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New Mytheon trailer features the wrath of Zeus
The marketing for UTV True Games' Mytheon MMO is building to a simmering boil, much like the Greek god Zeus' slow-burning anger over the ungrateful disobedience of his mortal children. Mytheon developer Q&As, closed beta announcements, and class trailers are all present and accounted for, and today they're joined by the latest video sneak peek: a new trailer featuring the thunder god himself. Mytheon is an action MMO that mixes strategy with classical mythology, so it's only natural that Zeus take center stage in both the game and its public awareness campaign. The new trailer lacks gameplay footage and focuses entirely on CG elements, but the stage is nonetheless set for what appear to be epic battles between Zeus and his errant spawn (i.e., Mytheon players).
Mytheon closed beta starts today
Stonecasters of the world unite! UTV True Games is kicking off the start of Mytheon's closed beta by inviting back previous testers as well as new ones. If you're one of the former, you'll find that quite a few changes have come to the F2P fantasy game. If you're new and looking to get started with Mytheon's beta, UTV has the sign-up form front and center on its official website. Testers will be given the "VIP treatment," according to a UTV press release, and they will be able to take part in leaderboard-driven PvP matches, mythology-based trivia contests (with unique prizes), and hourly in-game giveaways. Mytheon is an action MMORPG that mixes strategy with elements of classical mythology. The game has undergone a lengthy development process and has even survived a source code-related legal spat between UTV and Petroglyph (the title's original developer). For more information, check out the impressions of Massively's own Beau Hindman, who profiled the title last summer.
Faxion Online announces: "Hell has frozen over"
Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. No, we're not talking about the last raid you went on -- we're talking about the upcoming free-to-play MMO, Faxion Online. The forces of heaven and hell are warring to take over limbo, and hell is freezing over due to the onslaught. Thankfully, today's "Hell Freezes Over" event marks the start of closed beta for Faxion Online, so more players will be joining the armies of dark and light. How the balance between the two powers will end up, nobody knows. In perhaps one of the more amusing PR statements we've ever gotten, Frank Lucero, Studio Head at UTV Games, said, "When celebrating 'Hell Freezes Over' day you are supposed to pull out a list of all the things you said you would do when Hell freezes over but screw that; why not just come and check out Faxion instead?" With offline skill-leveling, a combat-centric system, and open PvP among the many systems offered in the game, it may be heaven or hell depending on playstyle. Nonetheless, if you'd like to check out the game, then head over to the Faxion Online site and get signed up for closed beta! %Gallery-113832%
Faxion Online sends traditional MMO classes straight to hell
It's rare that an MMO laces its world design, gameplay, and lore with humor, but UTV True Games' Faxion Online is doing just that. It's a good thing too, as anything other than a tongue-firmly-in-cheek approach to religion in the public arena can be a recipe for commercial disaster. Enter UTV's latest press release then, one that focuses on the free-to-play title's unique multi-classing system while gleefully proclaiming that traditional MMO classes can go to hell. "Faxion's class system is somewhat of a misnomer," says UTV's Frank Lucero. "In reality, the classes are nothing more than fundamental components that the players themselves can use to create their own toolbox of hellish destruction or heavenly onslaught." How exactly does this work out for the player? It depends on your end goals. For example, folks desiring a traditional druid-type toon will probably want to roll a Guardian class and dabble in Diviner and Crusader classes. Similarly, those interested in an evil cleric archetype should start with a Zealot and add a bit of Reaver into the mix. The possibilities are numerous, and UTV provides a helpful primer for each class after the cut, as well as some associated imagery in the gallery below. %Gallery-113832%
Mytheon releases class trailer and internal Q&A
What's next for the makers of Mytheon now that its trans-continental relocation quest is complete? How about a new class trailer and a lengthy internal interview session detailing various behind-the-scenes development initiatives? The clip sports some pretty high production values as well as in-game footage related to the Warcaster, Eidolon, and Elementalist classes. While the video is fairly short, it does whet our appetites for more footage from the forthcoming free-to-play fantasy title. UTV True Games has also released a Q&A document outlining some of its aims for Mytheon's beta phase and beyond. Join us after the cut for discussion about high-level content, guild improvements, and more.
Massively's first look at Faxion Online
The worst thing about touring through a virtual world is not knowing exactly what to bring with you. Over the last several months I have slowly but surely tweaked my habits to make writing easier. Even then I am sometimes perplexed as to how to do it better and what tools would work best for me. Luckily, the greatest tool of all time does exist and is dirt cheap. It fits within my pocket and works with any operating system or peripheral. Yes, I'm talking about a stack of Post-Its. As I ran through the different areas of Faxion Online with one of the developers, I scribbled my notes down on the tiny notepad. Then I stuck the notes to my computer monitor for later reference. I also took screenshots (not the ones you see in this article -- these were supplied by UTV True Games, the developer behind Faxion) and later used them to try to remember how I felt during the walkthrough. While writing, I looked down at my Post-Its and saw three key words: optimization, stylized graphics, and gross fat guy. Click past the cut to see what else I might have jotted down.
Irreverent confession: An interview with Faxion Online's UTV True Games
You're dead -- so sorry, chap! Fortunately, that doesn't mean your gaming adventures are over. On the contrary, according to Faxion Online, they've just begun. In the world of Limbo, players are pulled between the forces of heaven and hell as they fight each other through the physical manifestations of the seven deadly sins. Curious about Faxion Online, we sat down with UTV True Games to discuss the deep issues of beta, religion and epeens. Massively: How's the progress toward closed beta coming along? UTV True Games: It's coming along at an insane pace. The team is focused and beating away at the long list of tasks that loom before us all prior to launching beta as well as the game. We are working on zones, abilities and items, along with wrapping up features and tightening the nuts and bolts of various aspects of the game. The team was able to catch their breath over the holidays a bit, so it's going to allow us to have a good strong kick to the finish.
UTV Ignition consolidates in Austin, Reich FPS 'remains' in development
UTV Ignition confirmed today the closure of its East and West Coast US operations, with all future development and publishing to be handled from its UTV True Games studio out of its offices in Austin, Texas. The company also revealed that its (once considered canceled) sci-fi FPS, Reich, "remains in development" in Austin, where "key personnel along with additional new hires will create a new internal development team." Additionally, UTV's Tokyo-developed title, El Shaddai, will be released in Japan on April 28, with a European and North American release announcement coming "shortly."
Explore Faxion Online's seven deadly sins
Does the angel on your right shoulder take a lot of union-approved time off, so much so that you end up listening to the devil on your left shoulder more often than not? Then Faxion Online has a temptation that's right up your alley -- seven sinful zones, each revolving around one of the classic seven deadly sins. Taking heavenly and hellish themes with a strong dose of humor, Faxion Online's world becomes a literal battleground for the soul. By taking each of the deadly sins and turning them into a zone to be fought over and conquered, Faxion has created a unique twist on the genre. If the forces of heaven take over a zone, it turns nicer, and if the forces of evil are triumphant, then there will be hell to pay. UTV True Games' Frank Lucero says that the PvP over these areas will keep players transfixed: "These zones offer all of the competitive combat play that players desire including PVP, innovative territory control and an ability ranking system that will keep players engaged in the timeless struggle of good vs. evil." Hit the jump to read up on Faxion's themed zones and see for yourself what your sins have wrought!
UTV moves Mytheon development to China, hints at upcoming closed beta
The latest chapter in the saga of the free-to-play action MMO called Mytheon features a lengthy quest across a vast ocean and two continents -- and that's before a player even logs into the game. In a press release dated earlier this morning, Texas-based UTV True Games announced the relocation of Mytheon development to its internal studio in Beijing. "Moving the development of Mytheon to our internal studio is a very positive move for the game because we have total creative control over the title and we can tailor Mytheon's content to the preferences and needs of the community that has already grown around it," said UTV CEO Jeff Lujan. Some of said content tailoring is taking the form of improved guild functionality, camera controls, and tweaks to the various stones and stone types. For the uninitiated, Mytheon players are referred to as Stonecasters after their ability to combine and cast magical stones in battle. In addition to the studio move, UTV has announced that a new closed beta phase will begin in late January. Previous testers will be contacted via email and will be able to use their existing accounts to access the new phase.
Faxion Online taking closed beta registrations
The war between heaven and hell is coming, and UTV True Games is looking to you to shape it. The F2P developer's new Faxion Online MMORPG is gearing up to break the seals on its closed beta test, and registering on the game's official website automatically puts you in the selection pool of potential testers. The beta is currently scheduled for early 2011 and will allow participants to test the game's factions, territory control, and combat, not to mention the eternal struggle for control of the seven deadly sins. "We already know the game is funny, exciting and addictive, however, at this stage of the game's development, we need to elicit the help of some rigorous beta testers to offer their opinions and feedback to help us fine tune the game and make it as great as it can be," said UTV executive Frank Lucero in a press release dated earlier this morning. While Faxion's home page features both account registration and newsletter sign-up options, no mention of official beta sign-ups is made. A UTV staffer did address the issue on the game's official forums though, saying that "anyone who has registered on our website is considered a potential candidate for closed beta." [Thanks to Massively's Jeremy Stratton for the forum link!]
Class abilities come to light in Faxion Online announcement
It looks like players of the highly anticipated PvP-centric free-to-play MMORPG Faxion Online will use a wide variety of abilities and powers to experience the core of the game. While someone will raise those levels and sharpen those skills the old fashioned way, she can also improve on those abilities using queued, offline skill training similar to EVE Online's. Abilities include Shockwave, a wave of force that will knock back enemies and deal damage; Legion, an ability that only Hell players will get (because Hell is the cooler side) that releases spirits into the bodies of its victims (hopefully while Raining Blood plays in the background;) and Tribunal, which allows players to flourish a weapon, causing all sorts of bodily damage to nearby enemies. That's not all: there are 50 abilities per class available at launch, allowing multi-class cleverness or single-specialization accuracy. All of the abilities grow normally with time, but their advancement can be sped up using microtransactions. Some abilities will be level-limited, however, to ensure that no one player has such an advantage. We visited UTV True Games during GDC Online, so check out that tour here. The game seems to be in great hands -- its developers harken from the lands of Ultima Online, Shadowbane, and many other popular titles. Keep an eye out because the game is expected to hit beta stages later this year. That means you still have time to download some Dio. Or, if you're on the Heaven side, here's something more your speed. %Gallery-113832%
Warrior Epic closes its doors
After a year and a half in service, Warrior Epic looks to be destitute. The free-to-play MMO had its service shut off on Friday by ijji, which posted the following announcement in the company's forums: "As of November 12th, 2010, Warrior Epic will no longer be serviced through ijji.com. The ijji Warrior Epic team would like to thank you for your support during this journey. As a token of our gratitude for your loyalty, we would like to reward you an ijji loyalty package. If you had registered for an ijji Warrior Epic account, you will receive an email with full details on this loyalty package. Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you in our other exciting games!" Details of the loyalty package can be found on this thread, where ijji promises to hand out items for former Warrior Epic players if they register for GunZ or Lunia. Warrior Epic was developed by UTV True Games, the same studio behind Mytheon and Faxion Online.
GDCO 2010: UTV True Games wows with three new titles
One of the most thrilling aspects of this job is visiting game studios. It's essentially like stepping into a toy factory, complete with strange noises and funny personalities. Nerf guns are a staple, and each desk or station is decorated with all types of toys, posters, and other trophies from Nerd-dom. UTV True Games is no different, so when we were asked to sit down with three (count 'em, three) different teams to preview some new titles, we knew we were in for a good time. Of course, our professionalism prevented us from actually clapping and going "sqqquuueeeee!" every time a new product was shown, but it's very possible that the teams would not have cared anyway. So what did we see? What do we have to look forward to from the same people that brought us Mytheon? Well, click past the cut and let's take a look!
Sean Dahlberg moves on to Faxion Online development
For some of our readers, the idea of managing the community for Star Wars: The Old Republic would be a dream job. (How well this lines up with understanding what community managers actually have to do is debatable.) Sean Dahlberg, however, has apparently decided that he's had quite enough of that scene, so he's packed up and moved on to UTV True Games and Faxion Online. It's a bit of an odd move, and Dahlberg has put up a short entry on his personal blog explaining why he's moved on and what he's moving on to do. Faxion Online is a free-to-play game focused on the war between Heaven and Hell, with what Dahlberg describes as a sense of humor resembling that of the inimitable Dungeon Keeper franchise. He explains that while he enjoyed working with communities, he wanted to get back into designing fun systems for an actual game, and he felt that he could make a larger contribution by shifting focus to his current occupation of Senior Game Systems Designer for Faxion. For more details and a few more tidbits about what's planned for the free-to-play title, take a look at his full entry.
Snoopy Flying Ace dev working on free-to-play sky combat game
Smart Bomb, the developer behind the surprisingly well-received XBLA/PSN title Snoopy Flying Ace, recently announced an upcoming collaboration with online games publisher UTV True Games. Did none of those words catch your attention? How about these: Free-to-play; flight combat; online multiplayer; Unity engine; pizza taco money. Okay, that last part has nothing to do with anything, but you're definitely paying attention now. According to the announcement, Smart Bomb's next project is a browser-based dogfighting sim titled Sky Legends. Little is known about the game -- only that it will be built on the increasingly popular Unity engine, will feature multiplayer matches and customizable planes, and is due out in the first half of 2011. Keep an eye on the game's official site for future updates. Or this site! That works, too.
Massively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online!
GDC Online (formerly GDC Austin) is rapidly approaching, and we here at Massively.com are making sure that we're on the front lines of coverage from the event. We have plenty of interviews lined up with a huge variety of companies, and we're teaming up with our friends at GameBreaker.TV to deliver live coverage of the event via GameBreaker's live show at the Vivox booth! To get you excited for the coming conference, we've provided the list of companies we're meeting with just after the break! The list isn't fully extensive, as we'll be covering a variety of panels as well, but it will give you an idea of whom we're meeting with. Plus, keep an eye out for a link to the live GameBreaker.TV broadcast on our right-hand sidebar! Their coverage of the event will be starting on Wednesday, October 6th at 12:00 p.m. EDT!
UTV True Games readies Faxion Online
Ready to do your part in the eternal struggle between the forces of heaven and hell? No, we're not talking about the Bible Online or, God forbid (please), another Left Behind game, but rather UTV True Games' Faxion Online. The free-to-play fantasy title features endless battles for territorial control over Limbo, the war-torn nether realm that exists between paradise and eternal damnation. While the idea of banishing PvPers to the depths of hell might appeal to some, Faxion is aiming to attract both PvE and PvP players, and encourages factional struggles to control the fate of the seven deadly sins (which make up the title's contested zones). If it sounds a bit unusual, it is, but it's also being produced by a team that includes veterans of both Ultima Online and Shadowbane, so we'll be watching this one with a fair bit of interest.
Mytheon gets EU publisher, shows off new screens and video
With the US launch of Mytheon slated to hit its official launch date of July 13th, and the lawsuit seeming to be a thing of the past, the teams behind Mytheon have been working on trying to send this upcoming free-to-play fantasy MMO across the pond. Well, today we've gotten news that Gamigo will be picking up the overseas publishing while UTV True Games handles the North American servers. Yes indeed -- those across the pond who were waiting to see if they'd have an option to check out Petroglyph's MMO based on various bits of world mythology will get a chance to play as well. To add to this news, they've also released a video and a bundle of new screenshots for people who may not have seen the polish put on Mytheon as it nears launch. EU players can register for the closed beta on the Gamigo site, whereas US players should head over to the UTV True Games site to get in on the action. Meanwhile, as those clients are downloading, don't forget to check behind the break for the video, or click through the gallery below for all the new eye-candy. %Gallery-68215%
Faxion Online announced, promises a divine struggle
In most games that feature two factions in a PvP environment, there's plenty of room to debate whether or not one side or the other is evil or just misunderstood. Not so in the upcoming Faxion Online, however -- one side is evil. One side is irrevocably and entirely evil. But then again, when you're part of the forces of Hell, you kind of accept that as a given. Aiming for a beta later this year, the game is taking its setting as the eternal struggle between Heaven and Hell, with players taking sides as both factions seek territory. While a somewhat tongue-in-cheek approach to the subject is certainly welcome, most gamers are going to be looking for a little more from the title. It's slated to deliver on that front, with a PvP-focused game that heavily weighs on the aforementioned control of territory. The game also promises to remove some of the tedious level grind, a promise which is frequently made but not quite so easy to carry out. We'll have to see how Faxion Online fares in that regard as it moves through development -- but at least we won't be discussing which faction is really evil.
