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'Axiom Verge 2' developer shows off some gameplay ahead of its spring launch
'Axiom Verge 2' will bring more side-scrolling pixelated gameplay to Switch and the Epic Games Store when it launches this spring.
'Streets of Rage 4' arrives with Battle Mode on April 30th
The last 'Streets of Rage' game was released in 1993 for Sega Genesis, but 'Streets of Rage 4' will bring a new dose of side-scrolling action to modern consoles on April 30th.
Massively Exclusive: Grand Chase goes live on Steam tomorrow
Grand Chase is pursuing its way onto Steam on Thursday, July 17th, and you know what that means: welcome events. After all, when a free-to-play game shows up on a popular digital service, there will be a lot of new arrivals. New players can look forward to the Welcome Heroes event, which provides a free bundle of prizes to any one character on a player's account. They can also take advantage of the Character Jumping event, which allows everyone to kick a character straight to level 70 (the current cap is 85). A Steam-specific stat-boosting title is also available to everyone, along with new item packages. These packages include a new set of equipment with stats and a new pet, both of which have never been available elsewhere. If you're a long-time Grand Chase player or just can't wait to get a free-to-play brawler on your hard drive, take heart because the game will be available tomorrow. [Source: KOG Games press release]
RedShift is a nailbiter of a game for iOS
RedShift (US$1.99) is a tense game that simulates a situation of trying to stop a power facility from exploding. One gets the feel of some action movies where a clock is counting down to the inevitable, but hopefully preventable detonation. The game features side-scrolling game play with excellent graphics and sound effects. As time moves on, the power plant gets more and more unstable. Your job is to deploy firefighting gear and stop the core of the plant from exploding by flipping override switches. A small map of the facility is displayed in the upper-left part of the screen, and then you are off to the races to explore the plant, dodge the fires that are burning, and get the equipment you need to stop the explosion. I thought the gameplay was logical, and I like the fact there there were no instructions beyond the basic set-up of the scenario. You're thrown into the middle of the emergency, and you just need to get going, finding resources along the way and heading down the inevitable blind alleys. Every time you play the game the layout and events randomize, so you are never playing the same game twice. You can see a trailer for Redshift online via YouTube. RedShift is a great little game that certainly will get your adrenaline pumping. It's a universal app, and requires iOS 6 or later. The app is optimized for the iPhone 5, and I found it worked well on both my iPhone and my second generation iPad.
Classic run-and-gunner Metal Slug 3 coming to Steam in February
SNK's run-and-gun action game Metal Slug 3 will launch on Steam in February. The arcade game first arrived in 2000, later leaping to multiple platforms like XBLA in early 2008, the Wii Virtual Console in May 2012 as well as iOS and Android in 2012. The Steam version will feature online cooperative multiplayer, leaderboards and cloud save support. In addition to the mobile ports, the Steam version was handled by DotEmu, a specialist in retro game adaptations. The developer previously brought the Double Dragon Trilogy to mobile and also took Another World to Mac, iOS and Android. DotEmu is currently hosting a closed beta for Metal Slug 3 on Steam.
Blade Hunter beta gets big content update
The side-scroller Blade Hunter, which started beta a little over a month ago, just received a large content update that brought UI improvements, new game systems, mounts, quest lines, cosmetic options, and a raised level cap to the action MMO. Players can boost their stats with elemental companions called sprites starting at level 39, and higher level characters can equip more sprites. Additionally, players at any level can nab a pair of wings through either in-game challenges, crafting item recipes, or Diamond recharge bonuses; however, only level 80s can upgrade and personalize wings beyond the standard buff. If faster travel is more your speed, combat mounts are now available in a variety of types, from horses to dragons. You can ride that mount to the Citadel, a new instance unlocked at level 79 that promises a challenge that puts even Nightmare Mode to shame. [Source: R2Games press release]
Gigantic Army paying homage to 16-bit mech shooters in February
Side-scrolling mech shooter Gigantic Army will launch February 5 on PC for $5.99. Developed by three-man Japanese indie studio and Satazius creator Astro Port, the side-scroller is described as an homage to mech shooters of the 16-bit era, such as Cybernator and Mech Warrior. Gigantic Army has players taking control of a manned combat robot known as "GMR-34 SALADIN," customizing a set of explosive, projectile and plasma weapons across six stages. The game includes four difficulty modes and 12 "mid and end level" bosses. The developer is working to bring the game to Linux, and is currently vying for a spot on Steam via Greenlight. The game is published by Nyu Media, which announced its localization plans for Gigantic Army in addition to other Japanese indie games like the crowdfunded Yatagarasu: Attack on Cataclysm in October 2013.
Blade Hunter transitioning to beta tomorrow
Blade Hunter is preparing to transition from its alpha test to beta tomorrow, December 19th, and is inviting players to check out the beat-em-up MMO. The game had an extremely short alpha period that started just a week ago. The new beta test begins at 9:00 am EST and could be considered a soft launch for Blade Hunter as characters will be permanent from here on out. Blade Hunter features three classes that engage in side-scrolling action and the option to play solo or with parties. There are also time-limited events that players can engage in to strive for top rankings and special rewards. [Source: R2 Games press release]
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z's classic side-scrolling mode spotted in new trailer, screens
Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z will receive a special Ninja Gaiden Z mode, Team Ninja announced. The retro-inspired mode offers side-scrolling action similar to past games in the series along with 8-bit-style cut scenes and menus. In addition to the trailer and screens showing off the classic game mode, the developer issued an additional quirky parody trailer, seen after the break. What's more, Team Ninja noted that the game's main character Yaiba will receive a downloadable alternate costume thanks to a collaboration with Comcept. Players will have the ability to dress their ninja warrior up like Beck, the lead character of Keiji Inafune's Mighty No. 9. Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z is slated to launch on March 4, 2014 for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.
Side-scrolling Blade Hunter starts alpha tomorrow
What do you do when you just have an urge to log in and beat something up? R2Games invites you to come try Blade Hunter, a new free-to-play fantasy side-scroller billed literally as "The beat 'em up MMORPG." This browser-based action title begins alpha on Thursday, December 12th at 10:00 a.m. EST, and interested players from all over the world can sign up on the official site to be a part of the testing. In Blade Hunter's alpha, players can be either a Knight, a Rogue, or a Valkyrie. The game can be enjoyed solo, thanks to independent companions that can be gathered and equipped, but greater strength is achieved when forming parties and guilds. Players can also unlock Bladesouls, which are spirits of war that can change the course of encounters by creating such things as time-limited multiplayer events and ranked cross-server PvP duels. Check out the action in the official trailer below. [Source: R2Games press release]
Duke Nukem 2 on its way to iOS
Duke Nukem 3D is already available to play on the App Store now, and just in time for the sequel's 20th anniversary, Duke Nukem 2 is coming to the App Store soon. Interceptor Entertainment (the folks behind the recent Rise of the Triad reboot announcement) has teamed up with 3D Realms to bring the second, side-scrolling Duke Nukem to iOS, as you can see in the reveal trailer, up now. They're working on a version that will contain all of the original's 32 levels, plus some new artwork and music, as well as touchscreen support (of course), and leaderboards. Interceptor says the game is due out on iOS in April for a price of US$1.99. We'll look for it then.
Massively Exclusive: Elsword trailer introduces Sheath Knight class
This past fall, Kill3rCombo released phase two of Elsword's Awakened update, bringing with it the new Velder's Hallucination dungeon filled with gigantic mobs to slaughter. Now, you can dive into that dungeon and commence with said slaughter as a new class! Introducing the Sheath Knight: a dual-wielding swordsman who slices and dices his way through mobs and players alike. The Sheath Knight, so named for his magical sheath that enables him to use two swords simultaneously, focuses on melee combat and speed. How does the Sheath Knight compare to the other five already established classes? The Elsword team sat down with us and answered a few questions about this new playable character. You can also check out some of the SK's moves in the video after the break.
Phase two of Elsword Awakened update brings dungeon changes [Updated]
While phase one of the Elsword Awakened update focused on skills and enhancing PvP, the second phase centers on teamwork by zeroing in on dungeons. Not only can players delve into the new Velder's Hallucination dungeon and battle mammoth mobs, but the creatures occupying all dungeons have become smarter. Launching today, this update also includes level-60 items and makes crafting materials for weapons three times more plentiful than before. In celebration of the update, players can participate in numerous pirate-themed events inspired by "Talk like Pirate Day," including banding together to repel bands of invading pirates. Folks who work together as a team can earn free pirate costumes and accessories. Players can enjoy the Elsword Awakened update for free by downloading the game from the official site. [Update: Trailer of Velder's Hallucination dungeon added] [Source: Kill3rCombo press release]
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.
Kill3rCombo bumps Elsword level cap to 56, offers giveaways
Kill3rCombo wants you to know that it has added some new content to its manga-inspired Elsword side-scroller. Players may now "dive deeper into the once pristine seaside kingdom of Hamel" thanks to two new levels (which bring the game's level cap to 56). The devs are also releasing a new El Officer costume for Chung, who is the game's newest playable character. In addition to the new leveling content, Kill3rCombo is giving players a chance to win numerous prizes simply by logging in during the month of July. An Elsword-themed iPad, Amazon gift cards, and various in-game goodies are all up for grabs, so head to the official website to learn more. You can also check out a video of Chung in action after the cut. [Source: Kill3rCombo press release]
Elsword update offers new continent, dungeons
How does a new continent sound, Elsword fans? If it sounds pretty cool, you're in luck because Kill3rCombo is offering that and more in its latest manga MMO update. Players may explore two new dungeons, fight challenging end bosses, and work toward a new level cap as well as several new titles in the game's Rulensia and Fluone areas. The new locales are designed for players of level 45 or above, and Kill3rCombo says that players can even battle their way through underwater gameplay courtesy of the Sunken Resiam dungeon. Elsword offers five customizable characters, evolutionary fighting skills and job classes, and plenty of action-packed combo abilities. Check out the official site for more details. [Source: Kill3rCombo press release]
Elsword celebrates first anniversary with cake
It seems like every other day is an MMO anniversary around these parts. Next on the list is Elsword Online, the free-to-play side-scrolling manga actioner from Kill3rCombo. "As with any new business venture in North America, we were both apprehensive and hopeful that online gamers would receive Elsword as well as audiences overseas have," says Kill3rCombo CEO Ben Colayco. "Now, as we celebrate Elsword's first anniversary, we are proud that the game continues to grow and has found its niche within the gaming community." The firm is not only proud but in a giving mood if the in-game anniversary festivities are any indication. Players can enjoy reward-filled anniversary cubes, hit point recovery cake, limited edition coins, play-time bonuses, and increased drop rates. All of this is ongoing through May 8th, so log in now to join the celebration. [Source: Kill3rCombo press release]
Grand Chase: Heroes updates with new player housing
Want some housing in your side-scrolling action RPG? You can have it courtesy of SG Interactive and its Grand Chase: Heroes title. The game has just been updated with its next act, Finding Refuge, and it includes a playhouse system that serves as a "unique and fully customizable space." It even has a garden for growing your own buffs! The new patch also features an Easter egg giveaway that will reward players with a fusion egg suit for their favorite characters. Check out the new video after the break for a sneak peek at the new playhouse system. [Source: SG Interactive press release]
Free for All: Free-to-play MMO versions of your favorite Nintendo games
I have to be honest -- I wasn't the biggest Nintendo fan. I grew up right as the whole thing was really smashing and keeping kids glued to their TVs, but I generally went outside and played more than stayed inside and played games. (Odd, huh?) Still, I had my fun with certain titles. Contra rocked my boat, along with Kid Icarus and a bit of Mario Brothers. My friends, on the other hand, were full members of the Nintendo nation. They subcribed to the magazine, played the same games for hours and hours, and generally acted as though the fate of the real world hung in the balance as they attacked that last boss monster. Stylistically, the games have left a mark on the genre. Many of those same titles still sell as well, some of them reaching so many variations that I lost track a long, long time ago. I thought it might be fun to list off some free-to-play MMOs that remind me of those old classics. See what you think, and leave any suggestions in the comments section!
Free for All: The still-satisfying world of action MMOs
Look, I'm a red-blooded American gamer. I even call it 'Merica. So it should be no surprise when I feel like getting down with a melee-based chop-'em-up or have the desire to leap, jump and bounce my way through countless levels. In other words, action. We 'Mericans love our action games. I have my particular favorites, for sure, and within that list are my favorites of favorites that get the nod for different reasons. Honestly I'm not into action-based games just for the challenge. I don't need to make repeated attempts at downing a boss to have fun. I enjoy the immediate response that an action game gives me. I love to click the mouse button and see my character's sword swing or gun fire. It's satisfying. Of course, action games can have their drawbacks. Not only do they tend to produce a euphoric haze that can only be described as "stoner glare" and an open-mouthed state of hypnosis, but they can take a toll on delicate, drum-beaten wrists like mine as well. I take the good with the bad, I guess. Click past the cut and I'll let you know my favorite F2P action MMOs.
