Thor
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Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update
While we've had several occasions to check out Marvel Heroes' journey through the beta process, Gazillion Entertainment wanted us to know that our previous glimpses are now obsolete. The makers of this superhero action-RPG have implemented a major beta update that has virtually transformed the look, feel, and function of the game. We spoke with Gazillion about the update, which clearly is a major step toward a finalized release version. The most obvious change to Marvel Heroes is a revamp of its user interface. The UI has been streamlined and modernized, with a crisper look and more color overall. The placeholder minimap has been scrapped and replaced with a new radar that functions in perspective, a friends list is now in place, and new arrow icons float around the edges of your screen to direct you to nearby events. And since loot is quite vital to the appeal of the game, the devs made sure to color-code all of the icons so that telling item rarity is an instant and effortless process. There are a few more surprises that were announced today, so hit the jump and we'll walk you through them!
Marvel Heroes whips up Avengers movie costumes
If you haven't seen this summer's Avengers movie, you totally should, and if you have, then you might be interested to hear that the upcoming Marvel Heroes is embracing the blockbuster's wardrobe. The superhero MMO will be including the film versions of Thor's, Iron Man's, Black Widow's, Hawkeye's, Hulk's, and Captain America's costumes. The game's devs assured players that the costumes won't just be for eye candy alone but "will also tie in key game systems in fun and unique ways." Marvel Heroes will offer many costume variants based on both the comics and the films, although the devs say that covering all of them might be a task that only a true superhero could accomplish. "Some of those experimental looks didn't exactly stand the test of time," the announcement explains.
Odin the All-Father's Diablo 3 account hacked
Someone has had the audacity to hack Odin's account, and He is demanding that Blizzard restore His items immediately. In a post on the Diablo III general discussion forums, Odin insists that not only should His items and gold be returned immediately but also that a human sacrifice be performed. He blames Blizzard for giving his data away, since his system is completely secure, and therefore it must follow the rules, else be cursed. Here's an excerpt of the All-Father's complaint: So I'm Odin, the All-Father; I am Iron Grim, the One-Eyed. I'm the Longbeard, Lord of Ghosts, Wise One... you get the idea. My gaming rig is engraved with protective runes, and my firewall is a wall manned by Heimdell, who sees and hears any threat to the residents of Asgard. Every day at sunrise, my entire system is massaged with a poultice of angelica, burdock, comfrey, dill, and moss provided by Eir while a healing galdr is chanted over it. My ISP is two ravens that bring me news of all the happenings in the world and is always 100% stable and secure, personally watched over by the birds. Don't ask me how they do it; I'm not spending another day on that damn tree just to find out. It's powered by human sacrifice, although I have no idea how this could be relevant; I've just seen others with the same problem posting it. Given that personal info has never been leaked by Blizzard before, it seems unlikely the hackers got the All-Father's info from anywhere but Him or one of his subjects on Asgard. He describes a seemingly impenetrable system, however, protected by magic, herbs and faithful creatures. Someone with access to His computer must have responded to a phishing email or was otherwise careless with His login info.
Avengers Blu-ray preorders listed, including massive 10-disc Marvel Cinematic Universe set
If you left the theater after watching Marvel / Disney / Joss Whedon's The Avengers ready to buy the Blu-ray disc as soon as it hit then get your credit cards ready. As Blu-ray.com notes, Amazon has listings for both a 2-disc Blu-ray edition and a 4-disc Blu-ray 3D version, but the one that's caught our eye is the just updated listing for Marvel Cinematic Universe: Phase One - Avengers Assembled. A 10 disc set, it has every movie in this chapter of Marvel flicks -- Avengers, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man 1 & 2, The Incredible Hulk -- with 3D copies where applicable plus collectible packaging and a bonus "The Phase One Archives" disc. The only pic of the casing we have is the promo image shown above which hints at a replica of Nick Fury's Cosmic Cube suitcase from the movie, but more information is promised to be revealed July 15th. Until then you'll have to decide if $153 ($25~ per movie) is worth it for the set, or maybe take this time to finance it by selling off your existing copies on Craigslist. Your choice. [Thanks, Victor]
Avengers Assemble! Transmogrify your own superhero team
Transmogrification isn't just for making your character pretty or wearing old sets. Where's the fun in that? There are thousands of pieces to choose from for your look, and there's no reason you can't make it a distinctive one -- paying homage to video games or popular comics is just as much fun as being pretty. Today, we've got an iconic foursome of characters who have been staples in Marvel comics for decades and recently made a smashing success with the film The Avengers. Though Warcraft's armor doesn't contain exact replica's of Ironman's iconic armor or Captain America's easily recognizable shield, you can still use transmogrification to compile a look that screams Marvel Comics. Just because the Hulk doesn't wear anything more than a pair of pants in the comics doesn't mean we can't capture his look through some well-placed camouflage. And even though we can't get our hands on Mjolnir, there are more than enough warhammers lying around to find a good replica.
Vindictus EU update brings new character, terrible foe
European Vindictus fans, rejoice: Your favorite pillar-swinging brute is now playable. Karok, the newest addition to Vindictus' spread of characters, is a big man with a penchant for beating people up with a huge chunk of architecture that he just happens to carry around. Although he's a slow-moving character, Karok seems built to take some punches, as he's easily the largest playable character seen yet. That huge size and pet pillar come in handy for some new skills like War Slam, Earth Quake, and Pillar Charge. The update doesn't stop there; a new foe is being thrown into the mix in the form of Thor, a giant thunder-lizard, and players will be richly rewarded for taking him down. Additionally, the Mercenary Surprise Update will bring in new Legendary Weapons. So go! Create yourself as the huge walking force of nature that you've always wished you were, grapple with a multi-mawed lightning-lizard, and drink deeply the rewards of your awesomeness. [Source: Nexon EU press release]
Vindictus Europe video shows off new boss, new hero
The latest Vindictus Europe video has a scary new boss monster on display. Nexon is introducing Thor (no, not that Thor), a giant crocodile-like creature with three mouths and a nasty disposition. Nexon describes Thor as an "outlaw of the dark and damp underworld," and the trailer shows a cross-section of Vindictus heroes slicing and dicing the new monster using the title's unique action combat mechanics. While we're on the subject of heroes, the video also teases the latest Vindictus Europe playable character, a giant brawler named Karok. Check out all the gory details after the cut. [Source: Nexon Europe press release]
Marvel Universe Online shows off some (back)sides of its superheroes
Developer Gazillion and Marvel have been showing off some superheroes for the coming MMO Marvel Universe Online, and with the inclusion of Iron Man, we think it's about time you took a good look at these guys. So far, the MMMSociety has released renders of Deadpool, Wolverine, Cable, Captain America, Thor, Thing and Iron Man, all in fairly traditional spandex and ironclad garb. Iron Man, for example, looks a bit like Robert Downey Jr. under that sleek armor design -- trust us, we would know that rear end anywhere. %Gallery-140990%
Marvel Universe Online reveals the art for Thor
Hark, gentle readers! Today is indeed a most fortuitous day for those watching the development of yon massively multiplayer online game that is known as Marvel Universe Online, for the stalwart writers of code and crafters of art have provided fans with the newest piece of character art. And lest ye fear that the newest addition will in some way disappoint, fear not, for the newest piece of character art is no less than a god! Yes, the mighty Thor is the latest of the heroes to be previewed, with vestments that speak of both his classic appearance and his recent successful film. If you are a follower of this noble and forthright god of thunder, you will no doubt be pleased to know that his likeness will be seen within Marvel Universe Online, and you should make haste to view the full artwork in a much higher resolution.
You really should have seen this amazing footage from The Avengers video game
Earlier this year THQ shuttered the Australian studio most likely working on The Avengers: The Video Game, and until now we didn't know how far along the game was, or how awesome it was turning out to be. A freshly leaked video shows The Avengers in a pre-alpha build, highlighting the game's sweet FPS mechanics -- unfortunately THQ has pulled the footage from YouTube, meaning you'll never get to see how amazing this thing was. Your life sucks. Not to rub it in your face, but we saw it and boy, was it good. The video showed the first-person perspectives of Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America, all using unique fighting styles to destroy their enemies -- or get obliterated by them, as was the case against the X-Men and Fantastic Four Super-Skrulls. The art style appeared sophisticated, especially for a pre-alpha build, and it contained just the right amount of superhero violence, including an active input scene where Hulk slowly snapped the neck of a Super-Skrull. Seriously, it's a shame you'll never see this footage. Ever. Unless you see it here. We hope you appreciate it more this way.
The Avengers: The Video Game leaks, cancelled by THQ
Early last month, THQ shuttered a few Australian studios that were working on licensed titles. A leak seems to reveal what one of those titles could have been: A video game tie-in to the upcoming Avengers movie. WouldYouKindly poked around on a few websites of concept artists formerly employed by THQ, and found some concept art and even a test animation (which has since been hidden) showing off Thor, Captain America, and Hawkeye all beating up on some Skrull enemies. One concept also shows Hulk and Iron Man in the mix. The Avengers: The Video Game was at least being pitched, if not actually developed, for PS3, Xbox 360, and the PC. According to the LinkedIn profile of at least one developer, the game has been completely canceled, though we're not sure about the status of the license -- presumably, if THQ isn't making the game, Marvel could try shopping it to another developer or publisher.
Visualized: Objet's 3D printer breathes plastic life into Hollywood creatures, layer by layer
It ain't easy being plastic, you know? Objet -- the 3D printing house that aimed to replace your office's all-in-one Epson back in July -- brought a few of its snazziest pieces here to SIGGRAPH, and we popped by to have a gander. Targeting the animation-inspired crowd that showed up here in Vancouver, the company brought along some Hollywood examples of how its multi-material Objet260 Connex helped movie makers craft prototype creatures before they were inserted into the storyline. Thor's Destroyer and Avatar's Na'vi were both on hand, as well as the two critters shown above. The hothead on the right was crafted in around 18 hours (and subsequently painted), while the cool cat on the left was built in three fewer. Wildly enough, that fellow required no painting whatsoever; so long as you're cool with shades of grey, you can program your object to be colored from the outset. Oh, and as for his cost? Around $80 for the materials -- slightly more for the printer itself. %Gallery-130291%
Thor Blu-ray comes home September 13th with 3D and an Avengers sneak peek
The movie that set off the 2011 season of superhero movies will come home September 13th, when Thor is released on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. Paramount has mentioned the details of the release, either in three disc Blu-ray 3D combo or two disc Blu-ray / DVD trim, but after seeing the movie we're more interested in the promised "Exclusive look at Marvel's The Avengers". Leaked trailers of that hero flick have been popping up (and been promptly removed from) all over the internet, we might endure the slightly-too-dim Thor one more time for a better look at what's to come.
Wii developer Red Fly Studio lays off 30
Sad news from Austin developer Red Fly Studio, which confirmed to GameSpot that it unexpectedly had to terminate approximately 30 employees on June 22. CEO Dan Borth explained, "The reduction of staff was a response to a large high-profile project that was, to our surprise, reevaluated and then canceled." Red Fly is perhaps best known for its Wii versions of licensed games that are often as well -- if not better -- received than their 360 and PS3 counterparts (as was the case with the recent Thor). Here's hoping those affected land on their feet.
Vindictus version 1.28 introduces new raid boss
Tired of putting those fine, heroic weapons and spells to use just to kill some rats? With the Vindictus 1.28 patch, you're in luck! Now you can kill human-sized rats that just so happen to be wielding tridents! Nexon's most recent update to its action MMORPG sends players down into the sewers (how lovely) to quell an uprising of anthropomorphized rats and lizard-men. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, it would be if you didn't have a lizardman "god" to contend with. The new raid boss Thor seems to be some kind of multi-mawed lightning lizard and will certainly challenge even the most stalwart of heroes. Also included in the update are a smattering of new skills for all three characters. On top of this, three new sets of armor are being introduced to further enhance players' chances against their new enemies. The last new feature of the patch is the introduction of campfire buffs, allowing players to receive a variety of different buffs by resting their tired heads beside a campfire for just a bit before they head off into the dungeons of Vindictus. For more information on all of this plus new cash shop items and a few bug fixes, check out the official post, and head on past the cut for a trailer of the aforementioned Thor.
Super Hero Squad Online releases Asgard, screenshots, trailer
As we announced recently, Super Hero Squad Online is making the most of the release of the new Thor film by adding the Norse god and his homeland of Asgard to the free-to-play MMORPG. Now, thanks to a press release from Gazillion Entertainment, we have a wealth of new information regarding these new additions. Players will be able to take on the roles of Thor -- in both his classic and ultimate incarnations -- Valkyrie, and Gladiator Hulk. After assuming control of any of these new heroes -- or any of the old ones as well, for that matter -- players can now take off to the mythical land of Asgard, home of the Norse Gods. From there, Gazillion says players can "discover the World's Tree and other landmarks in Asgard or battle through two brand new missions", known as The Gods of Thunder and Freezer Burn. If you're looking for a peek at SHSO's Asgard expansion before you log in to see it for yourself, check out the gallery below and hammer your way past the cut for an action-packed trailer. There's Thor, there's Asgard, there's Loki, there are frost giants, there's... hacky-sack! Don't miss it, lest you incur the wrath of the god of thunder. %Gallery-93313%
Super Hero Squad Online adds Thor, Asgard
Marvel Universe Online may not have made it out of the gates in time to bask in the cross-promotional glow of the new Thor film, but the other Marvelized MMO is picking up the slack. Super Hero Squad Online has just announced the addition of Asgard to its game world, not to mention a couple of timely superhero appearances by the likes of Valkyrie and Ultimate Thor (the latter of whom is a subscriber-exclusive). SHSO also sports a new Loki-powered mission called the Gods of Thunder, and a Classic Thor character is in the works for a future update. The kid-friendly Superhero Squad Online gives players the chance to don the capes, tights, and armor of Marvel's greatest heroes, and you can learn more about the free-to-play title at its official website.
Thor and Captain America to avenge in 3D on PS3, Xbox and (of course) 3DS
Sega is showing the Thor and Captain America games at an event for both Marvel properties, and is also tweeting news snippets out of said event. First off, games based on both Marvel movies will be released on 3DS. Second -- and this dovetails nicely -- the Xbox and PS3 versions will also be playable in 3D. No word yet about whether this will require a 3D television or if it'll be something like TriOviz that works on everything. Thor is currently slated for a May 11 release, with Captain America following sometime this summer.
Thor: God of Thunder coming to consoles on May 3rd, 2011
Yep, it's another Sega published video game adaptation of a comic book movie. What could go wrong? Hopefully, this God of War approach to the God of Thunder will prove a bit more successful when it launches on May 3rd, three days before the movie.
Hero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online
Back in May, I scored Massively's first real look at Super Hero Squad Online, the Marvel-flavored, kid-friendly MMO from Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society. I was smitten with the game at the time, and so when Gazillion offered me the opportunity to take a peek at the newest build earlier this week, I jumped at the chance. Who can resist some hands-on time with such an adorable toy! (Answer to rhetorical question: no one, which is why you should go sign up for beta right now.) Plus, if I learned anything the last time, it was that I have a duty to relentlessly inquire about Squirrel Girl. Am I right? Gazillion PR Manager Keith Mutzman and The Amazing Society's Director of Games Jay Minn wasted no time bringing me up to speed on the progress of the game as the team heads to PAX this weekend, so I'll pay that forward -- join me after the break and we'll dig in and hero up!
