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Chaos Rings trailer looks awesome
Just yesterday, we heard about this new Square Enix RPG due to come to the iPhone this year, and today, not only do we have official confirmation, but a first official trailer as well. And boy does it look great -- over in the console world, Final Fantasy's creators have been saying that they can't make them like they used to, because the newer HD technology just makes old-school artisanship tough to do. But a platform like the iPhone, with its built-in limits on graphical fidelity, might be just the place for the old-school vibe to live and thrive. 3D characters on 2D backgrounds? What appear to be turn-based battles against bosses and summons? A story featuring emo-haired heroes and J-pop ballads? Boy are we in. The Japanese version says "Available soon on the App Store," but we'll keep an eye on the other stores as well and let you know when this drops.
Atlantica's Mercenary Madness contest
Ndoors Interactive has taken the wraps off their Mercenary Madness contest, which invites players to submit designs for a new Atlantica Online character. The contest winner will not only nab the thrill of seeing their design brought to life inside the strategic turn-based MMORPG, but also a nifty chunk of real world loot including artwork of their design autographed by Atlantica developers and as yet unnamed game merchandise. "Our community has always played an important part in shaping Atlantica Online," said Ndoors CEO Peter Kang. "We want to further their involvement with the game and show our appreciation for their feedback by literally letting them become part of the design process." Players have until March 22, 2010 to submit designs, which should include the following: Type of mercenary (existing classes only) Name of each mercenary upgrade (Initial Name, level 20, 50, and 80 Upgrade Names, and Hero Name) Back story of mercenary character Description of mercenary's appearance (images are encouraged) Mercenary skill names and descriptions All entries should be submitted to event at ndoorsinc dot com. Full event rules can be found here and you can download a submission template here.
PoxNora's big revamp tentatively scheduled for this week
The big revamp is almost here! RadarX -- you know, that friendly community guy -- recently made a post on the official forums announcing that the big revamp/update will be tentatively landing this Wednesday, Feb. 24th. Assuming nothing explodes, in just two more days PoxNora will have a newly streamlined stat system and shiny new user interface as well. There is a downside to this news, however, and that's an extended downtime on patch day. Expect the servers to be unavailable for about eight hours. If you're wondering what all this talk of PoxNora and its big revamp is all about, check out our recent interview with Tony "RadarX" Jones about all the changes and improvements coming for current players and newcomers alike.
Last Flight devs announce 'Gender Wars: The Battle,' an iPad strategy game
Remember back in late January when the world was all abuzz with iPad news and, more specifically, we named a handful of game genres we'd like to see on the upcoming tablet? If our spidey sense is functioning correctly, the recent announce of "Gender Wars: The Battle" -- a "turn-based tactic game" (read: RTS) -- seems to indicate Last Flight devs Bloober Team are avid Joystiq readers (obviously BT got its ideas from our post -- don't be so foolish!). The game (as described by lead designer Peter Bielatowicz) is intended to be "easy to pick up and play" with what sounds like paired down tactical commands for "casual players." Producer Piotr Babieno explains the iPad development focus by saying, "We believe that tactic games will be one of [the] best and most successful games on [the] iPad platform." He also notes that the game will be released at a "very low price" to entice players to get hooked on the "series" and prepare them for future "Gender Wars" titles. And no, neither Beilatowicz or Babieno explain why it's called Gender Wars, but we'll hopefully find out when the game releases this March alongside Apple's new device.
Family-friendly Zombies on the iPhone
We have a lot of apps coming through our tipline, but this one caught my eye, not only because it is called Zombies (the stumbling undead always catch my eye), but because it offers up a bit of good old-fashioned fun in the form of a Daleks!-style remake. Gameplay is simple and straighforward -- you run, turn-by-turn in eight directions, from zombies, who pursue you at the same speed, and though the game runs at any pace you want (perfect for gameplay on the iPhone, in my opinion, since most of the time I'm just looking for a few seconds to a couple minutes of easy-to-pick-up action), the dread is real. Just like actual zombies, these guys shamble their way toward you with a hunger that only brains can satisfy. The game is on the App Store now [iTunes link]. I will say that it is a touch pricey at $2.99 (a simple arcade game like this seems made for the 99-cent price point, and it will probably end up there eventually), but who am I to begrudge the developers a couple of bucks? I don't need to drink that cup of Starbucks anyway. If you're in the mood for a simple, zombified twist on an old classic, this is it. While you're at it, check out the Zombies preview video we shot at WWDC last July.
Sacred Seasons: The flash-based MMO
We're not entirely sure how this one slipped under our radar. Perhaps it was a quiet launch, or perhaps it was a flash based massively multiplayer game, but we somehow failed to mention Sacred Seasons.So now we're going to take the time to correct that error -- enter Sacred Seasons, an MMO that runs entirely in flash and entirely in your internet browser. The game tells the story of the Heartlands, a world that's much like ours except in hyperbole, where the seasons dominate so strongly that they resonate in humanity itself. The people of the world have broken off into four separate tribes, one each dedicated to one of the seasons. All of them ally together, however, to fight a plague spreading across the world -- the growing corruption of the badlands, areas of nothingness.
Atlantica Online releases mid-year patch
NDOORS Interactive announced today that the mid-year update for their free-to-play, turn-based MMO Atlantica Online has been released and includes several new features that will "enhance the user experience and improve gameplay", according to a press release. This patch will add the following new or improved features: Jackpot System: A new challenge system which allows players to select an item they have found in battle and gamble for a chance to obtain a large quantity of that item, with odds determined by the item's value New Dungeon: The 'Mysterious Inn' has been added to the Central Asia region and is available to players level 120 or higher Improved Arena Betting: Now players can bet on arena battles remotely Chatting Emoticon Function has been added Ring Craft: Will now be called 'Accessories Craft' and will have the ability to craft rings and necklaces Sound interesting? You can also check out more information on Atlantica Online, as well as interviews and an early dev tour of the game at our category page.
Theorycrafting in Wizard101
Apparently theorycrafting isn't just for hardcore RPGers anymore. Tipa of the West Karana blog put together an interesting primer on the hidden numbers behind kid-friendly (and adult too - don't be shy) MMO, Wizard101. Want to know what damage, accuracy or power pips are and which is better? Want to know what your ideal secondary magic school might be? Want to know how important mana or health is when choosing gear? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Tipa's "need to know" guide. You can even leave a question in her comment section if you don't find what you were looking for.And we're sure there will be a lot of questions since Wizard101 recently hit the one million player mark. Perhaps theorycrafting has become a bit more important in this casual-friendly game since they recently added the player arena, where wizards can engage in a fierce magical duels against each other. Competition usually encourages more strategic thinking and planning if you want to win, and this combat primer might help as well.
Upper Deck hosts a Spectral Safari event for the WoW minis game
Haven't gotten a chance to play last year's Game Product of the Year yet? You're in luck -- Upper Deck is hosting another "Spectral Safari" event about a month from now, on March 14th, and you could pick up a Spectral Tiger, one of the hottest TCG items in history. Entry for the big tournament costs $20, but not only do you get to take home a WoW minis booster, but you have a chance to win prizes, and everyone who plays in the tournament will get entered in a contest to have an official mini made of their very own ingame character. That's pretty wild.They've just sent us the list of where the events are taking place, so if there's a tournament going on near you (there are locations all over the world), now's the time to make your plans. The game is a lot of fun -- it's kind of a cross between a turn-based strategy game (in that both players take turns with their characters to move and attack) and Arena battles (in that you move around on a field using the various abilities and weapons available to your character's class). An event like this is a great way to check it out and possibly even win some prizes for playing well.
Get mystical with this Wizard101 combat primer
Maybe the casual friendly, Harry Potter inspired Wizard101 has caught your eye sometime in the past, but you weren't really sure what the game entailed. Well, in that case MMORPG.com has a good combat primer that'll help you get your wands in order, as it were. While the game doesn't demand deep, tactical thinking it isn't exactly a hack 'n slash title either -- so a little bit of help isn't out of the question. Plus, it's got a free-or-pay pricing structure as well.If you're wondering whether or not Wizard101 is a game worth a little investigation, we'll be the first to answer that yes, very much so! We've got both some early hands-on time with the game, as well as an interview we did shortly before it launched last September. And if you're looking for something short and sweet to convince you to take a look: turn-based card battle MMORPG.
Consider the turn-based MMO with Atlantica Online
There are turn-based games, and then there are MMOs. The idea of mixing the two doesn't seem like the greatest of ideas, does it? Turn-based combat would take away from the high-action immersive fighting that we've become accustomed to through our favorite online games. This is most evident in the recent popularity of FPS-style MMOs. Yet, despite this, the RPG side of MMOs began with turn-based strategy.Over at MMORPG.com, Atlantica Online's Producer, Kim Tae Gon, explains the reasoning behind the decision to make this highly-popular game turn-based. Going back to the fundamentals of games like chess, Kim Tae Gon believes that this type of game mechanic is more approachable for a larger audience, especially considering the popularity of games like chess across the world. "With casual games and FPS games well established, it's time for something new, like turn-based games. I honestly hope Atlantica will be the starting point."
New Wakfu trailer spotlights cross-media push
For those of us not fortunate enough to be part of the Wakfu closed beta, the game has remained something of a mystery. A beautiful, sexily-rendered 2D turn-based mystery, but a mystery nonetheless. We've seen a few screenshots, we know its release is going to be accompanied by an animated series, and we know the game is going to be in the same general vein as sister series Dofus, but beyond that it's still a little vague.The marketing team over at French developer Ankama Games has passed a trailer our way that really highlights the synergy between the animated series and the game proper. It also puts the game engine into motion, giving us a better idea of what the gameplay might be like, including some glimpses of player-to-player interaction, albeit in French. Check out the video after the jump if this sounds like it might possibly be your cup of tea.
New Atlantica trailer shows off turn-based battles
Between Concerto Gate and Atlantica, we may just have to start using a new acronym: MMOTBS or massively multiplayer turn-based strategy game. Don't get us wrong though, the thought of more turn-based MMOs makes us all tingly inside. In fact, we're very happy to see MMOs that dabble in the world of turn-based battles and it really is underutilized mechanic these days. Obviously because of our love for them you can count on us to report on anything related to these types of games, like this brand new trailer for Atlantica!We get to see lots of turns being taken in this trailer, which truly warms our heart. However, we also see plenty of epic battles being waged. It all looks so grandiose and dramatic. In fact, we're not really sure if we've seen a game trailer with that many quick-cuts in it before. It may not be as good cinematically as say, an Oxhorn Brand Melody, but it certainly could be a lot worse: It could be set to some overused movie theme.
Atlantica begins closed beta
Avast, mateys! Atlantica Online, the turn-based strategy MMO, has announced that its closed beta test begins on Friday the 18th, with registered FilePlanet users getting the goods three days earlier, on the 15th. Additionally, MMO sites MMOABC, MMOSITE, MMORPG and onRPG are giving away a limited number of account keys on a first-come, first-served basis.More information about this title and its beta program can be found at its home site. We have new screenshots to show in the Gallery below, and expect some exclusive content in the weeks to come!%Gallery-25535%
Atlantica continues to bring beauty
Turn-based strategy MMO Atlantica continues to bring us beautiful images, keeping us looking forward to its eventual beta sometime this month. While it's difficult these days to produce truly original aesthetics, there's no problem with the visuals coming out of NDOORS.Is the world ready for turn-based fantasy? Do you anticipate immersive gameplay despite the nature of segmented mechanics? One thing's for sure: when you're feeling the grind in Age of Conan or World of Warcraft, this title will provide a welcome respite. %Gallery-25535%[Thanks, Katrina!]
Atlantica updates with new gameplay video
While we've talked about the upcoming turn-based strategy MMO Atlantica before, we haven't been able to see what actual gameplay looks like until now. The good folks at NDOORS have provided a 30-second gameplay trailer, and it looks right in line with what you'd hope for in a title like this.We'll bring you as much coverage as possible as the game nears its closed beta in July, and we'll be on the front lines at launch. Just pray that we'll have enough mana to cast that final First Impressions spell, or the human race is doomed! Check out the Gallery for screens of the game, and the gameplay video after the jump.%Gallery-25535%Thanks, Katrina!
Turn-based strategy MMO Atlantica to enter closed beta in July
A new MMORPG by the name of Atlantica Online is set to enter its closed beta phase this July. The game will reportedly employ a turn-based strategy combat system, and developer Ndoors Interactive hopes that this will help it to stand out from other MMOs. Players are able to form groups of up to 3 people and wage war across ancient lands. There will be a heavy focus on long term planning and strategy, with players having to manage both cities and countries, keeping factors like industry, commerce, and culture in mind.Visiting Atlantica's official website, we found a handful of screenshots, a teaser video (with no gameplay unfortunately) and a simple form to enter just an email address to register for the closed beta. Turn-based strategy games tend to divide gamers, but fans of the genre could really get into such a title taken to the level of complexity that MMOs can offer -- if done well. We'll report back when we find out more.[Via Worlds in Motion]
Massively hands-on: Wizard101
KingsIsle Entertainment was founded way back in 2005 -- and since their inception, they seem to have stayed quietly sequestered in their offices, hard at work on unknown projects. With a team consisting of industry veterans from Wolfpack (creators of Shadowbane) and Ion Storm, it was hard not to be curious about their work. If you're one of the many who have been wondering what the team has been working on, you're in luck, because they've just announced their first project: Wizard101. We recently had a chance to visit KingsIsle's Austin studios (they've taken up residence in a corner of the complex formerly inhabited by Origin Systems) and enroll in the Ravenwood School for the Magical Arts for a day to get a feel for the game. Though this game is aimed at kids ("tweens" that are too old for the likes of Club Penguin but too young for their parents to feel comfortable letting them loose in Barrens chat), its turn-based combat system and trading card game elements may interest you, too. So what makes Wizard101 different from the proliferation of MMOs on the market? A few elements of the game caught our eye...%Gallery-23343%%Gallery-23433%
Player vs. Everything: Could a turn-based MMOG really work?
Have you ever noticed how the combat formula for mainstream MMOGs has managed to remain surprisingly stable over the years? There may have been a few small advances: more skills to use (World of Warcraft), counters (Vanguard), twitchier gameplay (Age of Conan), and destructible environments (City of Villains), for example. But even in the games that make use of those newer concepts, the basic formula of the gameplay hasn't changed a whole lot since the days of EverQuest. We run up to the monster we want to kill, pop auto-attack, and start using whatever skills we have to take it down. It has worked out just fine in most games (I'm obviously a fan of the system), but it's also pretty simplistic, to be honest. Combat tends to occur without a lot of strategy or feedback -- it's usually too fast for a lot of complexity. Even if you had a bunch of interesting skills, stances, and counters, it would be more annoying than fun because using them in real time would require remembering where they all were on your hot bars and clicking all over the place. Given all this, how could you possibly make combat more interesting without making it less fun? Well, I was reading an article the other day where a developer was defending his use of turn-based combat in a modern game, and started wondering how well it would work in an MMOG. If we slowed things down and made a turn-based MMOG, could we have much more complex and interesting fights? Would you even play a turn-based MMO?
So you love Advance Wars: Days of Ruin?
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/DS_Fanboy_What_s_left_after_Advance_Wars_Days_of_Ruin'; If you've spent most of this year brain-deep in Advance Wars: Days of Ruin, you just may be itching for something else right about now. Sure, the Advance Wars franchise offers some of the deepest gameplay experiences around, but you can't play it forever (or can you?). If you've gone as far as you can go and are burning for a new game that you can pour hours into, we may just have a solution. We've compiled a list of similar current and forthcoming games for fans in need of a fix. Advance one square and fire away to see what we recommend! Check out our recommendations!
