Free Realms and Wizard 101

I don't know a whole lot about this upcoming game... but I have to admit it instantly grabbed my attention as soon as I visited their site. I'm a sucker for fantasy, and I've been spending a lot of time with virtual worlds for kids lately. Oh, and an upcoming card game? Cool! Free Realms definitely seems interesting! I signed up for their Beta... but am stuck waiting. :(

Anyway, check it out, looks neat! http://www.freerealms.com.

I've also been thinking of checking Wizard 101, a Wizard-themed MMO for kids. I signed up a while back, but never actually got around to playing. I'll probably finally log-in for the first time once I finish this post, so I'll let you know how it is.

Elf Island Open Beta

The Secret of Elf Island (http://www.elfisland.com/) just recently started their open Beta. I joined in on day 1 of their closed beta and have seen a lot of improvements since then.

Elf Island is a fantasy MMO for tweens where you can play mini-games, chat, trade, and embark on GoodQuests that allow players to "do good" in the real world.

If you have any kids from age 8-14, or if you're a kid at heart, make sure to check them out. Their current hours of operation are from 10am-1am EST. My username is Glacian (just like everywhere else) so if you see me say "hi!".

Elf Island Trailer

Over the last year or so I've gotten into some online communities. I'm not talking about hardcore MMOs like Eve Online, WoW or FFXII... I'm talking about games like VMK, Moshi Monster and Habbo Hotel. It's nice to play something a bit more mindless now and then...

Anyway, here's a trailer for an upcoming new kid's virtual world called Elf Island.

Open Beta for Cabal Online

OGPlanet, a provider of multiplayer online games, has recently announced the start of the U.S. open beta for Cabal Online, an action- oriented massively multiplayer online game.

Cabal Online already boasts nearly 1 million players in more than 12 countries throughout Asia and Europe . This open beta testing will begin on Feb. 1, 2008, and continue until the game officially launches on Feb. 21, 2008.

In Cabal Online, players are called upon to protect the people of Nevareth from an evil entity known as Cabal. Hundreds of years ago, CABAL nearly destroyed Nevareth. However, the land was saved and rebuilt by seven great masters wielding the ancient abilities of Force Power. Nearly a thousand years later, Cabal has returned, and it is up to players to master the intricacies of the Force Power and use them to save Nevareth.

Some exciting features of Cabal Online are:

• An interactive combat system that utilizes combination attacks (precision and timing sensitive) to deliver blow after blow with NPC and PvP encounters.


• Six distinctive classes of characters-Warrior, Force Archer, Blader, Force Shielder, Wizard and Force Blader-each offering an entirely unique game play experience within Cabal.


• An in-game downloadable jukebox that allows players to download their own songs to play while they take on Cabal.


• A fluid fighting interface that brings intuitive and elegant motions to players' fingertips. Different classes bring unique movements and actions to their character both in and out of the battle zone.


• All in-game items can be crafted into new items or enhancement.


• A dynamic character-creation tool with more than 200 options.


• More than 300 dungeons featuring highly original and challenging quest designs to explore.


• Magical and mystical unlockables enhance healing, attacking, crafting and shielding powers.


• Astral cycles and boards allow players to travel great distances in short amounts of time.


• Hundreds of weapon styles, ranging from blade, bow and arrow, guns, and magic, are available.


• Supports multi-player Server-Client.


• A state-of-the-art game engine delivers stunning, high-polygon-count 3D graphics at a sustainable high frame rate, even on low-end machines.


• Unparalleled special effects: dynamic lighting shading, Z-buffering, particle-based effects.


• An engine designed and built by a staff experienced with massive network traffic management to minimize any latency.


• Supports most popular 3D hardware accelerators.

For more information on OGPlanet and Cabal Online, visit www.ogplanet.com.

Codemasters Announces Jumpgate

Codemasters Online has recently unveiled their newest upcoming MMORPG, Jumpgate.

Developed by the US-based MMOG developer NetDevil, Jumpgate is a space-based MMO that promises to incorporate action-packed gameplay unlike anything ever seen in an online game.

In Jumpgate, gamers will choose form three playable nations and engage in intense combat across a vast universe. Players can take part in dangerous outer-space raids, trade valuable commodities, and strive to build a reputation as a galactic hero or a feared space pirate!

Codemasters and NetDevil promise that Jumpgate has been designed to be playable by both MMO veterans and n00bs. Expect it to be available across North America in late 2008.

New Conan Site

Eidos and Funcom have recently launched a revamped Age of Conan site located at http://www.ageofconan.com/.

The site is filled with videos, screenshots, links and more. If you're anticipating Age of Conan, make sure to stop by and take a look!

True Games Launches

Former K2 Executives have come together to launch the new MMO Publisher True Games.


True Games Interactive formally launched today, 1/17/08, as a global publisher for online games. Jeff Lujan and Bob Drobish, former key executives behind the K2 Network, have recently left K2 to launch True Games.

"Given the demand for online gaming and the tremendous development
talent available, we want to embrace this opportunity and bring
content of value and quality to this growing segment on an
International scale," said Jeff Lujan, Chief Publishing Officer of
True Games.

True Games is currently negotiating several product deals and working to secure funding. To learn more about this recently launched company, see:
www.truegamesinteractive.com

Conan Collectors Edition Announced

Funcom and Eidos recently revealed that an Age of Conan Collector's Edition will be available when the highly anticipated MMO launches in March.

This exciting limited edition box set features exclusive assets and plenty of unique in game items. In addition to the game itself, the box comes with an impressive art book, the original soundtrack, a bonus DVD, a faux leather map of Hyboria, and additional gamekeys which can be given to MMO friends. Making this offer even more limited, all of the Collectors Edition copies will be printed in one batch, so once they're gone they're history!

The pack will retail for $89.95 in North America, and will be available at retail and online stores on March 25, 2008.

Pirates Pricing

Pricing for the MMO, Pirates of the Burning Sea, have beeing announced.

Retail Purchase/Digital Download of Pirates of the Burning Sea: $49.99
1 month subscription: $14.99
3 month subscription: $41.99
6 month subscription: $77.99
12 month subscription: $143

In addition, a Boarding Party is currently in full effect where you can level your character up to level 21 before the January 22nd launch date. To join the party, check out: www.piratesoftheburningsea.com/preorder/ .

Requiem: Bloodymare Announced

MMO developer Gravity Interactive has announced that they will be bringing Requiem: Bloodymare to the United States in early 2008. While Gravity is largely known for cute, anime inspired titles, Requiem: Bloodymare will be very different...

Requiem: Bloodymare is an intense MMO for mature gamers only, and introduces players to a nightmarish world filled with violence and death. In Requiem: Bloodymare, the world has been warped due to the misuse of magic, resulting in the creation of horrible mutated monsters that terrorize the land. Players take on the role of the Temperions, beings created through genetic engineering and arcane rites to engage in bloody combat with the walking nightmares stalking the land.

Requiem: Bloodymare also promises to introduce new gameplay mechanics, such as using genetic engineering to enhance your characters and a time of day system that greatly impacts the strength of your enemies,


For more information on this adult MMO, visit http://www.playrequiem.com/.

Spellborn in Europe

The Chronicles of Spellborn’s European publisher, Frogster Germany, has recently announced plans to release the MMORPG on Q1 2008.

This release date will allow Spellborn International to additional QA testing and incorporating more content.

Frogster Studios has also licensed The Chronicles of Spellborn in the Japanese market in one of the largest closings for a single product in Japanese PC game history. Frogster will receive a percentage of future subscription revenues and a non-recoupable advance license fee of more than $1 million USD.

Spellborn International also recently completed a major step in development by performing stress-tests to check server and network stability. During the stress tests the game was able to accommodate more than 500 characters in a single zone.

Gods and Heroes on Indefinite Hold

Perpetual Entertainment has unfortunately announced that their upcoming MMORPG for the PC, Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising, has been placed on indefinite hold.

The game had recently been delayed for a second time due to the need for further Beta testing, but a recent announcement on the official site explains the sad, sad news. Perpetual has decided that Gods & Heroes is too big of an investment to continue development, and now intend to shift their focus to Star Trek Online.

The development team established some very lofty and ambitious goals when the initial work was started on Gods & Heroes. Recently, we took a step back to evaluate the competitive landscape, the game's current state, and the overall goals for our organization. And while we are truly proud of and pleased with what we have created in Gods & Heroes, we also realize that achieving the level of quality and polish that we are committed to will take a significant investment.

Read the full announcement here on the game's official site.

Chronicles of Spellborn Q&A

The Chronicles of Spellborn team have put together a little combat Q&A to help gamers understand the game's unique combat system.

Chronicles of Spellborn features a combat system totally different than the traditional MMORPG model. Players have more direct control over combat, so rather than combat formulas determining your "hit" an "dodge" percentage, players instead actively maneuver their character to target and dodge attacks. Spellborn also features a combo system that allows gamers to link together devastating attacks!

Read all about it right here!

9/21/07 Issue at Just-RPG

We've just posted our latest issue on Just-RPG, including an interview with Sony Online Entertainment regarding Legends of Norrath and new information for the upcoming Wii title Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire.

http://www.just-rpg.com

• Legends of Norrath Interview
• Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Screens and Trailer
• Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness Trailer
• New Pirates of the Burning Sea Screenshots
• Just-RPG Looking for Staff!
• And More!!!

Eye of the North Goodies

In preparation of the upcoming Guild Wars: Eye of the North sneak peek event, ArenaNet has made a game manual and a detailed map of the new regions available early for fans of the game.

Gamers who preorder Eye of the North will have full access to the game for three whole days an entire week before anyone else! Best of all, everything acquired during those three days will be yours to keep, including loot, cash and experience. Sneak peek players will have access from August 24 to August 26, 2007, allowing them to explore the Far Shiverpeaks region, home of the fiercely independent Norn as well as the legendary landmark known as the Eye of the North.
If you're gearing up for the sneak peek event, then this beautifully detailed map and game manual will probably be pretty useful to you. Check them out here: http://www.guildwars.com/

Sword of the New World 100% Free!

K2 Network has announced that they have expanded their Free2Play model for the Age of Exploration MMORPG, Sword of the New World: Granado Espada.




Previously, Sword of the New World allowed gamers to play up to level 20 at no cost. Beyond level 20, players were required to purchase a monthly subscription in order to continue playing. However, that has now changed because K2 has removed all level and area exploration limits for players!


Now you can fully experience Sword of the New World absolutely free! Current subscribers who have an un-used paid for month will receive 1,000 gold in addition to all three web unique player characters: Adelina Esperanza, Lisa Lynway, and M’boma (a total value of 40 dollars US). For those players still seeking the premium experience, K2 has kept the Cash Merchant, which offers rare and sought after items to be purchased in-game.

If you haven't played Sword of the New World yet, now is a great time to try! From August 21-21, the game will celebrate by awarding DOUBLE experience to all players. Personally, I haven't played the game yet, but I'm definately thinking of giving it a shot.

For more Sword of the New World info, visit: http://www.swordofthenewworld.com/.

Guild Wars Sells Big

NCSoft has announced that the Guild Wars franchise has broken the four million units sold mark! This accomplishment has been achieved in less than two years since the release of the original Guild Wars.

Currently the Guild Wars series consists of Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions, and Guild Wars Nightfall. Guild Wars Eye of the North, the game's first true expansion, will join the rest of the series when it is released on August 31st! Developed by ArenaNet, the franchise has set the standard for MMOs by providing quality content with a subscription-less business model.

Four million units sold is pretty impressive. Guild Wars has always been one of the MMOs that most interest me due to its solid reputation, reasonable system requirements and the lack of monthly fees. If you want more info on the series, you can find it below!

http://www.guildwars.com/

Black Prophecy Revealed...

10TACLE STUDIOS and developer Reakktor Media have just unveiled their official site for the upcoming Black Prophecy.

Black Prophecy is an action-MMO that promises to have deep role-playing elements along with comprehensive resource management. This sci-fi inspired game takes place in the mid 26th century, after humanity has conquered the universe and colonized countless planets. Life in space requires many new adaptations for humans. However, the cybernetically adapted Tyi and the biogenetically optimized Geniden were created specifically for these conditions, and as a result have outgrown their human creators to become the new ruling races. The battle for control of space leads humanity into the sphere of influence of an ancient alien life form – a life form which tolerates no other cosmic civilizations but its own. Players must choose a faction and join the battle to save humanity!

The new Web site contains storyline information, screenshots and more! Check out the links below:

http://www.blackprophecy.com/

Fallout MMO News

Interplay has made a few comments regarding the upcoming Fallout MMORPG!

Despite major financial trouble over the last few years, Interplay appears to be on the uprise and has announced double the profit since this time last year. At a recent money-matters talk, Interplay officially announced plans to work on a Fallout MMO. No developer for the MMO has been announced yet, but Interplay's CEO, Harvey Caen, recently made these comments:

"With that difficult period behind us, we are focused on securing funding for development of a Massively Multiplayer Online Game based on the popular Fallout franchise."

The upcoming Fallout MMO appears to be of great importance to Interplay, and an integral part of their resurgence. Caen continued, "Along with our strategy of leveraging our existing portfolio of intellectual gaming properties, Fallout Online will play a key role in the future of Interplay."

A few months back Interplay sold all of their rights to the Fallout series to Bethesda, who is now working on Fallout 3. As part of the agreement, Interplay licensed the rights to the Fallout MMO from Bethesda and has four years to complete the game. Seeing as they are currently securing funding for it and no developer has been announced, chances are they haven't started it yet.

Thanks to Eurogamer for the news.

Fury Release Date Announced

Gamecock has announced the release date for their upcoming PC MMORPG, Fury, to be October 09, 2007.

Fury is a PvP MMO created by Australian developers, Auran. It combines intense FPS gameplay with the depth and character advancement of an RPG. It will be the first title published under the Gamecock banner.

Find out more information or pre-order the game at:
http://www.gamecocklove.com/
www.unleashthefury.com

Tabula Rasa Pre-Order Bonus!

NCsoft has announced that the pre-order bonus pack for Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa has begun shipping to retailers.

This pre-order bonus pack has several perks, including exclusive in-game items and a three day head start when the product launches this fall! They will also receive exclusive character emotes, beta access, exclusive in-game pets, and a special DVD with the game client and bonus wallpapers and art.

Interested gamers will be able to purchase the pre-order pack at retailers or download it at the NCsoft store at PlayNC.com starting today! You can view the pre-order pack box art below.

Tabula Rasa features a science-fiction story where players will be challenged by dynamic and fast-paced adventures on unique alien worlds. The game's executive producer is Richard Garriot, famous for creating the classic Ultima series.

On a side note, I had the chance to spend a brief amount of time playing Tabula Rasa quite some time ago. I'm sure the game has undergone a vast amount of improvements and renovations since then, but I remember enjoying the time I spent with it. The world was vibrant and unique and the combat was fast-paced and exciting. Of course, I'm generally not a huge MMO fan...

(click for larger view)

Early Eye of the North Access

Players who pre-order Guild Wars: Eye of the North will gain exclusive access to the game for three full days! Even better, these three days will be a whole week before the game's release, meaning they'll be among the first people in the world to play it!

From August 24 to August 26, 2007, players will have access to the Far Shiverpeaks region, home to the fiercely independent Norn and the legendary landmark known as the Eye of the North.

Everything that pre-order players acquire during their exclusive three days will still be available to them when Eye of the North launches on August 31st. This includes experience, items, loot and more!

More information on the sneak peek event is available here: http://www.guildwars.com/events/ingame/gwen-sneakpeek/

Who Can Find Richard Garriot?

Want to get into the beta of Tabula Rasa? Do you want to win all sorts of cool prizes? Do you want to play hide and seek with Richard Garriot? Of course you do! If you answered yes to all of those questions, you'll be glad to hear that Tabula Rasa is holding a "Who Lost the General" event this weekend that will give you the opportunity to do all of that and more!

World of RolePlayers Radio will be broadcasting live from within the game's beta, giving away prizes, beta keys, play-by-play commentary from the event, and exclusive information. Players who join in on the event on August 10th will take part in a huge game of hide and seek where players search high and low for he General, who is controlled by none other than Richard Garriot!

In addition, CuppaJo from NCSoft will be live on-air with World of RolePlayers Radio during the event giving clues and information about the whereabouts of General British! World of RolePlayers Radio will also be giving away Tabula Rasa beta codes all this week and during the event.

Check out the Tabula Rasa site for more information!

Universe Online Info Revealed

Colony Studios, a team of MMO developers that just formed in April, have released a new video and screenshots of their upcoming MMO, Universe Online.

The Colony team is composed of developers who have worked on games such as World of Warcraft, EVE Online, City of Heroes, Dark Age of Camelot, Lord of the Rings Online, Everquest, and Ultima Online. The developers seek to make a game that will provide players with the perfect balance of strategy and turn-based combat, with unique ship classes and plenty of opportunity to influence the game world. Universe Online is currently set for release in 2009.

You can see more Universe Online information here: http://www.colonystudios.com/

FINAL FANTASY XI FAN FESTIVAL 2007

Square Enix, Inc has announced Final Fantasy XI Fan Festival 2007!

This event is a celebration that commemorates Final Fantasy XI fans around the world. It will take place in the Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, CA. from November 15 - 17.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to be the first to play Wings of the Goddess, the highly anticipated fourth expansion to Final Fantasy XI. Wings of the Goddess will appear on PS2, Xbox 360 and PC, providing new content that will reshape the world of Vana'diel.

Lucky attendees will also participate in contests, panel sessions and live quests! Attendance for the event is limited to 1,500 and pre-registration costs only $85 for a full three days of admission, goodies and an exclusive in-game item.

To register, or for more info, check out: http://www.ffxifestival.com/.

Six New MMOs from Korea

Game&Game has announced service for SIX new MMO Games.

Game&Game is the global service platform for the Korean Software Industry Promotion Agency, also called “KIPA”. Game&Game is designed to help pave the way for Korean MMOs in the global market. They are currently hosting five online titles ( Cronous, Darkness and Light, Lunia, Bomb ‘n Dash, and Record of Lunia). The success of the current five titles has led KIPA to choosing six new ones to introduce to the world, including:

• Pi Story (Anime MMORPG)
• Red Stone (Western-style MMORPG)
• Twelve Sky(Oriental-style MMOPRG)
• Fiesta Online (Anime-style MMORPG)
• ­MicMac Online (Anime-style MMORPG)
• ­Kicks Online (Soccer MMO game)

Service for the games is to begin in September. Find out more about these titles here:
http://www.gamengame.com/gng/index.php

Record of Lunia War Site and Beta Launched!

Allm Corp, developers of the highly anticipated Record of Lunia War, have announced the launch of the game's official Web site along with the opening of the game's beta!

A North American server for the game has been established, providing more stable service and connecting players in North America and Europe. The new site reflects the open Beta, with user support, player guides, tutorials for beginners and account registration.

Record of Lunia War has also been selected as an official competitive game at Game&Game World Championship 2007 (http://gngwc.com/). Record of Lunia War is described as an action arcade MMORPG.

Check out the new official site here: http://global.lunia.com/

K2 Network Launches New Site!

K2 Network has recently launches GamersFirst, a Web site dedicated to K2's MMO titles.

This will serve as the best destination for gamers to access the latest information, download games, find screenshots and more for games like MU Online, Sword of the New World and Red Stone.

"There are more than 10 million users worldwide who enjoy K2 Network games," said Joshua Hong, CEO and co-founder of K2 Network. "We wanted to create one destination where all the communities from our different games could go to find out everything that we have going on."

Check out the site here:

http://www.gamersfirst.net/

Massive Online Gamer MMO Awards

Beckett's Massive Online Gamer has assembeled their 2006 Readers Choice Awards. The categories range from Best MMO of 2006 to Most Unique Race.

Here's just a few of the winners.

Best new MMO release of 2006: Guild Wars Nightfall
The best MMO of 2006: World of Warcraft
The best fantasy MMO of 2006: World of Warcraft
The best MMO that breaks the mold: Second Life
The best expansion/addition of 2006: City of Heroes/Villains Issue 7: Destiny Manifest

A complete listing, with full commentary, of these awards is available in Beckett MASSIVE ONLINE GAMER issue #6, on sale now at newsstands everywhere.

Lego MMO

After the success of such games as Lego Star Wars, Lego has announced that they will be expanding their gaming presence and entering the MMO market.

NetDevil, the developers of the MMO Auto Assault will be behind the new Lego MMO, but no other specifics have been revealed. The project is currently scheduled for release in 2008.

Thanks to Gamespot for the info.