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ArcheVille mobile game hooks into ArcheAge somehow
If you've got a serious craving for ArcheAge and you don't mind cutesy graphics, you might want to check out XLGAMES' ArcheVille. Oh yeah, you'll also need an iOS device (an Android version is in the works). What exactly is ArcheVille? It's a farming- and minipet-based mobile game that ties into XL's upcoming sandpark title. MMO Culture reports that gift exchanges are possible between ArcheVille and ArcheAge, though we're not sure if that functionality will work for English-speakers just yet due to the latter's Korean-only client. In any event, ArcheVille is currently available in English and viewable in the App Store. You can view a gameplay video after the break. [Thanks Dengar!]
'Don't believe the ArcheAge hype,' lengthy fan review warns
Hyped about ArcheAge? We are too, but as with any MMO, great expectations can lead to great disappointments. That's why we're linking to another fan review of the game's Korean client. While the previous such post was largely high on the game from a dedicated player perspective, this piece at AltTabMe raises more than a few concerns involving AA's combat, sandboxiness, character creation, and more. While most of the combat complaints can be summarized by the subjectively nebulous it-doesn't-feel-as-polished-as-game-XYZ argument, the sandbox and economic concerns are a bit more concrete. "And like the pirate system that has no reward for serious consequences, the economy has the opposite, high reward with no consequences, except to those who also play the game," the author writes. "Without money sinks and a way to balance out the economy, ArcheAge is heading toward a flatline when it comes to worth." He also alludes to the possibility that the game's extensive housing and farming systems will be lost in translation from the social gaming culture in Korea to the isolationist achiever mentality prevalent in the West. "When you apply these [housing items] to the real world/game practice you see player-run towns that don't look like towns, but rather more like FarmVille: a homestead of the same resources in bulk, such as goats (which are the most profitable resource) filling every single bit of available space. So you go from being aesthetically pleasing to a resource farm," the writer explains. "The magic of a home and town is lost to min-maxing personal gain. ArcheAge turns into Men Who Stare at Goats." [Thanks Dengar!]
ArcheAge player infiltrates casino, finds housing blueprint
Ready for some ArcheAge-style gambling? No, it's not lockboxes, but in-game casino gambling looks to be implemented on the game's Korean servers. An article on 2p.com has the details, which are somewhat premature since the author had to sneak into the closed facility via some crafty climbing and judicious use of glider wings. Inside he found a "spacious hall with lavish decoration" as well as slot machines and three types of exchange trophies, one of which was "obviously [a] blueprint of [a] house." If you're playing the Korean version of ArcheAge, you can check it out for yourself by following 2p.com's map which marks the location on the game's Fantasy Island. [Thanks Dengar!]
XL releases offline farm monitor for ArcheAge
So farming is kind of a thing in ArcheAge. According to a recent review of the game's Korean client, it's also a thing that requires a certain amount of in-game maintenance, lest your crops wither away and your cute little cows and chickens die of starvation. Management minigames tend to give time-poor players a severe case of eyetwitch, though, so XLGAMES has released a new tool designed to help gamers keep track of their farm and its furry denizens. The system is basically a monitor designed to alert you (through either a web or mobile app) that your assets need attention. MMO Culture reports that there are currently no options to harvest your crops or feed your livestock outside of actually connecting to the game server.
Level 50 player reviews ArcheAge, sees 'issues for the casual crowd'
If you're interested in ArcheAge but you haven't been playing the game's Korean release client, there's a thread at the AionSource forums that demands your attention. It's basically a review of the game by a level 50 player, and he has plenty of interesting details to share about PvP and safe zones, the legal, weather, and land ownership systems, and the significant role that crafting and resource management play in the day-to-day experience. The author illustrates several of ArcheAge's extensive non-combat gameplay options, many of which are focused on crafting and gathering. These take a certain amount of dedication, as not logging in for a few days will result in the deaths of your crops and livestock. That said, it is possible for in-game "family" members to manage things while you're gone. The ultimate takeaway from the piece is that the author is having a great time in an MMORPG loaded with unique features, though he does see "potential issues for the more casual crowd."
Some Assembly Required: The sweet sorrow of choosing a new sandbox
Late last year I penned a piece that looked ahead to 2013's most promising sandbox titles. Recent developments have necessitated that I add to that list, which is simultaneously staggering and somewhat stressful. My new MMO home is lurking in one of these games, but I must choose, and choose wisely! Help me out after the cut.
Trion to publish ArcheAge in the West
So, about that whole ArcheAge coming to the West thing. Yes, it's actually happening. In fact, XLGAMES is partnering with Trion Worlds to make it happen. The company responsible for RIFT, Defiance, End of Nations, and the Red Door publishing and development platform will bring Jake Song's fantasy sandpark opus to audiences in North America, Europe, Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand, according to a joint press release. The document makes no mention of either a release date or beta dates for the western market. You can read it in its entirety after the cut. [Source: Trion/XL press release]
ArcheAge shows graphical frills thanks to Nvidia
It's not exactly a secret that ArcheAge is a good-looking game, but did you know just how good-looking it can get? Thanks to the magical, wonderful power of Nvidia graphics cards, now we can. XLGAMES and Nvidia teamed up for a video to show off the premium graphical effects that ArcheAge is capable of putting forth. The video continually turns effects on and off for comparison purposes, showing how much more defined the world can be with all of the effects turned on. These include anti-aliasing, depth of field, and some pretty nifty water motions. Seeing is believing, and believing is after the jump!
XLGAMES revamps English ArcheAge website
XLGAMES has updated ArcheAge's English website to more closely resemble its Korean counterpart. The redesign boasts a slew of videos and images from diverse in-game activities like glider air shows, the court and trading systems, housing, farming, and ship-building mechanics, and of course information on the game's world, races, and classes. The new site also lists several English-language fan sites. ArcheAge launches this week in its native Korea. Thus far XL has not revealed any information regarding a European or American release window. [Thanks to Chris for the tip!]
Build an ArcheAge boat with this handy player guide
If you've heard anything about the upcoming Korean sandbox ArcheAge, chances are you've heard about the ability to sail on the high seas. From videos of fighting a Kraken to reports of piracy, players eager to shed their landlubbing ways have been teased with the knowledge that watery adventure awaits. And thanks to this guide, players have the knowledge of how to construct their very own ship to get out there and begin those adventures! The guide contains a detailed materials list as well as instructions on finding a construction site and tips for transporting materials to the site. Also included is a video that demonstrates the whole process; you can watch the full clip after the cut. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]
New ArcheAge gameplay clips showcase crafting, questing, and undead
ArcheAge is launching in Korea this week, and Steparu has been spending a lot of time in the game's open beta exploring crafting, trading, questing, and even running afoul of pirates and farming bots. Questing appears to be the fastest way to level through XLGAMES' new sandpark, but plenty of XP can also be gained by tradeskilling, mining, farming, exploration, and more. Speaking of tradeskills, players have multiple chances to crit on their equipment when crafting, which can raise the quality of the resulting item or its level. Even equipped armor can be reforged and upgraded. As usual, Steparu also provides readers with a number of video highlight clips. Check out some battles with the undead in the dark of night and take a look at upgrading your armor through crafting in the clips after the break.
ArcheAge lists Korean pre-order options for next week's launch
Things are moving fast for ArcheAge in Korea as the title barrels down the final stretch to launch. The title is currently wrapping up open beta testing in the region and recently revealed that it will be releasing on January 15th there with a subscription model. Now we have a glimpse as to what XLGAMES is preparing in terms of pre-order options thanks to the official Korean website. While the translation is never perfect, it looks as if the various pre-order packages include game time (including bonus days), commemorative coins, items, buffs, and even a "sky boat." There's a limited amount of time to take the studio up on this offer, so if you're in the region and interested, definitely give it a look sooner rather than later. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]
ArcheAge to launch with subscription model in Korea
A Korean website called Inven has spilled the beans regarding ArcheAge's business model. According to a leaked photo from a convenience store, the highly anticipated fantasy sandpark will feature a monthly subscription. Steparu reports that the listed prices will change after the game's open beta test, while MMO Culture says that they're cheaper than Blade & Soul and comparable to the Korean version of Aion. The site also says that a cash shop "is expected to be added soon." Developer XLGAMES has issued no further comments on a western release of ArcheAge nor a possible western business model.
The Daily Grind: What's your favorite non-combat feature?
Non-combat features don't get a lot of love in popular MMOs these days, but there have nonetheless been some interesting experiments in this department over the years. From RIFT's housing to Star Wars Galaxies' Entertainers to Lord of the Rings Online's music system, several genre titles have strayed from the straight and narrow of violence and character progression. Upcoming titles like Age of Wushu and ArcheAge are adding new wrinkles as well, so for today's Daily Grind we'd like to hear your thoughts on non-combat MMO features. Specifically, which one is your favorite? 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!
ArcheAge open beta vids detail dungeon, trade market, and more
ArcheAge's Korean open beta is in full swing, and Steparu has been spending some quality time with the upcoming sandpark title. A new post details a series of week-long adventures that led up to level 20, as well as plenty of video that covers questing, a tour of one of the game's neutral trading markets, and an instanced dungeon. Check out this last clip after the cut, and head to Steparu's website for the rest.
The Perfect Ten: New MMOs to watch in 2013
Oh, I had a great Perfect Ten prepped as the first list of the year, but my meanie-face editor slammed on the veto button and told me, point-blank, that I was going to be counting down the best MMO prospects for the year. Then she drove a lawnmower through a Nordstroms while huffing paint thinner and throwing empty cans at the security personnel. Even so, her idea is probably more interesting than what I had. Let me give you a few notes on today's list because I sense that I'm going to tick more of you off than normal here. My goal was to sift through the possible releases for 2013 and pick the 10 most promising, both in "will it actually launch this year?" and in its potential for success. The combination makes it a tough call because some of these will undoubtedly be delayed to 2014 or beyond and some of these we still don't know as much as we'd like about them. But who cares? Let's have some fun and kick this year off right. Here are my picks for new MMOs to watch in 2013.
ArcheAge's Korean OBT features lengthy queues, intro cinematic released
ArcheAge's Korean open beta is finally here, and XLGAMES has a lot of fans banging on its front door for a chance to test drive the new sandpark title. According to ThisIsGame, the firm opened 20 servers, some of which feature entry queues ranging from 500 to 2,300 players. Steparu is hosting a look at the game's intro cinematic which features a "Nuian goddess summoning a gigantic portal and sacrificing herself to save her people." Check out the two-minute clip after the cut.
Leaderboard: Age of Wushu vs. ArcheAge vs. EQNext
Are sandbox games making a comeback in the MMO space? That remains to be seen, but there are a handful of major titles in development that self-identify as either sandboxes or sandparks, and all of them will be playable to one degree or another in 2013. First up is Age of Wushu, currently in a public beta and scheduled to officially debut in February. Next up is ArcheAge, which, while still in limbo for the western market, will certainly launch in Korea and probably China in 2013. Finally we have EverQuest Next, which SOE has said will be playable at its annual SOE Live event in the fall. Assuming you're a sandbox fan, which of these three titles do you see yourself playing the most? Vote after the break! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Fan posts new ArcheAge housing how-to [Updated]
An ArcheAge fan named LlexX has demystified some of the mechanics surrounding the game's extensive housing system. The fantasy sandbox features open world buildings as opposed to the instances commonly found in many MMORPGs. In order to keep potential suburban sprawl in check, there are housing taxes as well as the potential for dwellings to be destroyed if they're built on ArcheAge's PvP continent. The loss of a house isn't as dire as it sounds, though, since an affected player will receive the house and items in the mail and will need to simply find a new building plot. LlexX has outlined a basic building guide as well as posted a number of videos. Check out a decorating clip after the cut. [Update: ArcheAge Online's sleuthing has also revealed that the game might have secured a Russian publisher.]
XL teases fans with another impressive ArcheAge trailer
Ready for a new ArcheAge trailer? XLGAMES is in a coy mood, and the four-minute clip is a doozy that shows off everything from crafting and gathering to a giant kraken beast to some sort of player wedding. There are also glimpses of the game's crime and punishment system as well as the typically scrumptious shots of sailing ships and underwater exploration. ArcheAge creator Jake Song starts the clip off with a brief introductory spiel, and if any of you fine commenters are fluent in Korean, we'd love to know what he says!
