Tag Archive

Empires of Eve: Volume II Now Live On KickStarter

Posted on April 12, 2018 by Rae Michelle Richards

Andrew Groen’s Empires of EVE: A History of the Great Wars of EVE Online – a compendium that chronicles the ever changing alliances, wars and political intrigue as told by the players involved throughout the game’s 15 year history – will be receiving a second volume in May 2019.

Empires of EVE: Volume II is a non-fiction book that covers the player run corporations and alliances that govern the volatile Null Sec region of New Eden.  By interviewing the people behind the in-game capulseers, Groen is able to paint a complete as possible picture of the major battles, betrayals and shifting ownership of Null Sec region that the game has become known for.  Volume I covered the events up until the end of 2008, with the alliance Band of Brothers finally collapsing. Volume II picks up at the end of Volume I and covers the events from 2009 through 2016.

Volume II is intended to be a standalone edition, meaning readers won’t have to read the first volume to understand the nuance and gravity of the events depicted. It will include a “full and concise crash course” of EVE Online’s gameplay mechanics and broad history so that non-players can dive in and enjoy the modern era of EVE Online intrigue.

Empires of Eve Volume II comes in a few different tiers as available on the KickStarter page:

  • $10 USD provides a digital e-book copy (PDF, e-pub etc)
  • $25 USD provides a soft cover physical copy and digital e-book.
  • $50 USD provides a hardcover physical copy and digital e-book.
  • $80 UD provides hardcover copies of both Volume I and Volume II as well as e-book versions of both.

Having personally read through Volume I with my wife, I can attest that Empires of EVE is a fascinating and captivating look into one of the most complex and intricate long running MMORPGs. Full Disclosure: I immediately backed the $50 USD tier on KickStarter because there was no way I was going to pass up the chance at a hardcover copy of Volume II.

[Header image via IMGUR]

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Black Desert Online Celebrates Second North American Anniversary

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Rae Michelle Richards

Kakao Games announced that they are making the 2nd anniversary of the launch of Black Desert Online in North America with a special “apreciation gift” for all players on March 7th. This free gift will enable players to claim a free boss level weapon and accessory – so there’s some sought after loot being given out to mark the occasion. Subscribers, Buy to Play and even Trial Account players are eligible for the appreciation gift, so if you want to get it on this freebie make sure to sign up for Black Desert Online before Wednesday.

The March 7th game update also includes a brand new UI and Mini-map (which honestly was one of my biggest complaints when I tried it out back in January 2017). New skills will also be added for all playable classes with this next patch in addition to the Spanish localization going live.

In the past 24 months over 3 million people have purchased Black Desert Online and actively play the game. With its focus on swift action based combat, eschewing the traditional character leveling system for one based off of the gear your character equips and the often talked about flexible character creator – BDO has certainly found a niche for itself among the other MMO offerings out there.

Alongside the trailer you can see embedded above and all of the news surrounding the free anniversary gifts, the dev team also released a series of info-graphics that depict some interesting facts about the EU and NA region. While North America has a larger population than Europe, North Americans spend significantly more time in BDO when expressed as total playtime in years across the region. While NA has the lead in playtime, EU has the lead in mounts with significantly more horses than the actual player population. In North America there are literally tens of thousands of characters who haven’t collected their first mount.

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Levar Burton Returns As Gordi La Forge In Star Trek Online: Beyond The Nexus

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Rae Michelle Richards

The chief engineer of the Enterprise D himself, Gordi La Forge, will return to the world of Star Trek – complete with voice work performed by Levar Burton- in the 14th season of Perfect World Entertainment’s Star Trek Online.

Players of the Federation’s finest MMORPG will be able to adventure alongside Starfleet Captain Gordi La Forge in the first of two episodic story arcs titled Beyond The Nexus. Episode 1 will be released on September 12th with the second episode slated for release sometime in October. Episode 2 – titled “Melting Pot” – sees the player character take on a mission alongside Gordi and Captain Kuumaarke as they investigate a new colony world established after the events of Season 13.

These two new story episodes aren’t the only in-game events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation.  TNG’s Skant Uniform from Season 1 of the show, a purchasable bridge interior from the USS Enterprise 1701-D and the Type-7 shuttle will also be available as optional purchases during the two episode story run.

Star Trek Online: Beyond The Nexus will launch first on Windows PC this Fall with a release date for both episodes on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One to be confirmed at a later date.

 

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MMORPG Black Desert Online Coming To Xbox One

Posted on June 11, 2017 by Rae Michelle Richards

As an MMORPG Black Desert Online is known for being drop dead gorgeous and if you have a PC with high enough specs to run the game on ultra settings, you’re in for a treat. Microsoft announced at their E3 press conference that the game will be coming to Xbox One later this year and will be enhanced by the power of Xbox One X (formally “Project Scorpio”).

Here is how the game’s Steam Page describes the game, which I feel gives a good rundown of how Black Desert Online differs from other Buy To Play MMORPGs. Also the PC version has native support for Xbox One controllers, so it makes sense that Kakao Games would bring it to the Xbox One family of consoles.

“Black Desert Online is a sandbox, living-world MMORPG. Experience fast-paced, action-packed combat, hunt monsters and huge bosses, fight with friends in a guild to siege nodes and region castles, train your life skills such as fishing, trading, crafting, cooking, and much more!

Players will enjoy jaw-dropping graphics, intuitive skill-based combat, and an immersive story encased in our expansive world that’s just waiting to be explored. Accompanied by a Black Spirit, a companion whose destiny is intertwined with their own, players will discover the secret of the Black Stones and the history of their corrupting effects.”

Here’s the trailer:

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Free To Play Car Combat MMO Crossout Enters Open Beta This Tuesday

Posted on May 28, 2017 by Rae Michelle Richards

Crossout Gaijin Entertainment’s post-apocalyptic car combat MMO leaves Early Access and enters open beta this Tuesday. Set two decades after a catastrophic event known as the titular cross out society has traded in an armored vehicle with auto canons for the family sedan. Offering a heavy focus on vehicle customization, Player Vs Environment combat and PVP action it sounds like the game has a lot to offer.

Like other MMORPGs Crossout uses a crafting system which allows players to craft new upgrades, chassis, and weapons for their car.  Materials are earned by participating in PVP battles, PVE missions or by breaking down duplicate items purchased from an in-game market.  Crafted parts can change a vehicles statistics – like defense, damage, speed as well as the aesthetics of your car.

Some early adaptors of Crossout – which required a $39.99 CDN purchase – have stated in the official Steam forums that the game is Pay to Win. A developer from Gaijin responded that they consider the game to be “Pay to Progress”, you can purchase materials and blueprints to make parts for your car but you can not purchase parts of your vehicle that would outclass free to play players.

Are you going to try Crossout when it is released on PC and PS4 for free on Tuesday? Let us know in the comments section. To get an idea of how the gameplay of Crossout differs from other MMORPGS check out the early access impressions in the video from YouTuber Reuben Gaming.

 

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CCP Sends Out Email Reminding Capsuleers That EVE Online Is Free To Play

Posted on November 24, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

EVE Online developer, CCP,. has sent out a reminder to everyone who may have ever registered for a trial for their MMORPG – EVE Online – to remind ex-trial players that that their account has been upgraded to Alpha Clone status with the release of the Ascension expansion.

The world of New Eden can seem like a daunting place full of danger and just too many different statistics for new players to grasp. This is part of the reason I’ve covered Eve Online: Ascension as much as I have – the New Player Experience and Alpha Clone status allow even the freshest of capsuleers to start their life in New Eden without getting overwhelmed.

So, make sure to check out some of the feature briefs re-produced from the recent promo email that CCP sent out.

Regarding free accounts:

Fly totally free or subscribe for total freedom. The choice is yours withEVE Online‘s new Clone States. Active subscription accounts are now called Omega Clone accounts. Inactive accounts and all trials (active or expired) have been reactivated and upgraded to Alpha Clone accounts.

Alpha Clones

– Zero monthly fees
– Standard training speed
– 21 ships per character

Omega Clones

– Regular monthly fee
– Double training speed
– 326 unique ships to fly

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The brand new EVE Online Portal App that app that allows Capsuleers to check-in on various activities while away from New Eden:

“We are pleased to announce that EVE Portal, the EVE Online Mobile app, has been released as an open beta for both Android and iPhone. This first iteration of EVE Portal will include base level of functionality, with more to come in the future.”

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Rounding out the reminder sent out by CCP is an abreivated list of featued added in Ascension:

Engineering Complexes – structures catering to industry and manufacturing.

New Character Sheet – with better organization, more intuitive skill overview, and support for the new Clone states.

Command Bursts – are similar to auras and point-blank area of effect (PBAoE) skills, providing Armor, Shield, Information, Skirmish, and Mining bonuses.

Other features and updates include:
– Fitting Simulator
– More Activity in Asteroid Belts
– Tactical Destroyer Balance Pass
– AoE Generators for Titans
– Explosion and Wreck Renovation
– Capital Ship Rebalance
– P.A.N.I.C. Button for Rorquals

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MMORPG TERA May Make Its Debut On Xbox One & PlayStation Later This Year

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

Free to play MMORPG TERA could be heading to the Xbox One & PlayStation 4 if a new survey that has been emailed to players from developer Bluehole is accurate.  We don’t have images of the actual questions from the survey but we do have what appears to be an image from the initial survey invite email taken from a mobile phone.

Here is a copy of the survey invite as posted on Reddit:

TERA_SURVEY

A job posting published this past May by Bluehole Studios requested applicants for a Technical Lead to assist with porting the game to both consoles. Duties listed in the job adverts included coming up with short term and long term plans for the two ports as well exploring the possibility of developing the TERA property for “other markets”.

TERA originally launched during the tail endz of the 2000s MMORPG boom back in 2011 and was originally required a monthly subscription fee.  What sets TERA apart from other late 2000s MMORPG titles that emerged in the wake of World of Warcraft’s success is its closer third person camera and real-time action focused combat. Like another console bound MMORPG, Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XIV, TERA can be played with either a mouse & keyboard or Xbox controller.  TERA completed its transition to free to play with the TERA RISING update in February 2013.

Here is how Bluehole describes TERA on its Steam Page:

TERA is at the forefront of a new breed of MMO. With True Action Combat – aim, dodge, and time your attacks for intense and rewarding tactical combat. Add the deep social experience of a MMO to best-in-class action combat mechanics for a unique blend of both genres. Play now for free!

If you can’t wait for the eventual PS4 and Xbox One version of TERA, here are the PC minimum requirements:

System Requirements

MINIMUM:

    • OS: Windows 7, 32-bit
    • Processor: Intel i3 2130 / AMD FX 4130
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM
    • Graphics: GeForce 9800 GT / Radeon HD 3870
    • DirectX: Version 9.0c
    • Network: Broadband Internet connection
    • Storage: 45 GB available space
RECOMMENDED:

    • OS: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 64-bit
    • Processor: Intel i5 3570 / AMD FX 6350
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: GeForce GTS 450 / Radeon HD 4890 1GB
    • DirectX: Version 9.0c
    • Network: Broadband Internet connection
    • Storage: 55 GB available space

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Free To Play MMORPG APB Reloaded Launches On Xbox One

Posted on June 5, 2016 by Rae Michelle Richards

Free-to-play MMORPG APB Reloaded is making its way to Microsoft’s Xbox One with a release this week available freely for Xbox Live Gold Members.

Set in the near future city of San Paro players are given the choice between two different, “Enforcers” who uphold the laws of San Paro while the “Criminals” aim to cause as much mayhem across the cityscape as possible. These two factions can their grudge into Player vs Player battles that take the form of 50 vs 50 player missions located across the city.

Other gameplay features worth investigating including a whole host of player customization – not just the player character but also their vehicles, tattoos and clothing designs.  Modifications allow players to learn new skills such as car surfing, radio jamming and enhance spotting.  Weapons can also be modified with additions like penetration rounds, weapon sights and extended magazines.

Reloaded Games has cooked up an Xbox One Founders Pack full of premium items for players who login within the first 30 days of the game being live on Xbox Live.  If players log more than 10 hours in the game within the first 30 days they will also receive a set of exclusive Xbox One Founders weapon skins. Here is a complete list of everything in the Xbox One Founders Pack:

  • Fireworks Flare Launcher
  • Mikro JC14 (for Criminals)
  • VaqueroPRC40 (for Enforcers)

APB reloaded was originally developed by Crackdown’s developer the now defunct Realtime Worlds. After Realtime Worlds went insolvent K2 Networks purchased the rights to the game and repositioned it for relaunch as a free-to-play game in Q1 2011.

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Community Corner: MMO’s Going F2P

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Trish Bennon

With intense competition pressed upon massively multiplayer online games by the explosion of the casual gaming market, developers are re-evaluating their businesses models to maintain not only their competitive edge but their overall player base.

In 2010 Turbine tossed out subscriptions for Lord of the Rings Online and replaced it with a free to play (F2P) model.  Two years later, Sony Online adopted the F2P experience for both Everquest and Star Wars Galaxies.  On June 12th, Trion Worlds will be the latest developer to climb aboard the F2P train. Historically, this shift has proven extremely profitable for developers.  The question on player’s minds is:  Will this be profitable to the veteran community?Read More

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TERA Online Launches

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Kirk Williford

TERA Online is now available for purchase, according to developers En Masse Entertainment and distributor Atari.

TERA is an action-based MMORPG that was developed using Epic Game’s Unreal Engine 3. In the game, players can assume the role one of eight different classes across seven different races, ranging from the strong Baraka to the elegant High Elf. The game takes place in Arborea and features all of which you’d come to expect from an MMO — crafting, PvP, questing and dungeons, but also brings many new elements to the genre. The game is set up to be played entirely with a controller if the player chooses, and a more dynamic combat system promises more real-time flavored fights against players and giant monsters alike. Unlike most MMOs where you tab target, in TERA, you use your crosshair to aim spells and attacks against opponents, bringing an entirely new feel to the genre.

TERA Online is available in stores starting today, and retails for $49.99 USD. There is a monthly fee to access the game’s servers. You can check out the game’s launch trailer after the jump.Read More

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Wii U The Perfect Console for MMORPGs?

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Jesse Lord

I just had a chance to check out an article over at CVG, and they have some opinions of Joel Bylos, a Funcom Lead Designer regarding the Wii U and its benefits as it pertains to MMORPGs.

According to Bylos, the tablet-like controller is suited rather perfectly for the MMORPG genre, sicne there is so much HUD-cluttering going on, with buttons and gauges and the like.  To quote from the article:Read More

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