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Marvel Heroes

Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]

Super-hero, Trailers, Video, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Screencap -- Marvel Heroes announcement trailer
After months and months of teasing us, Gazillion Entertainment has finally officially released new details about its upcoming new title, the free-to-play Marvel Heroes. The press release claims that the game will take "the MMO category to a completely new level of excitement and engagement" by combining "the energy of action role-playing games with the breadth and immersion of the MMO genre."

Players can now get their first look at Marvel Heroes with the title's first teaser trailer, which features gameplay footage interwoven with some rather menacing shots of a certain Victor Von Doom, who seems to have gotten his titanium-plated hands on what appears to be the Cosmic Cube, an artifact that gives its bearer the power to bend reality to his will. We're not sure what Doc Doom plans to do with the Cube, but we know that it can't possibly be anything good. Presumably it will be up to the players to put a stop to Doom's nefarious plans and return the Cube to its rightful place, but until we find out more, head on past the cut and enjoy the trailer in all of its super-goodness.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

[Update: IGN has a preview of the game that discusses in detail its Diablo roots.]

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Marvel Heroes teases with new character silhouette

Super-hero, Previews, News items, Marvel Heroes

Marvel Heroes image
Cyclops and the other revealed playable characters will soon have a another compatriot to add to their ranks in the upcoming super-hero game Marvel Heroes. Who will it be? For now, Gazillion is teasing fans with a silhouette of the mystery woman, but guesses are already being tossed around. Is it Ms. Marvel? Could it be Phoenix? Some are even hedging a guess that it's possibly even Elektra. Mum is the official word for now, so it is up to fans to puzzle it out.

All right, Marvel aficianoados: Who do you think it is?

[Commenters have rightly pointed out that it can't be Wonder Woman, as she's a DC character.]

Cyclops joins Marvel Heroes' roster

Super-hero, Galleries, Screenshots, Classes, Previews, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Marvel Heroes
Cyclops, aka Scott Summers, will be leaping off the comic book pages and into MMOs when Marvel Heroes eventually comes out. Until then, we'll have to content ourselves with scoping out his chiseled, spandex'd body and secretly wishing that we had his death ray eyes the next time we get stuck behind some jerk in traffic.

Gazillion is happy to announce that Cyclops will be a playable character in Marvel Heroes. What he lacks in overall charisma and flying abilities, he makes up for with a facial cannon capable of ruining your day. Cyclops is the on-again, off-again leader of the X-Men, a group of heroes that is also confirmed to be a part of the game.

You can check out a larger picture of Cyclops along with all the other revealed playable characters in Marvel Heroes in our new gallery below!

Gallery: Marvel Heroes

Marvel Heroes to use Unreal 3 engine

Super-hero, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Marvel Heroes - Captain America art, probably not from Marvel Heroes
Gazillion Entertainment has announced that it is licensing Epic's Unreal 3 game engine to power the upcoming Marvel Heroes MMO.

The game, informally known as Marvel Universe Online, allows players to step into the shoes of Captain America, Iron Man, and Spider-man (among others). Gazillion says the third-party toolset will enable its developers to focus on delivering a high-quality game experience. "We [...] love the flexibility we get from the actor components, which have empowered us to make all kinds of customizations without sacrificing the built-in features of the engine," says Jeff Lind, head of Gazillion's Secret Identity Studios.

Gazillion hasn't mentioned a timeframe for the game's release (heck, there's no official website yet, either), but we'll keep you informed as we hear more.

[Source: Gazillion press release]

Marvel announces official MMO title: Marvel Heroes

Super-hero, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Marvel Heroes logo
The Marvel Comics MMO formerly known as Marvel Universe Online has finally been officially christened. Gazillion Entertainment announced in a press release today that, due to the central role that classic Marvel heroes play in the upcoming title, the game will be known as Marvel Heroes. And to back up the news, Gazillion has also released a new teaser image displaying everyone's favorite web-slinger. For the brand new Spider-Man art, just click on past the cut.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

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Marvel Universe Online assembles Iron Man

Super-hero, Previews, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

MUO
He's snarky, he's tough, he's got a tank-busting missile, and apparently he's got thigh-high red go-go boots. Seriously, look at that picture above and tell us that Iron Man's not getting his fashion tips from the runway.

In any case, Marvel Universe Online is proud to reveal its next major superhero in the game's line-up, and Tony Stark is proud that you're giving him your full attention right now. MUO's Iron Man looks similar to the latest movie version, with the triangle chestpiece and ribbed design. If you're a fan of the character, comics, or movies, then this should be a thrill for you! Just try not to think about how small his waist must be to fit into that techno-armor.

This marks the latest reveal of the Marvel lineup for the game by Gazillion, which has been slowly rolling out the classic characters for a couple months now.

The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders

Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Marvel Heroes, The Secret World, Warhammer 40k, DUST 514, TERA, EverQuest Next, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous, ArcheAge, WildStar

Perfect Ten
While I'm on board the Star Wars: The Old Republic train (at least until SOE's Star Wars: The New Republic comes out in 2014 and forces SWTOR to shut down), I can certainly sympathize with the frustration that non-fans are feeling right about now. There are few things more annoying than not being into the latest craze -- or hating it outright -- and yet being unable to escape it.

So I'm here to say to you today that, like World of Warcraft, SWTOR isn't the be-all, end-all of the MMO field. It's a part of it, but just one part, and there are many, many others in the works as we speak. Mama always told me never to put all your eggs in one basket anyway, so I'm spreading my eggcitement across many cyber-nests.

This is the bone I'm throwing to all of you this week: a list of 10 Midichlorian-free MMOs that have me -- and should have you -- extremely buzzed about their development. In putting together this list, I realized that there are so many promising prospects that I divided them into two groups. This week I'm presenting the strongest contenders that should make it to launch with a solid product, while next time I'll list promising prospects that may be more of a long shot. I'm 47% confident that I will not forget your most-anticipated title.

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Marvel Universe Online reveals the art for Thor

Super-hero, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

The helmet still looks silly, but don't tell him that.
Hark, gentle readers! Today is indeed a most fortuitous day for those watching the development of yon massively multiplayer online game that is known as Marvel Universe Online, for the stalwart writers of code and crafters of art have provided fans with the newest piece of character art. And lest ye fear that the newest addition will in some way disappoint, fear not, for the newest piece of character art is no less than a god!

Yes, the mighty Thor is the latest of the heroes to be previewed, with vestments that speak of both his classic appearance and his recent successful film. If you are a follower of this noble and forthright god of thunder, you will no doubt be pleased to know that his likeness will be seen within Marvel Universe Online, and you should make haste to view the full artwork in a much higher resolution.

Marvel Universe Online reveals Thing as newest playable character

Super-hero, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Marvel Universe Online -- Thing
Watch out, Marvel Universe Online fans. It's clobberin' time! The Fantastic Four's Ben Grimm has been announced as the latest addition to the MUO cast. For those of you who are keeping count, Thing's arrival brings the total playable character count up to five. So keep the guesses comin', folks. Whom do you want to see next?

Marvel Universe Online's newest addition is... not U.S.Agent

Super-hero, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

U.S.Age -- I mean Captain America
When Cable was revealed as the newest Marvel Universe Online hero, another mysterious character was teased in silhouette form. No, guys, it's not U.S.Agent. We know, we're just as shocked as you. In fact, it's his less-popular counterpart, Captain America. What a disappointment.

All jests aside, it's now official: Cap is the newest addition to the MUO roster, bringing the total count up to four. So what do you think, Marvel fans? How is the roster shaping up so far, and who do you hope will be added next?

Cable joins the Marvel Universe Online roster

Super-hero, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Marvel Universe Online -- Cable
Marvel Universe Online's roster keeps growing steadily, with newcomer Cable being announced as the latest playable character at New York Comic Con this weekend. The gun-wielding, telepathic, telekinetic son of Cyclops joins Wolverine and Deadpool as the game's third announced character.

Also teased is another hero whose silhouette should be distinctive to any comics fan (or anyone who went to the movies anytime this summer). Who could this mysterious avenger possibly be? Follow on past the cut and find out for yourself.

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Gazillion's president says MMOs are in a rut

Super-hero, Business models, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

The Incredible Hulk is very pissed off
"I think MMOs in general are in a rut. It's still mainly WoW clones. A lot of people have done these games, but it's been that same kind of gameplay, and that doesn't mean that's what it has to be," says Gazillion's David Brevik.

Who's David Brevik?

Well he's the president and COO of the company bringing you the free-to-play Marvel Universe MMO (yeah, the one where you can't make your own character). More importantly -- in terms of gamer cred -- he also co-founded Blizzard North.

Brevik was recently interviewed about WoW clones, free-to-play business models, and everything in between, and you can read the full text at GamesIndustry.biz. You'll need to register for an account to access the content, but registration is free.

Snikt! Wolverine enters the fray of Marvel Universe Online

Super-hero, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Wolverine -- Marvel Universe Online
Shh! Everyone, do you hear that? It sounds an awful lot like something going "snikt!" You know what that means, right? Everyone's favorite Canucklehead with an anger issue is coming to Marvel Universe Online.

That's right, players will be able to take on the claws of Weapon X himself in the upcoming superhero MMO. Wolvie joins the roster alongside the Merc-with-a-mouth, Deadpool, bringing the total number of announced playable characters up to two. Who will be next to join the duo in the ranks of MUO? I'm putting my money on Northstar, personally. Why? Because he's fabulous, that's why. (Make it happen, Marvel!)

Marvel Universe reveals a mouthy merc

Super-hero, Classes, New titles, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes

Attention, Marvel Universe fans: if you missed some of the reveals at San Diego Comic-Con, we are here to help you catch up.

As we have mentioned in a prior article, the man behind the pen of the great Ultimate Spider-Man reboot, Brian Michael Bendis, is set to write the story behind this first-ever Marvel MMO. Although few other details of this highly anticipated free-to-play MMO have been revealed, we now know that a very iconic mutant will grace your screen when you play the game. This, of course, is none other than the Merc-with-a-mouth himself, Deadpool.

As the Editorial Director for Marvel.com, Agent M, announced, you will be able to don the secret identity of Mr. Wade Wilson. Will you be as indestructible and athletic as this wise-acre? We will have to wait and see. As more information is revealed, we will be sure to send it your way.

[Updated with Agent M's exact title. Thanks, Agent M]

Gazillion's David Brevik on Marvel Universe Online, story, and changing the perception of MMOs

Super-hero, Interviews, News items, Marvel Heroes

A new interview with Gazillion's president and CEO David Brevik is up on Gamasutra today. The interview focuses mostly on the ongoing development of Marvel Universe Online (though Gamasutra tries to pull a fast one to get a tip on Jumpgate Evolution, to no avail) and has shades of BioWare in the discussion of the "Holy Grail" of story in MMOs.

As the interview points out, Brevik is familiar with the ups and downs of the industry, having been involved in the hugely successful Diablo II and the failed (and soon-to-be relaunched) Hellgate: London. A persistent theme of the interview is figuring out how to change the way that MMOs are viewed and how to prove that an MMORPG can be more than a DikuMUD clone. In addition, Brevik talks about the philosophy behind making MUO ostensibly the first free-to-play (from launch) Western AAA MMORPG as well as how the studio is planning to bring the epic overarching stories that Marvel comics are known for to the world of MUO. For the full interview, head on over to Gamasutra.

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