snail-games
Latest
More Age of Wulin closed beta videos revealed
Another day, another set of videos from the Age of Wulin Chinese beta. MMO Culture has the game covered, and today's installment features a bit of commentary on the title's PvP-centric design as well as a brief look at weapon enhancement functionality. Age of Wulin eschews the traditional +1 system of gear upgrading and instead opts for an interesting mechanic that basically boils down to meeting whatever requirements are described when you mouse over a weapon. The stated example involves reaching level 10 in a particular life skill as well as possessing certain inventory items. While we're a bit dubious about the fact that your cooking prowess may relate to your ability to wield a sword, we're also cognizant of the fact that it's an early Chinese beta build, so we're looking forward to seeing the system develop. Head past the cut for a combat video and some clips of Wudang.
Age of Wulin videos show life skills, combat
More Age of Wulin beta news is on tap courtesy of MMO Culture, and more video footage is available as well. The free-to-play fantasy sandbox just opened its initial closed beta phase to the Chinese market, and as a result we're getting a first look at some of the game's unique features and skills. While most MMOs focus completely on combat, Age of Wulin features some very intriguing non-combat aspects, many of which are found in the life skills tree. In addition to traditional gathering and crafting disciplines, there are also sewing, musician, artist, chess, fortune teller, and beggar skills, just to name a few. Combat isn't forgotten, course, and you can view a basic combat tutorial video and some life skill clips after the break.
Age of Wulin closed beta begins
Age of Wulin's Chinese closed beta kicked off this weekend and according to a report at MMO Culture, it's been a "less than enjoyable" experience. The free-to-play fantasy sandbox has an ambitious feature list, and Snail Games has attracted a lot of players anxious to get their hands on the upcoming title. Said gamers flooded the beta shard, which occasionally buckled under the onslaught and served up disconnects, stuck characters, and more byproducts of the early testing phase. The good news is that MMO Culture's coverage features a ton of embedded video, and you can get a look at the title's character creation process, some beginner areas, and the accessory training interface after the break. [Thanks to Chris for the tip!]
Play The Chosen VIP-style by winning a prize pack from Snail Games and Massively!
The Chosen, the latest offering from Snail Games, has been moving along steadily since its July launch. If you haven't tried it yet, or if you'd like to give one of your current characters a little bump, we've got just the thing for you. The team at Snail Games has given us a prize package for one Massively reader. The package contains a Frost Wolf mount, 20 Mysterious Eggs, a $25 growth pack, and a 30-day VIP pack. The VIP pack contains five free instant revives per day, free teleport, notification in chat and above avatar of character's VIP status, and a VIP trumpet window to broadcast messages to other players. Since we like to have fun with these contests, we want to know how you'd use that VIP trumpet if you were the winner. That's right, all you have to do to enter this contest is leave a comment telling us what you'd broadcast to other players, but remember to keep it clean! Do this before noon EDT tomorrow and we'll choose the one that makes us laugh the most. So check out the contest rules, leave your comment, and good luck!
Age of Wulin interview translation hints at user-created martial arts
Curious about Age of Wulin, the free-to-play martial arts sandpark that's been in the news a bit lately? We were too, and as such we read with interest the translation of an interview with Snail Games CEO Shi Hai that recently went down on Weibo. What's Weibo? It's basically a Chinese Twitter analog, and the interview touches on game basics including character slots (one per account), PKing opportunities, and brief blurbs on the game's unique auto-pathing and user-created martial arts systems. These last two didn't merit more than a mention in this particular interview, but rest assured that we'll be bringing you all the latest Age of Wulin news as it happens.
Age of Wulin videos reveal interesting skills, non-combat gameplay
Age of Wulin hasn't gotten a lot of press in western markets as of yet, but the free-to-play martial arts title is one that bears watching. Aside from its appealing visuals, ancient Chinese setting, and Wuxia-style story elements, the game boasts quite a few departures from the standard MMORPG formula. The most obvious is a progression system that lacks traditional levels, but according to a preview at MMO Culture, that's not Age of Wulin's most interesting feature. The title reportedly makes use of a life skills system which includes gathering, fortune-telling, crafting, fishing, and begging (as well as 12 other skills that have yet to be revealed). Yes, we said begging, and the mechanic apparently involves a degree of anonymity when dealing with fellow players. Age of Wulin also features epic quests tied in to something called the miracle system, as well what looks to be a fairly deep guild and territory control minigame. Click past the cut to view a few gameplay videos including footage of combat, training, miracle, begging, and guild systems, and keep an eye out for players involved in unusual MMO activities including drawing and Chinese chess.
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%
Snail Games' The Chosen launches today
Snail Games' latest free-to-play MMORPG The Chosen has gone live, and we have a smattering of screenshots and a gameplay trailer to whet your appetites. The Chosen is set in a fantastic version of ancient China, where the human empires stand in the middle of a war between the Light World and Dark World. Players take the role of one of six classes, each with their own signature weapon, and then join up with one of five factions to do battle with the diabolical Dark World. The game boasts seven different battle systems which cover PvE, PvP, and everything in between. Players can also train and raise animal companions to fight by their sides as well as build a family with other players, which provides unique in-game benefits. Check the gallery below for some nifty screenshots of the game, and jump past the cut for the game's launch trailer. If those pique your interest, you can get started with the game at the official site. %Gallery-126949%
The Chosen enters closed beta and prepares for release
The Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history has become a popular backdrop for MMOs of late (not surprising, considering the growth of the Chinese MMO market). Snail Games' The Chosen is the most recent entry in the particular sub-genre, with the game having just begun its closed beta process. The beta promises to be a fairly short one, however -- the game is due for an official launch on July 5th, allowing everyone to explore the game's open skill system and factional warfare. To help kick off the beta, the team behind the game has released both a brand-new trailer for prospective players and a series of screenshots and concept art. While the historical period has become a popular setting, The Chosen is taking a looser approach to the setting and mixing in a greater dose of mythology, which might be just the thing to hook certain players. %Gallery-126949%
Snail Games introduces The Chosen with closed beta keys from Massively!
Snail Games has introduced a new free-to-play title and is almost ready to start closed beta testing. The Chosen is "set in a legendary war-torn China, where you must pledge allegiance to one of five Chinese dynasties vying for dominance over the region." Choose your faction, select one of the six available classes, and dive into the conflict between dark and light. The Chosen boasts seven PvE and PvP battle systems, trainable pets, mounts, and more. The game will begin closed beta testing on June 22nd, so if you'd like to give it a try, visit our giveaway page to pick up a beta key. Once you've done that, create a game account, activate your key, and download the client to jump right into The Chosen! [Closed beta has ended; The Chosen is now open to all players]
MMObility: Introduction to the column and a look at Ministry of War
Browsers are not what they used to be. These days, we do so much through our browsers that we do not even notice their ease of use, and we trust them to be entertaining, informative and user-friendly. Browser gaming has come a long, long way as well. It doesn't take but a single run-in with any one of the more fantastic titles out there to see just how much can be done within the confines of your favorite web tool. Not all of our options are text-based or boring. Fully realized 3-D worlds are yours for the taking, as is some of the most clever design in gaming today. I am glad to bring you this new column to cover the world of browser-based gaming, in the hopes that I can speak to those players who might not be able to afford a state-of-the-art gaming machine. This column is squarely aimed at the basic laptop or netbook crowd -- those college students, working mothers and fathers with little time, or even players who are in medical situations that prevent them from owning the latest piece of hardware. Don't worry; it won't be a non-stop parade of repetitive Facebook games. I aim to push that image firmly to the side, replacing it instead with a picture of gaming bliss. Click past the cut and let's get started!
Siege in an all-new way with the Heroes of Gaia: Ascension expansion
Snail Games has officially announced the fourth expansion for its strategy game Heroes of Gaia. Ascension allows players to rise to five new levels of fame, access new cooperative instances, hire temporary mercenaries for castle sieges, and adopt three new command styles for castle development. However, HoG is not done expanding. As Snail Games USA Director of Operations Mark Hill explains in a resent press release, "This is only the first of two major expansions we have planned for Heroes of Gaia. We have an extremely dedicated group of players on HoG, and we are proud to offer them these new and exciting ways to experience the game." Let's get real: Who hasn't wanted to own a castle? Now you can, and with the new Ascension expansion, the developers have redesigned the tutorial and an adjusted novice gift pack, which will allow a new player to gain the skills and equipment he needs to compete with more veteran players. Check out all the latest on this and future expansions for Heroes of Gaia on the official website... and have fun storming the castle!
Snail Games' next strategy: A Ministry of War expansion
Snail Games debuted its real-time strategy MMO in November of last year, making it a landmark browser-based game. Ministry of War allowed us to travel back in time to command the great civilizations of Rome, Persia, Egypt, or China. Since the game's launch, the developers have experienced great success and are extremely excited about the community's reaction to the features of the game. Today, the MMO developer is proud to announce the first expansion to Ministry of War: The Arcadian Ladder. This update, featuring a 50-level battle instance, will launch tomorrow, January 22, 2011. The Arcadian Ladder will debut on the new Rage server with the legacy servers receiving the update in early February. With this expansion, players will be able to trade via a newly developed auction house, gamble for a chance at rare drops in the Levers of Fortune slot machine, and experience a better battle view with a fresh user interface. This expansion also features 40 new shop items, online time rewards, experience capsules, and many other epic gear drops and experience rewards. Time-travel to the official website to find more information or try out the game for yourself.
MV Guide: January 10 - 17, 2011
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel. Every week the Massively staff will be logging in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We'll have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of games to take a look at. During Livestream events, you can participate in the live chat to learn about the game, ask questions, and spend some time with Massively staff and readers. Are you worried about missing out due to your schedule? Don't be, because we'll be Livestreaming at various times during the afternoon and evening both weekdays and weekends, so you're sure to find something great up and running at a good time! If you miss a Livestream, we've got you covered there too! Just check out the "latest videos" section of our channel to find past Livestream events to view at your leisure. So if you're looking to check out some new games or see your favorite game from a new perspective, follow along after the cut for this week's installment of MV Guide!
Ministry of War offers gift packs for Massively readers
The Massively staff has been having a great time with our new Livestreaming schedule, and we hope you're enjoying it just as much as we are. We're kicking off week two tomorrow with a special surprise for you. Editor-in-Chief Shawn Schuster will be Livestreaming Ministry of War tomorrow with a few of the game's developers. That's not the only surprise, though! The Snail Games team has arranged for Massively readers to receive a Ministry of War gift package full of items to enhance battle, construction, hero recruitment and more -- and it's yours for the asking! Shawn will be showing off the items during his Livestream at 1:00 p.m. EST tomorrow and telling you exactly how to get your own, so check it out on Massively's Livestream channel. We'll see you there!
This week on The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey takes us on a free-for-all ride through the MMOGverse, scratches an itch in Uncle Casey's Mailbag, and shares a timely lesson just before World of Warcraft: Cataclysm launches. Listen and learn, for lo, there is wisdom to be had on this mythical (and not-so-mythical) topic. This episode starts off with a look at All Points Bulletin, which has been pulled back from the grave by GamersFirst, and hopefully will get more of the features it was supposed to actually have when it launched. Moving on from there, Casey touches on the recent opening of Ministry of War as a browser-based MMORTS. Some of the staff here dig it, being a bunch of Civ fiends. Mind you, if we start seeing boob-infested flash ads for the game popping up everywhere, we're going to deny ever hearing its name. In other snark news, Casey takes a look at the continuing saga of the Final Fantasy XIV free trial, which is being extended yet again in an attempt to keep fans happy. Looks like Square-Enix will have a title out for the holidays* -- which might be when this one actually becomes fully playable. Finally, the last bit of news wraps up with a mention of DC Universe Online's new trailer showing off a police station which is strangely devoid of donuts. Guess glazed pastries just don't mix with skin-tight spandex. You can find this week's episode behind the cut and of course every week at G4TV. * Note: 'Holiday' is used here to refer to any/all holidays in a given calendar year. Could be Christmas, could be Arbor Day. Who knows?
Snail Games launches Ministry of War
Snail Games USA has announced the launch of its new Ministry of War free-to-play MMORTS. The title is billed as the world's most advanced browser game and boasts a variety of features not commonly found in the genre including Contested Zone Wars, a massive world map, and a robust merchant and trade system. Contested Zones are territories fought over and controlled by player guilds and they're active each night from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. EST. Guilds can hold the territories as long as they're able, and even non-guilded players can opt to participate by choosing a side and fighting as a mercenary. "Ministry of War redefines the entire notion of a browser game," says Snail Games USA CEO Jason Katz. "It has eight different categories of combat -- everything from arena battles and lair raids to epic large-scale multiplayer battles like Contested Zone Wars and city sieges." Check out all the latest information, and start playing almost immediately, at the game's official website. [Update: Snail Games has contacted Massively and asked us to let prospective players know that they'll be flipping the live switch at 6:00 p.m. PST/ 9:00 p.m. EST]
Snail Games launching Ministry of War MMO on November 17
We sure do like Civilization, but a browser-based, war-centric MMO with very similar sounding mechanics? That's something we could really get into. Lucky for us, Snail Games just announced that its free-to-play MMORTS Ministry of War, currently in beta, will launch next Wednesday, November 17. Like Civ, MoW takes human history and drops it into an interactive playground. "Imperial Rome, Persia, Egypt, or China" are all at your disposal for world domination against other folks online, and beta users get a reward for participation with a "special in-game item pack." Snail Games promises that no more server wipes will take place after next Wednesday's launch, so now might be a good time to start plotting your path to hegemony.%Gallery-107315%
Ministry of War announces Vox Populi contest
If you're ever wanted to put words in the mouth of an MMO NPC (and who hasn't), now's your chance. Snail Games USA has announced the Vox Populi contest for its free-to-play MMORTS known as Ministry of War. The title, currently in closed beta, is a browser-based MMO that allows players to conquer territory as one of four ancient civilizations (China, Egypt, Persia, or Rome). To get in on the contest, and play puppet-master to your very own MMO NPC, head to the beta forums for the complete contest rules and requirements. Entering the Vox Populi competition also makes you eligible for a beta key, and you could be one of five finalists to compete for the coveted grand prize of having your quote spoken by an in-game villager.
Get your MMORTS on because we have Ministry of War beta keys!
Look, we know that all of you have plans for world domination. That's nothing to be ashamed of. But what good are those plans when you don't have the chance to put them into action, right? Well, that's where Ministry of War comes in. Ministry of War is a browser-based MMORTS that lets you step into the shoes of one of history's great nations: Egypt, Persia, Rome, or China. From there, you'll build your empire humbly at first. You'll build structures, study war techniques, and prepare your army. Then, when your enemies on the game's huge world map least expect it, you can launch a strike into their lands! Here's where the game becomes less like Civilization and more like Age of Empires, as you'll find yourself commanding your units on an RTS battlefield. That's right, no more having battles decided for you -- you control the fight. The good folks over at Snail Games USA have allotted us 100 beta keys to give away to you fine folks. However, there is a catch: The keys will be distributed at random, much like one of our contests. Interested and want to know more? Charge after the break for all of the details and where to sign up for a beta key! %Gallery-99802%
