vindictus
Latest
Still haven't tried Vindictus? We have more keys for you!
Yes, yes, we know the open beta for Vindictus starts on October 13th, but if you haven't played the game yet, and you're sick of listening to your friends talk about how much fun they're having (while apologizing for giving away their friend codes), you might just wish you had a key yourself. Well, you're in luck. Today, we're giving away one last blast of 500 beta keys so you can try this game out now. The beautiful thing about these keys is that they spawn two more upon activation. So if you have friends who need one, you can always share the love. Simply head over to our giveaway page to grab a key and follow the directions at the Vindictus site for download instructions and guides on the game. Enjoy! Editor's Note: Please be aware that this test is for U.S. and Canada residents only, sorry EU players! Your beta will be coming down the pipes eventually!
Vindictus is moving into (fully) open beta in North America
Are you part of the masses eager to get your hands on a Vindictus beta key? Well, we have good news for you! Nexon has let us know today that its highly anticipated free-to-play hack-and-slash action-adventure how-many-hyphens-can-we-get-in-a-sentence game, Vindictus, will be heading to a true open beta status in North America on October 13th. So, sure, you could continue spending time trying to track down a key, or you could simply relax and get ready for the doors to open on the game in a couple of weeks. As part of the opening, Nexon is going to be adding in the dungeon of Ainle, which will offer players new challenges in the form of fireball-throwing vampires and goblins intent on destruction. Nexon has also said that players will have to do everything they can to stop these new invaders, including "hurling the corpses of their defeated enemies at the attacking mobs." Also, players will have a chance to check out the fishing system as a way to enjoy some downtime and potentially land some nifty loot. You know, if you can pry yourself away from hacking everything to bits. If you aren't in the beta, we have a handful of new screenshots for your eyes below. %Gallery-97587%
Vindictus' Evie offers a-mage-ing moves
Evie is not content to summon a wicked-looking golem to fight for her side, no! Details are coming to light that Evie, the recently introduced mage character in Nexon's free-to-play hack-and-slasher, Vindictus, will be bringing even more pain through additional magical means. Equipped with a staff at earlier stages, she will change to rather wicked-looking battle-scythes later in the game. Furthermore, one of her most insane attacks at low level is the Firebolt attack, which will not only grant high damage, but will add a knockback effect, if it remains true to the original version. To add to this wee, juicy tidbit of information, we understand that the key to Evie's survival is a five-layer shield, which gives her the ability to resist most attacks without major loss of hitpoints or mana. Considering the majority of MMO mages tend to be high-DPS glass cannons, Evie's ability to shield without major mana or health drain is likely welcome news for those who prefer crazy-damage casters but hate spending time studying floor textures while waiting for a rez. In all, the game is still in beta, so these details may well change before launch -- but it sounds pretty awesome to us so far.
New Vindictus video highlights grappling moves
Nexon's new free-to-play offering Vindictus is all the rage this week, and players are starting to familiarize themselves with the hack-and-slash style of combat. Play in Vindictus isn't limited to "stick them with the pointy end," though. Want to finish your opponent off in style? Nexon's new gameplay video highlights the game's grappling finishing moves. You'll definitely want to move in close and give them a try -- you'll find it's worth your while: "Successfully implementing a high-damage grappling move will reward warriors with various drops." Follow along after the jump for a first look at up-close combat in Vindictus.
Friday Livestream: Vindictus [Updated]
Hey everyone, it's your favorite day -- Friday! The weekend is fast approaching, so let's kick it off by checking out a brand-new game! This week we're getting vindictive with Nexon's Vindictus! Vindictus has certainly been a popular topic this week, what with us giving away 4,000 beta keys in little over three hours, with many more keys distributed by you lovely readers! But for those of you who may not have gotten a key, we're going to take a little tour of Nexon's bloody masterpiece while going over the ups and downs of the game. So please, hit the play button above to watch the livestream narrated by Seraphina Brennan, or double-click the video to be taken to our Livestream page, where you can chat with other Massively users in real-time and talk with Sera! [Update: Thanks to an unfortunate maintenance period, we switched midway through our Vindictus livestream to stream LotRO F2P instead. Come join in!] [Update 2: Thank you everyone who came today! The livestream is now over, but you can watch our other pre-recorded content on Massively TV right here! Enjoy!]
Vindictus beta key giveaway round 2: Don't miss out again!
OK, so we knew you guys would be interested in slicing demons in half, but we had no clue how much you really wanted to slice demons in half. We had 2,000 beta keys to give away for Vindictus, and you guys cleaned us out in two hours! Thank you so much! To celebrate how fast you cleaned us out the first time, we've been given 2,000 more beta keys from our friends at Nexon! Just like last time, these keys, once redeemed, will get you into the beta and give you two more keys to give to your friends! Each key redeemed spawns two more, like the never-ending Fomor forces you're about to face! If you'd like to help us out, post your unused friend keys in the comments so we can help spread the love! Or, if you want to chat with your fellow MMOers, come join us in the Massively.com chat room, where you can trade keys, talk about your favorite games, and meet the Massively.com editors! Either point your IRC client to irc.quakenet.org and go to the #massively channel, or hook up with us on our webchat, located at http://webchat.quakenet.org, and put massively in for the channel name! But, you want Vindictus keys, don't you! Hit the continue reading button to find out how to claim a key!
Come snag a Vindictus beta key and cover yourself in the blood of your enemies!
How do you get into the Vindictus beta? Well according to the goddess Morrigan, thou must punish thy enemies into tiny little bloody pieces about the size of dimes. Once you do that enough times and completely decimate your foes then, and only then, will you be granted access to this exclusive beta. We here at Massively, however, have an easier way: a beta key! Thanks to the folks at Nexon, we've scored 2,000 beta keys for the upcoming open beta test of Vindictus, which starts on September 15th! If that wasn't cool enough, then I have more news for you: you won't have to grab keys for your friends! Everyone who grabs a key for the Vindictus beta will be rewarded with two more beta keys that you can give to your friends! Once your friends redeem their keys, then they'll get two more keys to giveaway, and so forth! So, interested in grabbing yourself a key? Continue reading this post for all of the blood-soaked information!
Vindictus rolls out the next phase of beta testing September 15th
There has been no shortage of player interest in Vindictus, the upcoming action-MMO from Nexon. And it's not hard to see why -- the game been pushing forward some interesting mechanics, on top of beautiful graphics and high-energy gameplay. The first closed beta recently came to a conclusion, but there's good news for hopefuls, as the game is starting the newest round of open beta testing on September 15th. Although the official line is that the beta is open, the development team seems to be using the term in the sense that the game isn't closed off behind an NDA. That being said, all testers from the first round of the Vindictus beta will be granted two codes to offer any friends interested in playing, and Nexon plans to distribute codes to more outlets. With the next wave of testing just under two weeks away, players should keep their eyes open -- and maybe make a few friends with former testers.
Vindictus teases build-a-golem mechanic
Nexon's free-to-play fantasy epic Vindictus continues to turn heads both in the industry and in fan circles. This time, the culprit is a newly released video showcasing the ability to summon and control a golem while playing as the Evie character. Once you've learned the correct skill, you can make use of a summoning gem to create the construct, and the golem's spirit will use nearby environment objects to define its physical form. You heard right: the golem will take on a unique appearance each time it is summoned, though there are restrictions on how often the creature may be called. Currently, Evie can only carry one summoning stone per dungeon instance, and the stone can only be used once, which of course means one golem per dungeon. Check out the video after the cut.
Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on
There is so much to be excited about in the MMORPG world that I am always perplexed when someone claims lack of innovation in the market. I tend to think that this comes from an inability to play more than one game, or to support more than one idea in gaming, rather than from the actual state of the market. The fact is that there is so much happening in the world of gaming, and specifically free-to-play gaming, a player should feel almost overwhelmed. I wanted to point out three games now in development (or very close to release) that I believe will do very well. Think of this as a list of predictions -- in fact I am going to have some fun with it and predict just how well these games will do. I have always enjoyed testing my gut. Concerning these three games, my gut is very, very excited. So, let's get right to the list.
Vindictus begins closed beta
Nexon's upcoming title Vindictus gained a fair amount of interest right out of the gate, thanks to its gory departure from the standard Nexon fare. We've seen screenshots, trailers, gameplay, and an awesome hat. The only thing better than seeing all this would be to try the game firsthand, and that step got quite a bit closer last month when Nexon began accepting closed beta applications. After over a month of waiting, hopeful closed beta testers finally got what they were after. Vindictus entered closed beta yesterday, and while it's only a technical test -- meaning that players probably won't be racing toward a bug-free endgame in the first 48 hours -- it's definitely a big step closer to launch. Keep an eye on the Vindictus forums for more news as testing progresses.
Because every Vindictus warrior needs a wolf hood, we're giving some away!
Do you want to be a true, hardened warrior like Beau Hindman? I mean, look at that man. Look at the battle lust in his eyes. Look at his tense, unruly face and tell me that he's not a man made of solid stone. Tell me that he doesn't look like a man who could hold back the Fomor invasion almost single-handedly and lead his people to the feet of Morrigan herself. Ladies, Mr. Beau Hindman is obviously the man your man could spill blood like. Of course, you wish you could be as war-hardened as this. You want to be the man your man could spill blood like. Unfortunately, however, we can't make you into that man. But what we can do is give you one of Nexon's Vindictus wolf hoods so you can think you're that man. Interested in entering? Follow after the break for your chance to win one of these hoods!
Nexon grows as MapleStory hits 7 million registered users
It must be said that Nexon is having a good year. A very, very good year indeed. As free-to-play titles are on the rise in the MMORPG genre, Nexon is reaping the benefits of this trend as more people flock to its titles like Mabinogi. As a result, the company has seen a 26% jump in revenue for the second quarter this year, and its profits are trending up compared to the same time last year. Even for F2P MMOs, Nexon's games boast impressive numbers: MapleStory has crossed the seven million registered user line, Combat Arms four million and Mabinogi one million. "Our player base and revenues continue to expand, which tells us that gamers find that our free-to-play business model fits their play needs," said Nexon America CEO Daniel Kim. Nexon is also looking forward to releasing Vindictus, a promising title that we most recently previewed at San Diego Comic-Con last month.
SDCC 2010: Massively interview with Vindictus producer Chris Gyselinck
Among the insanity that is the exhibitor floor of the San Diego Comic-Con was the demo booth of the upcoming, free-to-play action MMORPG from Nexon, Vindictus. Though sandwiched on one side by the Warner Bros' booth (where the stars of True Blood were generating enormous crowds) and on the other by G4's two-story monstrosity (which was blaring live broadcasts from the second floor of the booth), you still couldn't miss the Vindictus staff members wearing their signature red gnoll chief spirit hood. After our hands-on with the game at E3 in June, we were eager to speak to Chris Gyselinck, Assistant Producer for Vindictus about the highly anticipated game. Yes, he was wearing the gnoll spirit hood. No, he wouldn't let me try it. But he did give me the scoop on the game, including upcoming beta plans. Check it out after the jump.
Vindictus shows off the dual-wielding mayhem of Lann
Vindictus has no small number of people looking in its direction with longing, on account of its detailed graphics and action-oriented approach. Potential players might get a chance at previewing the game at San Diego Comic-Con, but everyone will get the chance to take a look at the newest preview video featuring Lann, the dual-blade warrior of the game. Even within the context of the game, Lann is a high-speed character, spinning about and dispensing death with both of his weapons. Starting in light armor, Lann will eventually get access to heavy armor as well as the potential to wield paired spears instead of swords. He specializes in mobility, able to easily sidestep several blows and move quickly to engage an enemy. Even if he doesn't get out of the way, he also possesses skills to counterattack after a knockdown and hit multiple enemies at once. Take a look past the break for the short video, and keep your eyes peeled for more reveals about Vindictus as we approach the promised release late in the year.
New screenshots reveal Vindictus' Prologue
We got an up close and personal look at upcoming MMO Vindictus last month, so we've got some great gameplay information, but what about the story behind all of this? Nexon has released a handful of new screenshots detailing the backstory of Vindictus, for a look at what you'll find upon logging in for the first time. The game's tutorial -- or Prologue as it's called by the game -- tells the story of Tieve, the oracle and protector of the town of Colhen. Tieve has a familiar in the form of a giant spider, and all has been well until now. The spider has begun attacking the citizens of Colhen, and it's up to you to keep the town (and Tieve) safe and find out what's going on. The Prologue teaches the backstory and game mechanics at the same time, introducing the game on both levels. Check out the gallery for the newest look at Vindictus.%Gallery-97587%
This week on The MMO Report
Casey Schrenier's back on The MMO Report and he's got plenty of lost time to make up for. He chatted about the upcoming Vindictus closed beta and its unusually detailed application process, and APB's unwillingness to leap into he console market right off the bat. The newest TERA video got some attention thanks to the game's new combat system. The unique design is gaining attention from other developers as well. The new City of Heroes video documentary rounded out the report before Casey moved on to the long-neglected "WTF Second Life" segment -- which actually took a positive note thanks to the Second Life Science Fiction Convention. Uncle Casey's Mailbag rounded out the evening with promises of a beard contest at PAX 2011. We can only hope that comes to pass. Follow along after the jump for this week's MMO Report, found every week here and at G4TV.
Vindictus enters closed beta
Blood, guts, and shiny graphics -- if you've been waiting to see more of Nexon's upcoming gritty MMO, Vindictus, then we've got good news for you. Or, potentially good news if you're quick! According to a message that just recently went out from the Vindictus Facebook page, Nexon is now accepting applicants for the first round of closed beta testing! However, before you charge over to their site, be warned -- this isn't your typical free-to-play closed beta sign-up. Once you've logged into your Nexon account and hit the shiny button to apply, you will actually be taken to a short application form that will ask you not only about your gaming history, but what you're looking forward to in Vindictus, and what you expect to gain from being on the front line of beta testers. If we had to guess, it sounds like they're actually looking for testers as opposed to people who would simply like to use closed beta as an early free trial -- something they seem to be discouraging if that form is any indication. Nonetheless, if you're interested in slaying bugs while slaying monsters, then head on over to the Vindictus site and get signed up for the closed beta before July 19th. From there, you'll have to check back on the 22nd to see if you got in. [Note: We are told that the signups are being restricted to the US & Canada only at this time.] [Thanks, Adam!] [Updated]
E3 2010: Your complete Massively coverage roundup
The 2010 edition of the gaming nirvana known as E3 has come and gone, and Massively was there to bring you three days of exclusives, firsts, and hands-on impressions for all your favorite MMORPG titles, studios, and developers. This year's Expo saw plenty of news and announcements regarding highly anticipated games, as well as plenty of information on assorted titles large and small. We thought it best to collate our coverage into a complete and concise roundup post for your viewing pleasure, so read along after the cut to make sure you didn't miss anything. You can also check out all of our E3 galleries along the way.
Preview: Vindictus
2010 marked Nexon's first appearance ever at an E3, and that says quite a bit about both the company and the free-to-play business model it's adapted for MMO action titles. The South Korean company was showing off three different games at the show: the recently released 2D action MMO Dungeon Fighter Online, an upcoming 3D fantasy MMORPG with a casual bent called Dragon Nest, and this one, Vindictus, an action RPG using a heavily modified version of the Source engine to provide a little physics-based hacking and slashing fun. While the look of these games is very different, they all have the same origin (free-to-play titles with lots of microtransactions, originating in South Korea and translated over to North America for Western audiences), and the same problems. They all have excellent premises and even some good design ideas, but they just don't have the polish, especially when compared to popular Western games, to make the experience shine. %Gallery-95822%
