say something like "players build aircraft carriers to navigate the stars and Milky Way to explore and learn of ancient civilizations." The release for YooGames' new browser-based MMO Planet War said just that, and as a result we're keen on taking a look at the title's closed beta when it kicks off on August 9th. YooGames also says that Planet War is inspired by famous sci-fi novels and heroes, and aims to provide a unique strategy experience that features both conquest and alien foreign policy. We're not sure what that means as of yet, but it definitely piqued our interest. You can learn more about the game at its official web site as well as the Planet War Facebook portal.
Tribal Trouble 2 plows into open beta
Although GameSamba players have had access to Tribal Trouble 2's beta since the beginning of July, the company is now throwing open the door for any and all who want to try out this colorful MMORTS. This is, of course, the sequel to 2005's goofy Vikings-vs.-natives Tribal Trouble. Tribal Trouble 2 allows you to customize a personal chieftain who can set out to try to conquer the world, one village at a time while building one of his or her own. While we question the game's merits as a self-proclaimed MMO, the title boasts both single-player missions and PvP modes, as well as an achievement board. Plus, the game has units like the fearsome Chicken Punishers, so you know it's got to be good. If you're interested, you merely need to hop over to Tribal Trouble 2's website and sign up for the open beta. The game's both free-to-play and browser-based in order to be accessible to all. Additionally, hit the jump to check out the trailer!
New Age of Empires Online monthly content updates in the works
Launch day is coming up fast for Age of Empires Online, and August 16th can't come fast enough for fans of MMORTS titles. In addition to the game's official kickoff, players can also look forward to new Greek and Egyptian civilizations and the Defense of Crete booster pack. If that's not enough, a new Microsoft press release has announced that Age of Empires Online will be "adding new premium content monthly to further expand your gameplay options in a persistent and evolving world." Said expanding will take the form of two new civilizations and a new booster pack that will be added to the game by the end of 2011. First up is the Celtic civilization, and these masters of metalwork and crafting will help you earn new gear and rewards. Next are the Persians, and players will take control of units including Immortals, mounted archers, and attack elephants. Finally, the Skirmish Hall booster pack allows players to control the battlefield by customizing their starting age, forces, resources, difficulty levels, and the number of enemies.
End of Nations video features factions and explosions
Trion Worlds is known primarily for its wildly successful RIFT MMORPG, but that will soon change thanks to an upcoming MMORTS called End of Nations. The title, developed by real-time strategy specialist Petroglyph (and published by Trion) is a two-faction romp through a future earth that has been decimated by war and is teetering on the brink of societal collapse. Today, Trion and Petroglyph have released a three-minute trailer for the game that touches on the lore behind the opposing player factions. The clip also features more explosions than your average Michael Bay film, but we'll get to that in a minute. The Liberation Front and the Shadow Revolution factions are mortal enemies who share a common goal: the destruction of the tyrannical Order of Nations. Said destruction involves a lot of things blowing up, and despite the fact that the video features a few talking heads pontificating on factional lore, the focus is on gameplay-related mayhem. Helicopters, tanks, and even closing title screens are liable to burst into flaming fireballs at any moment, and fans of gratuitous military violence will no doubt want to click past the cut to check out the full trailer.
Dawn of Fantasy reveals Online Kingdom mode
"You must pursue an epic storyline of betrayal, blood, and resource-management in the aftermath of a mighty war," proclaims the latest press release for Dawn of Fantasy. If that sounds right up your alley, you'll want to check out the MMORTS title from 505 Games as it picks up a head of steam in its ongoing summer beta. 505 is highlighting the game's Online Kingdom mode in its latest media blast, and the gameplay features three campaigns, nine starting regions, and persistent PvP, all rolled together in a rather tasty MMO/RTS/RPG sandwich. Even better is the fact that Online Kingdom is just one of the game's modes, and you can read up on a couple of others -- including Stronghold Defense and Kingdom Wars -- via our earlier coverage. When you're finished, head to the official Dawn of Fantasy website to sign up for the beta.
Ministry of War launches Blood of the Nobles expansion
Strategic minds, rejoice! Today, Snail Games is releasing its Blood of the Nobles expansion for its MMORTS Ministry of War. The game allows players to choose between one of four ancient civilizations: Egypt, China, Persia, or Rome. Players trade, research, raise armies, and of course fight amongst one another for dominance. The new Blood of the Nobles expansion introduces -- rather suitably -- a Nobility system that allows players to become Nobles, which provides them with a "huge collection of exclusive benefits." It also brings the Noble's Work Force, "which provides automatic systems like construction and research, freeing Nobles to focus exclusively on expanding their Empire and defeating enemies." Snail Games has also opened up a brand new server, Triumph, which makes it the perfect time for new players to jump right in, which they can do at the official site! %Gallery-99802%
Dawn of War 3 further detailed by THQ's Danny Bilson
THQ executive vice president Danny Bilson is known for his many things -- his gorgeous shock of graphite hair, his devil-may-care attitude, a movie star daughter. But in the game industry, he's best known for speaking loosely and passionately about his company's yet-to-be-revealed projects. A recent interview with Eurogamer is no exception, with Bilson offering a small brigade of details on Dawn of War 3. Bilson says that the sequel to 2009's Dawn of War 2 is in development "right now," and is a mix of new elements with features from the first two titles. He also admitted that his company will be making a game announcement at GamesCom in the PC gamer-friendly country of Germany, which we're taking a wild guess is the official reveal of DoW3. We'll be on the ground in Cologne this August to bring you more details. [Pictured: Dawn of War 2]
