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Hopefully the new 'Resident Evil 7' demo won't make you queasy
If the first demo for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard didn't leave you with a headache or worse (yeah, even in 2D), it might've left you scratching your noggin. Well, the "Beginning Hour" demo is getting an update, according to a post on the PlayStation Blog. The Twilight update "expands on what you can do and explore" in the run-down shack. Over on Capcom Unity the publisher-developer teases that even if you've explored every corner of the house that "we've got something special in store for you." So maybe, just maybe, you'll find a use for that severed finger. Hopefully the update means the flashlight's incessant bobbing and swaying been fixed, too.
'Twilight' author Stephenie Meyer is making a show for Hulu
You may still see Stephenie Meyer as synonymous with vampire books and movies, but she's determined to shake things up -- including where she puts her big-screen productions. The Twilight writer is working with Lionsgate on Rook, a TV show that's destined for both Hulu's streaming service as well as a currently unnamed UK TV provider. The studio isn't saying anything about what the show entails, although it's clearly betting that Meyer will help the show rise above the pack. Whether or not it does is still up in the air, mind you. While Twilight was a license to print money, Meyer's producer roles on Austenland and The Host didn't make those movies blockbuster hits. [Image credit: David Edwards/MediaPunch/IPX]
'Twilight' mini-movies are coming to Facebook
The problem with owning the rights to Twilight is that the story eventually ends, meaning that there's no more massively profitable movies with glitter guy, mumbling girl and the shirtless one with all the teeth. It's a problem that Lionsgate knows all too well, which is why it's hoping to prolong the saga by producing a series of five short movies based on a "broad spectrum of characters" from the Twilight universe. Unlike other digital video properties that have chosen Netflix or Amazon Instant Video for distribution, Lionsgate is going with a website that better caters to the shrieking tween market: Facebook.
The vampires of Moonlight Online: Global come out March 21st
If you've got a thirst for a vampire-themed MMO, you're in luck. Starting at 9:30 p.m. EDT on March 21st, you can sink your teeth into Moonlight Online: Global, a new free-to-play game by IGG (which incidentally also made Angels Online). And if you just so happen to be a Twilight fan as well, you're in double-luck: The studio promises players the chance to create their own version of the cast to recreate and live the story themselves. Can't wait until tomorrow? Then jump on over to the official site, where four different forum events are going on, each offering the chance for prizes such as a newbie gift pack in game, superior weapons, and points. You can try your hand at Lucky Treasure Box, Counting Numbers, Sign Up for Snowballs, and Screen Grab Characters. [Source: IGG press release]
The Perfect Ten: Best MMO theme songs (part one)
As I've well established both here on Massively and elsewhere, I'm somewhat of a nut for video game music. Whereas others might collect vintage hair metal tracks or the latest Justin Bieber opus, I'm always digging through obscure (and not-so-obscure) official soundtracks to games like Wipeout and Kirby. Video game scores can be right up there with the best that the film industry puts out, and the fact that they tie into personal experiences that we've played through can lend them sentimental weight. So for the next two Perfect Tens, I scoured all the MMO theme songs that I could get ahold of in an attempt to formulate a list of the very best. It was originally slated to be just one list, but after an hour or so of listening to tracks and having friends and fellow staffers weigh in on the subject, I knew it was impossible to keep it there. Two important things to note for this list. First, I wanted to keep to just the title/login screen tracks so that I wouldn't be working on this for the next 2.5 years. Second, unlike most past Perfect Tens where there's no significance to the order of the list, in this case we're going to have a genuine countdown to the best MMO theme song of all time. And I expect to take no flak about it, do you hear me? Good. Let's begin.
Moonlight Online launching by the end of 2011
All right, fang gang, prepare to get your vamp on -- Moonlight Online is coming to a PC or coffin near you by the end of 2011. Moving to capitalize on the final Twilight films, IGG announced that Moonlight Online will be launching its own version of vampires and werewolves before too long. Moonlight Online isn't just about well-worn horror concepts, but fresh ideas as well, such as strategic empire building, epic love stories, combat on the move, and fantastic creatures. According to the forums, there will also be dynamic weather patterns that will shape the game world, throwing zones from a blizzard to an idyllic summer day as the seasons progress. If you haven't already, make sure to sink your teeth into our dev diary, which gives a good overview of the game. We also have our very first look at in-game screenshots of Moonlight Online, which you can view in the gallery below! %Gallery-107318%
Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects discounted for preorder on Amazon
Christie Golden's second Cataclysm novel, Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects, is coming out on July 19, and Amazon has the cheapest copies around. The hardcover edition is currently available for preorder for $16.21 and the Kindle version for just $12.99. The first Cataclysm novel by Golden, The Shattering, told the prequel story of the newest expansion. Garrosh's rise to power and duel with Cairne, as well as Anduin Wrynn's involvement with the dwarven civil war, took center stage, while Thrall left leadership of the Horde to train as a shaman on the orcish home world of Draenor. Thrall: Twilight of the Aspects, continues Thrall's journey as a pivotal personality as the cataclysm and Deathwing ravage Azeroth. Thrall's journey will begin with a task for Ysera that eventually becomes fraught with green dragons, nightmares, and a bleak vision from Ysera herself, the Hour of Twilight. We will know more in a week, and I couldn't be more excited.
Captain's Log: Missed dev transmissions
Captain's Log, Stardate 64940.2... Hello, computer (and players)! As we have explored in past logs, the developers working on Star Trek Online are extremely transparent with the community, and this, surprising to some, is actually by design. Since Dan Stahl took over as Executive Producer a year ago come July, he made it his personal mission to make sure that fans of the game knew where the game was heading at all times and what was currently being developed. Due to the success of this open communication, Cryptic as a whole has made a shift to this philosophy for its other announced projects. New details often emerge through several different official sources: the monthly Ask Cryptic and Engineering Report as well as a plethora of interviews. While the previously listed outlets are often marketed and widely known about, there are several channels that I would like to bring to light, ones that seem to fall under the radar. As Twitter is one of the biggest social media crazes, developers are using it to get information and work-in-progress screenshots out to the public. Also, some devs seem to be sacrificing sleep, as we will often wake up to posts in the STO forums that were posted near the midnight hour of Cryptic's time zone. Many feel that the most interesting and drool-worthy information is found in these "leaks," so I would like to share some of them with you. Ensign, warp 10! You might want to grab a towel to wipe up your mouth...
The Daily Grind: Does MMO magic need a revolution?
While the concept of magic in a fantasy setting (or something like nanos in a sci-fi setting) seems to offer unlimited potential and possibilities, MMO magic systems are almost depressingly routine. Ooh, I'm a fire mage, I cast... fireball! Ooh, I will suck out some of your life and inject it into my bloodstream and then star in a popular RomVamp series! Ooh, I will now summon something from the heavens to cave your skull in if you'd be so kind as to stop hitting me for the next five seconds! Honestly, is it time that MMOs see a revolution in the magic department? Where's the danger of magic, the elaborate preparations, the imaginative systems that we read about in the fantasy series but never see in games? If I never have to see someone's hands light up all glowy-like before he thrusts them out and a ball of liquid hate spews forth, I wouldn't complain. So what do you think? Are developers too complacent with how magic's been portrayed in MMOs? Do we need new systems to make magic come alive, or is it fine as is? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense
The idea of a Harry Potter MMO is hardly a new one at this point -- we've even speculated on it around Massively for years now. Rumors and wishful thinking have brought up this hypothetical MMO time and again, and for good reason: It simply makes sense. In fact, the more you think about it, the more surprising it is that we haven't heard official word of a Harry Potter MMO by now. After doing some poking around, the most likely suspects to take on this project would either be Warner Bros. (which owns the rights to the franchise) or Electronic Arts (which purchased a license from WB to make the movie video games). Both companies have MMO studios at their command -- Turbine, BioWare, Mythic -- and both have the resources to make it happen. So why does Harry Potter make perfect sense for MMO-adaptation? Hit the jump and I'll run you down the top 10 reasons! And if you post a positive comment after this column, I'll add five points to the house of your choice (go Hufflepuff!).
Cryptozoic announces WoW TCG Twilight of the Dragons expansion
WoW Trading Card Game fans are about to get really excited, as Cryptozoic has just released details on the third installment of the Worldbreaker set, Twilight of the Dragons. From the details released, this set will be Deathwing's break into Azeroth, releasing the Twilight dragonflight upon us all. Hit the jump for all the details and an awesome artwork gallery. %Gallery-122227%
Know Your Lore: Grim Batol
The World of Warcraft is an expansive universe. You're playing the game, you're fighting the bosses, you know the how -- but do you know the why? Each week, Matthew Rossi and Anne Stickney make sure you Know Your Lore by covering the history of the story behind World of Warcraft. Grim Batol was founded by Wildhammer dwarves seeking to escape the legacy of the war that tore dwarf society apart. Led by Khadros, their thane, they marched north from Ironforge (originally the home of all dwarves, from Dark Irons to Bronzebeards to Wildhammers) after the death of King Anvilmar and the civil war that pitted the three main clans of their people against one another. Having lost the war, the Wildhammers chose to build a new, grand home for themselves in the mountains between the Wetlands and the Highlands. And it was grand indeed, for a time. In terms of pure architectural splendor, Grim Batol threatens both Ironforge and the massive constructions of the Dark Irons inside the Blackrock Mountain. The Wildhammers did not dwell on their loss to the Bronzebeards. If making a new life for themselves in Grim Batol and the Highlands was hard, it was also exciting and a new challenge to be overcome, a new way of life to meet head on and overcome. Sadly, from these auspicious beginnings disaster would pile upon disaster. Armies would invade, fell sorceries would be unleashed, and in the end, the Wildhammers would abandon their once-great home. It did not rest quietly.
EQII offers blood-sucking rewards for Velious pre-orders
EverQuest II players undoubtedly wish it was next February already so that they could get their hands on the upcoming Destiny of Velious expansion. There's a hunk of new content on the way, including a broader flight experience, more dungeons and a pair of new zones... but three months can seem like an eternity when you want it now. To take the edge off the wait, SOE has announced a series of rewards for subscribers who pre-order EQII's next expansion -- and better yet, the rewards will be parceled out prior to release. Every month, starting in December, SOE will send a pair of special in-game goodies to those who have proven their commitment to the game. While SOE is being secretive about most of them, we do know two: the ability to play the new Vampire race, and an Ice Wolf mount. Vampires and wolves getting along? That's not what Twilight taught us! These Velious rewards are schedule to be handed out December 15th, January 18th and February 8th, and each character on an account "in good standing" will get them. Head on over to EverQuest II to read up on this promotion.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Blu-ray release date, box art & exclusive special features revealed
Assuming you're not on Team Edward or Team Jacob, make sure to avoid your local video retail outlet on December 4, as Next Movie has revealed that is the day The Twilight Saga: Eclipse goes on sale in DVD and Blu-ray format. VideoETA listed the special features, including commentaries, deleted scenes, photo gallery a documentary and music video, plus one only on Blu-ray bonus in the form of a picture-in-picture commentary (no word yet on whether the embedded picture is only of Taylor Lautner's abs.) Judging by that, it appears the film's backers expect adoption has increased since the first movie's home release, it will be very interesting to see the DVD/Blu-ray split this time around. Until then, just remember: first Friday in December, don't get between your teenaged daughter and the Blu-ray player - it might not end well. Been living under a rock lately? Check the trailer embedded after the break to see what you have (probably not) been missing.
Cataclysm Beta: Twilight Highlands and Uldum galleries
Twilight Highlands and Uldum aren't technically open yet in the Cataclysm beta, but when have invisible walls ever stopped someone who really wanted to get into a zone? Resourceful tester Lemon King sends us these monster galleries of questing through both zones, although both are unfinished (especially Uldum). Even so, they look beautiful, and there are some nice surprises in the quests. Obviously, spoilers abound! Check out the galleries by clicking below. %Gallery-98466% %Gallery-98465%
Ready Check: First look at Cataclysm raids
There's been a huge splash of Cataclysm information released unto the wild in the last few days. Every since the beta hit the streets, we've seen information about warrior changes, hunters and even racial emotes. I guess I called it a splash. What I really meant is that there's been a flood of information everywhere. It seems like we can virtually see anything we'd possibly want to know about the expansion, right now. But what we haven't seen yet is much information on raids. Our good friends over at MMO-Champion have some great information about 5-man instances, but their raid information is running a little behind so far. Of course, that's never kept us from drooling over new raid content before now, so let's not start bad habits. Let's take a look at what raid information we do have and spend a little time getting excited about the new expansion.
Twilight: Eclipse as 8-bit YouTube game
A collaborative effort by several folks -- including the animator of the 8-Bit Dr. Horrible -- has turned The Twilight Saga's Eclipse into an 8-bit game, utilizing YouTube annotations. Start playing it after the break. (Also ... go "Team Jacob!")
Twilight-customized LG GD510 set to Eclipse all other phones in France
Think Apple and Android fans are hardcore? Those guys are mere lightweights compared to Twilight fanatics, who'll soon have a phone to call their own too. Coming with eight tie-in wallpapers and that embellished back cover, this version of the GD510 -- a thoroughly unexciting featurephone with ambitions above its 3-inch, resistive touchscreen station -- has just become available over in France, for free on contracts with Orange or in exchange for €199 ($238). As a bonus temptation, LG is also throwing in a free copy of Twilight: New Moon, though we doubt anyone buying this phone will have seen that movie less than a dozen times.
Totem Talk: Restoration and Ruby Sanctum drops
Want to be a sultan of swing healing? A champion of Chain Heal? Totem Talk: Restoration will show you how, brought to you by Joe Perez, otherwise known as Lodur from World of Matticus and the For The Lore podcast. Last week we talked a bit about some addons that you may have found useful as a restoration shaman. Sadly though, shortly after that post, news broke that AVR/AVRE would be going away in patch 3.3.5. The addon did some things that Blizzard was just not too happy about. The week was not filled with all bad news, though. We have had some amazing Cataclysm screenshots every day, Rich Maloy had an awesome post on enhancement weapons and the loot tables for Ruby Sanctum 25-man and 10-man have been slightly updated. There are still no heroic mode items yet, but there seems to be a fair amount of loot shaping up for restoration shaman in the normal mode alone. Keep in mind that this is still on the PTR and subject to change, but let us take a peek at what sort of itemization we can look forward to in the next content patch.
[1. Local]: Psychology
Reader comments -- ahh, yes, the juicy goodness following a meaty post. [1.Local] ducks past the swinging doors to see what readers have been chatting about in the back room over the past week. It's an interesting coincidence that so many quotables this week had something to do with our mental processes. For example, when Brian Wood pretended to interview Ghostcrawler for Scattered Shots, the faux-Ghostcrawler said the following: Anyway, so the chimp has a lever, and when it pulls the lever it gets a piece of lettuce. Chimps like lettuce; it's tasty. So the chimp loves the experiment to death. Pull the lever, get more lettuce, eat the lettuce and pull the lever. Then after a while, the researchers change things up. One time, the chimp pulls the lever and gets a grape. Chimps love grapes; they're way better than lettuce. But then the chimp pulls the lever again and it goes back to getting lettuce. Now the chimp gets pissed off and throws the lettuce at the researchers. So just a minute ago the chimp was loving the lettuce, and now it's insulted to be given that garbage. The lettuce didn't get any worse or any less tasty, but the chimp's perception of the value of the lettuce changed. MMO players are even more extreme -- in an MMO if the players even hear that we considered giving grapes, they'll suddenly be insulted with the lettuce that they loved until that point. So while we can't avoid every nerf, we really try to avoid as many as we possibly can. Brian's favorite response was from Undra: Ghostcrawler promised me a grape! Promises, promises. I promise we have more psychology related comments and some that only slightly have to do with what's in our noggin. And I also promise no mention of sparkle ponies. Well, except that one. I broke my promise while making my promise. Wrap your noggin around that.
