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MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut

Karen Bryan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: PvP, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Casual, First Impressions, MMO Family, Family

Lately, I've been moving away from my "sword and board" mentality and instead checking out some MMOs that have faster gameplay, such as Vindictus' physics-based, arcade-style combat and Global Agenda's jetpack shooter battles. But while I've had fun grabbing gnolls by the throat and crushing them against the wall in Vindictus and fending off waves of zombies and chupacabras in Fallen Earth, the content isn't necessarily kid-friendly.

I wanted to find a game that had action, fast-paced combat, and jetpacks but still touched on all the things that make for a good family game. I stumbled on Project Exonaut, made by Cartoon Network, and decided to check it out. It's a browser-based, free-to-play game that pits you against other players in a futuristic setting. It's not quite an MMO and would probably fall under our Not So Massively heading, but I decided to try it out. Read on for a look at the game and my first impressions!

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut

MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Exclusive: FusionFall gets new nanos and more

Krystalle Voecks — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Patches, Previews, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, FusionFall, Kids, Family

Two years ago, Cartoon Network Digital unleashed its browser-based MMO FusionFall on the world with a velvet-rope freemium option. Players could try out the first four levels (the FutureWorld) for free, but getting past that and into the current-day world zones involved a subscription. A year later, the studio opted to take its game to a fully ad-supported free-to-play model so more people could have fun stomping around in the Cartoon Network universe with their favorite characters. Now, just past the game's second birthday, Cartoon Network Digital has decided to crank things up yet again with a bunch of major changes that will rock the world of FusionFall -- and we've gotten an exclusive first look!

Set to launch on February 16th, this bigger, badder version of FusionFall will add in the number one change that players have been asking for since the game's launch: new nanos! Indeed, the team at Cartoon Network Digital has been hard at work creating a slew of brand-new nanos that will be added over the next year -- a whopping 20 in all. However, this isn't just an update in terms of smacking a handful of levels on the end and calling it good. Instead, the dev team has decided to change the nano system entirely so that picking up new nanos will no longer be tied to leveling up. No more nano level-lock means players can pick them up as they adventure!

Sound exciting? There's even more in store with the update. Join me behind the break for the rest of the details -- including an exclusive reveal of two of the three all-new nanos that players can expect to see this Wednesday in FusionFall!

Gallery: Cartoon Network's FusionFall

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: FusionFall gets new nanos and more

Massively Exclusive: FusionFall gets new nanos and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition

Beau Hindman — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Polls, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Casual, Kids, Wizard101, Choose My Adventure, Family

Ah, another week of playing in the Spiral of Wizard101. It's been a lot of fun so far, and I've learned more than I thought I would. Of course, the game continues to run smoothly without almost any issues, and the combat is really starting to ramp up. I've barely dipped my toes into crafting and gathering, only going so far as to take on the first quest in a line that seems to explain it. I even dabbled in pet-raising and games, as well, probably the main area in which I can see the need for more improvement.

Other than that, I mostly enjoyed jumping into open groups with other players. Solo play is a blast, for sure, but having three other wizards at your side as you battle a gaggle of baddies is a sight to be seen. I'll have to get much better, though, in spite of finding it easy to mow down my enemies. I've started to notice chinks in the armor of my deck and have begun to wonder what it is I am doing wrong. I have an idea, but more testing is needed.

Click past the cut to read the details of my adventure, and maybe you can give me some advice, too!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition

Choose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: New Hero:108 developer diary

Rubi Bayer — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Lore, Free-to-Play

Hero:108 Online may have been presented as an MMO for the younger set, but it's attracting a bit of attention from MMO gamers of all ages, thanks to its lighthearted presentation.

The Hero:108 Online team is pretty happy with how the story and character lineup has turned out, and has shared an exclusive developer diary with us here at Massively. The diary serves as an introduction to the heroes in the game, the backstory, and some poorly-made dumplings.

This information comes complete with a few new screenshots to give a visual idea of the game. Follow along after the jump to begin learning about the world of Hero:108 Online.

Continue reading Exclusive: New Hero:108 developer diary

Exclusive: New Hero:108 developer diary originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hero:108 Online bringing new commercial to Nickelodeon

Rubi Bayer — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, News Items, Free-to-Play, Kids, Family

Hero:108 is a popular kids show on Cartoon Network, and the MMO that has spun off of the series will be making its presence known on Nickelodeon pretty soon.

The new Hero:108 Online commercial will take viewers on a quick, raucous trip through the free-to-play game, through the eyes of a fairly enthusiastic young player.

The commercial will air on Nickelodeon beginning Friday, but Massively has an exclusive sneak peek for you now. Follow along after the jump for the newest peek at Hero:108 Online. If it piques your interest (or that of your kids), check out the game's site to learn more and sign up.

Continue reading Hero:108 Online bringing new commercial to Nickelodeon

Hero:108 Online bringing new commercial to Nickelodeon originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall & Ben 10 Omniverse heading overseas

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, FusionFall, Kids

When it comes to free-to-play games, normally we hear about companies from Asia importing their games to us here in the US and EU. This time around, we get to turn the tables, as Cartoon Network Digital is sending its popular free-to-play browser-based games to the Eastern markets. That's right, with the creation of Turnout Ventures -- a combination of Turner Entertainment Asia and Outblaze Investments -- people in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand will get a chance to check out FusionFall and Ben 10 Omniverse for themselves.

"The launch of the incredible online experience FusionFall in the Asia-Pacific region and mutually beneficial partnerships with Ben 10 MMOG publishers such as Omedia and c2vision, are set to bring gamers never-before-seen levels of immersive game play, as well as create even more localized, partnership opportunities," said Benjamin Grubbs, Regional Director, Interactive Media, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia and General Manager, TurnOut Ventures. "Most importantly, these initiatives build on and extend our iconic properties into the online space, so that fans can be part of the Cartoon Network experience anytime and anywhere."

Meanwhile, here in the States, FusionFall has noted that over 9 million accounts have been created in the West, which certainly bodes well as a start for this venture. Considering World of Warcraft has easily half of their entire 11.5 million players overseas, then spreading the FusionFall and Ben 10 Omniverse love is a wise strategic decision.

FusionFall & Ben 10 Omniverse heading overseas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Hero Squad Online: No more "nameless sidekicks"

Brianna Royce — Wed, 19 May 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, New Titles, Previews, Browser, Marvel Heroes, Trading Card Games, Casual, First Impressions, Events (Massively's Coverage), Kids, Family, Super Hero Squad Online

These days, it takes a lot to impress me. Oh sure, I love MMOs. But sometimes I feel I'm in a rut, waiting for something new and different. Something that doesn't just have a "new" sticker, but actually has some new hook that will keep me happily playing -- not grinding -- more than a month. Something that will make me feel good about being a gamer again. Something cute and friendly that actually relieves stress rather than creating more.

That's why I was so surprised by Marvel Super Hero Squad Online, the official premiere of which I was lucky enough to attend yesterday in downtown San Francisco. (The folks at Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society put on a great show!) I certainly didn't walk into the event expecting SHSO to pique more than my passing fancy. Comic book-themed games are definitely something I love, and Marvel couldn't be hotter right now, but let's be honest -- SHSO's press release and early screenshots suggest an overtly family-friendly, even kid-oriented, cartoony romp. I figured the game would be Free Realms in capes, and that Massively's readers would probably be more interested in the other Marvel MMO (simultaneously in development by Gazillion with Gargantuan Studios).

Well, I'm pleased to report that my preconceptions about Super Hero Squad Online were mostly wrong, and now I've got a new upcoming game to add to my "gotta buy" list. Join me on the flipside of the break and find out why SHSO seems poised to *POW* *ZAP* *BLAMMO* the casual MMO sweet spot!

Gallery: Super Hero Squad Online

Continue reading Super Hero Squad Online: No more "nameless sidekicks"

Super Hero Squad Online: No more "nameless sidekicks" originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hero: 108 Online wages war in closed beta

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Family

If you didn't think that 14th century Chinese novels would have any impact on your life in the 21st century, then you obviously aren't a fan of the hit Cartoon Network series Hero: 108. Based on a book called "Water Margin," Hero:108 is the hyper-kinetic tale of a country where a bad dude named "High Roller" (did old China have a version of Las Vegas?) who pits animals against humans, just because. Happily, there's a group of rebels who are trying to bring peace, per standard cartoon series contract, and they're looking for your help in the fight. Also, there are turtle tanks.

Hero: 108 Online is a MMOG that takes some of the best parts of the series and enables fans and newcomers alike to try their hand at fast-paced combat through this bizarre alternate reality. Utilizing the four powers of wind, water, fire and earth, players can get a taste of the game as it has recently hit closed beta. During the CB, there are several GM-sponsored events taking place, including safaris which take players on tours of some of the more dangerous areas in the game.

If this sounds like an interesting change of pace to you, head on over to Hero: 108 Online's site and sign up for the closed beta!

Hero: 108 Online wages war in closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hero:108 Online announces closed beta

Rubi Bayer — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play

Gamania Digital Entertainment has announced the upcoming closed beta of a new MMO for the younger set: Hero:108. This new MMO, set to enter closed beta in May, is based on a Cartoon Network series of the same name.

Gamania COO Davig Wong hopes that Hero:108 will server as an introduction for the next round of up-and-coming MMO fans: "This teen-centric free-to-play online video game was developed to ease young gamers graduating from casual games into the exciting world of MMOs."

The game is described as part of a "cross-platform" collaboration between Gamania, Cartoon Network, Moonscoop Entertainment, and Playmates Toys, so besides the television show and MMO, you'll be seeing a line of products including collectible toys in the near future.

For now, however, their focus is on the MMO. If you're interested in giving it a look for yourself, you're in luck. Gamania has arranged for a beta key giveaway, and it's as simple as visiting their site to sign up. While we don't have a specific date for the beginning of closed beta yet, May is just a few days away so it's bound to be soon.

Hero:108 Online announces closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: FusionFall free to play launch details

Beau Hindman — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screenshots, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Casual, MMOFPS, FusionFall

Near the end of last year, Cartoon Network, the developers of FusionFall, announced that the game would move from a freemium/velvet rope type of pricing structure to a completely free-to-play model. While the fans waited, the developers were a bit silent as to when the new version would be released. Well, wait no more. We have received the official date, along with some exclusive shots of new characters and the new armor that subscribers would receive for being loyal to the game!

If you haven't tried it yet, FusionFall is a browser based first-person style shooter that mixes elements of platforming, social gaming, and fashion. Think of Tabula Rasa's combat system, complete with its "soft lock" mechanism, and add tons of your favorite Cartoon Network characters. It makes for a very fun, actiony and surprisingly deep experience. Join me after the jump for an exclusive look at new characters and new armor!

Continue reading Exclusive: FusionFall free to play launch details

Exclusive: FusionFall free to play launch details originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free for All: How free is freemium?

Beau Hindman — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, MMO Industry, RuneScape, Free-to-Play, Browser, Casual, Free Realms, FusionFall, Wizard101, Free for All

Welcome to Free for All, a weekly column highlighting the world of Free to Play/Freemium games! The new generation of free-to-play games are not only of the same quality as many "standard" MMOs, but they give players a chance to try them out before they ever spend a dime (if they choose to). I am going to try to make sense out of the masses with this column, so wish me luck and thanks for reading!

Freemium is one of those rare hybrid terms that is used to describe some games in the MMO market. Yet, what does it mean? I prefer to use the term "velvet rope", because it places a good picture in your head as to how the game might work.

I decided to examine what the term means, and what it might say to a potential player. The best way for me to do this is to look at some "freemium" games that not only do it well, but are some of the most successful games out there, regardless of subscription model.

Continue reading Free for All: How free is freemium?

Free for All: How free is freemium? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Parents can breathe a bit easier thanks to Crisp Thinking's NetModerator

Krystalle Voecks — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, News Items, Free Realms, Kids

Letting your children play MMOs can be a tricky balancing act for gamer parents. On the one hand, you want your children to have fun playing games online while gaining socialization and computer skills. On the other, you're a protective parent who wants to make sure your kids are safe -- without making them live in a bubble. You can teach them about online safety and how to protect themselves, but there's always the possibility that something will take a wrong turn.

Thankfully, it seems that a company called Crisp Thinking have developed a tool to help parents in their fight for online safety. Their system, called NetModerator, has been put into place in kid-friendly MMOs like Free Realms and FusionFall to combat against predators, bullies, and the like. It watches for certain keywords and phrases during online interactions. When detected, the system will step in and moderate the conversations -- allowing for real-time changes in potentially dangerous situations, as opposed to a reactionary method of dealing with abusive or predatory accounts after the conversations have taken place.

The entire concept is fascinating, so we're sure parents will want to pop over to VentureBeat's Games Beat and check out Dean Takahashi's great write up about this new technology. With an accuracy rate of 98.4% in terms of flagging dangerous and harmful conversations, and the ability to learn cloaked phrases, we're sure parents will be glad to hear that there's another layer protecting their kids from online danger. It's no replacement for the first line of defense -- good parenting -- but it certainly doesn't hurt.

[Thanks, Pete!]

Parents can breathe a bit easier thanks to Crisp Thinking's NetModerator originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BEN 10 MMO officially announced

William Dobson — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Launches, New Titles, Free-to-Play, Browser

We kind of already knew this one was on the way, thanks to a listing on TurnOut Ventures' product page that was spotted last month, but now it's official: BEN 10 Omniverse will be coming to a browser near you in Q4 this year. TurnOut Ventures made the announcement and gave a description of what to expect from the free-to-play title:

BEN 10 Omniverse will let players participate in the evolving story arc of Cartoon Network's BEN 10 saga, featuring Ben Tennyson, a 10-year-old boy with the ability to morph into different aliens using a strange alien device called the Omnitrix.

They also mentioned that the game will be episodic in nature (the launch game will actually be called BEN 10 Omniverse Episode 1: Rise of Heroes), with content updates bringing new zones, quests and other additions on a regular basis. The gameplay will consist of both PvE and PvP, with each of these activities offering the opportunity to group up with other players. According to the official site for the show, a closed beta application process is coming soon.

BEN 10 MMO officially announced originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Exclusive: 5 million accounts, vehicles & more in FusionFall

Krystalle Voecks — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Expansions, New Titles, News Items, Browser, FusionFall, Kids

This past January, Cartoon Network launched their first foray into the MMO space with the wildly successful FusionFall, offering families who like to game together a great deal at $9.95 a month for up to four separate MMO accounts. Since those exciting first days of launch, they've given away all manner of funky swag, racked up over 5 million accounts, and started a whole new generation of explorers down the road of MMO enjoyment. With this summer, however, they're planning on adding even more to their fantastic freemium game with their first major content patch since launch - Dexlabs Upgrade 1: Speed and Style!

This super souped-up update, slated to launch later this summer will bring vehicles to the lands of FusionFall. The first one will be a cool new limited-time availability promo vehicle which will be collectible by both paid and free members. After the first vehicle is launched, players will then be required to reach level 10 to start their collection of other vehicles. What types of nifty ways to get around will there be? Well, as you can see above, we have an exclusive first-ever look at FusionFall's Jetbike, Hoverboard, and a very special guest appearance by Kimchi from Chowder! We're not sure, but considering FusionFall still remains the only MMO where players can get around via flying monkeys, we'd bet that whatever they come up with will be cool.

Massively Exclusive: 5 million accounts, vehicles & more in FusionFall originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online gamers are logging more hours, but spending less money

Seraphina Brennan — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, Culture, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Casual

Interactive marketing firm Future Ads revealed a very telling survey from Gamevance today, showing that casual gamers were playing games for longer, yet were spending less money on them overall. Other notable sections of the survey showed a declining gender gap in the gaming population, a melding of the "casual" and "hardcore" gamer markets, and a decline in purchases made for video game consoles.

Gamevance's survey revealed that 61% of the 8,000 "casual" gamers who responded said they were playing games for longer periods of time than they were a year ago. However, 80% of those same gamers reported that they were cutting back on console game purchases while 77% of the 8,000 stated that the biggest drawback to console gaming was that it was too expensive.

Pair this with the rising Free Realms, Wizard 101, and FusionFall populations, as well as the proliferation of free online gaming sites, and you have a very noticable switch to cheaper gaming alternatives. Will this recession be the rise of the free to play gaming model in America, or will this die off once the economy stabilizes?

[Via GigaOm]

Online gamers are logging more hours, but spending less money originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tom and Jerry and Ben 10 coming to the MMO realm

James Egan — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, New Titles, Casual, Kids

We've written a bit about the Cartoon Network MMO FusionFall of late, which enjoys a great deal of popularity with younger MMO gamers. Now it looks like two other cartoons will be coming to the MMO space: Tom and Jerry and Ben 10. Tom and Jerry is going massively multiplayer (for Asia in 2010) through TurnOut Ventures Limited, a joint venture between Turner Entertainment Holdings Asia Pacific Limited and Outblaze Investments Limited.

Hong Kong-based Typhoon Games (who are developing Hello Kitty Online) is developing the Tom and Jerry MMO. A look at the TurnOut Ventures product page also shows they're working on Ben 10 Omniverse. Both massively multiplayer titles are being built on the Unity game engine, for PC and Mac compatibility. There's no announcement at this time for North American or European releases of either title.

[Via Kotaku]

Tom and Jerry and Ben 10 coming to the MMO realm originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kids exploring the Wastelands of FusionFall in ways devs never intended

James Egan — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Exploits, Game Mechanics, Interviews, MMO Industry, FusionFall, Kids

Cartoon Network has done fairly well for itself with its IP-centric FusionFall. In fact, the words 'wildly successful' may come to mind when you take into account that FusionFall has already gained over 4 million registered users since its January launch. Having a TV network to promote the game is advantageous, of course, but with that many kids running around in the game's world, it was inevitable that some of them would get up to mischief.

This topic came up in an interview conducted by MMORPG.com's Carolyn Koh with FusionFall community director Richard Weil. It's interesting to note that some kids are basically testing the limits of the game world by finding ways into the "Wastelands" -- vast in-game areas where the developers test aspects of FusionFall. These players have managed to find holes in the game code and slip into these off-limits areas that were thought hidden and inaccessible to them in the first place.

Continue reading Kids exploring the Wastelands of FusionFall in ways devs never intended

Kids exploring the Wastelands of FusionFall in ways devs never intended originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wizard101 hits 2 million unique user mark

James Egan — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, News Items, Casual, Kids, Wizard101

The picture for massively multiplayer games aimed at a younger demographic is decidedly bright. Titles like Cartoon Network's FusionFall and Wizard101 from KingsIsle Entertainment have already attracted millions of players, though in the case of FusionFall, having your own TV network to promote it can't hurt those registered member numbers.

Not to be outdone, the last word we had on the number of Wizard101 subscribers placed it at over 1 million accounts, but today's press announcement confirms the figure at double that initial estimate -- Wizard101 has now hit the 2 million unique user mark. That number is likely to grow with KingsIsle Entertainment's other announcement -- beginning today, Wizard101 prepaid gift cards can be found in 7-Eleven stores throughout the U.S., in $10 denominations.

Wizard101 hits 2 million unique user mark originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall gets new VP and some Webby love

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Browser, FusionFall, Kids

Things have been exciting at the Cartoon Network offices. FusionFall, their first-ever outing in the MMO space, got a warm welcome from players and critics alike when it launched in January. Their game hit 4,000,000 accounts earlier this month, showing the power of the Cartoon Network stars combined with really fun gameplay. Now, Chris Waldron, the Executive Producer for FusionFall has been awarded with his own special new (non-bubblehead) hat; he has been named Vice President of Gaming Operations for Cartoon Network!

According to Paul Condolora, Senior Vice President for Turner's Animation, Young Adults & Kids media group; "Chris continues to be one of the great leaders of our digital team, overseeing the successful launch of our largest and most ambitious game to date - FusionFall. His commitment to quality gaming, relationships with game developers and expertise in the industry make him ideally suited to oversee our gaming efforts."

Added to this is the news that not only will FusionFall continue to grow with Chris at the helm as both Exec. Producer and VP of gaming - but they've also been nominated under the games category for a Webby alongside games like Club Penguin, Kongregate, and Facebook's new crack, Mafia Wars. Considering how short a period of time FusionFall has been out before the Webby nominations, that's a pretty tremendous achievement in itself. Congrats to the Cartoon Network games team on their success thus far, and we'll be waiting to see what new surprises they have in store for the fusion-permeated future.

FusionFall gets new VP and some Webby love originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall offers spring chicken hunting fun

Krystalle Voecks — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Events (In-Game), New Titles, News Items, FusionFall, Kids

While many of the spring festivities in various MMOs have sprung, Cartoon Network has saved their particular brand of spring silliness in FusionFall for this next week! That's right - from tomorrow (4/22) to next Wednesday (4/29) Coco's helpers, who are dressed as Spring Chickens will be hiding in the Alternate Earths of FusionFall, and are just waiting for you to find them. When you do manage to locate them, they'll transport you to a secret Egg Hunt Zone, just filled with some special Spring holiday eggs - which means lots of goodies for you!

As you zoom through the special Egg zones, the different eggs you'll collect will not only yield little surprises "to keep things interesting" according to the Cartoon Network devs, but there are two special bubbleheads available to those who are lucky enough to find them. Keep in mind that other players can warp in and out of the Egg Zones, so you'll need to be quick on your toes to pick up the special holiday eggs - and the related bubbleheads! Free-to-play players in Future World will be able to pick up one of the two, and Unlimited access players - at either $5.95 for one account or $9.95 for up to four accounts - will be able to find the Future World helmet and another bonus bubblehead.

If you still can't find out where to look for Coco's helpers, check in on the FusionFall forums for some special riddles that have clues on where to go, or check with the other players in FusionFall and see if you can get a hand. After all, gaming is much more fun if you make some friends along the way!

FusionFall offers spring chicken hunting fun originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall hits the 4 million mark (with bonus Bubblehead, free!)

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Browser, FusionFall

We got some great news today from our friends over at Cartoon Network. It appears that their freemium family browser-based MMO, FusionFall, has crossed the 4-million registered member mark since their official launch in January! That's a tremendous chunk of growth, and we're glad to see FusionFall getting the love. (Any game that incorporates flying monkeys as a method of traveling around in-game rates an "awesome" in our book.)

To celebrate this excellent milestone, the crew over at FusionFall headquarters decided to whip up a special in-game item, the Zak Saturday Bubblehead Helmet, as a way of saying thanks to everyone for playing. All you have to do to get your hands on this limited-edition special celebratory goodie is to head over to the FusionFall site, grab the code, and add it to your account. Of course while you're logged in, you'll want to check out all the new missions and crazy items that the FusionFall team have been hard at work adding in.

FusionFall hits the 4 million mark (with bonus Bubblehead, free!) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall Executive Producer explains the importance of accessibility

Shawn Schuster — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, Browser, Casual, FusionFall, Kids

By this time, you've probably heard about Cartoon Network's FusionFall MMO. We've given our extensive first impressions here, and it's managed to create its own little buzz already. How much of a buzz? How about 2.5 million accounts created during beta?

So what makes a game like this so popular? According to a recent interview with Worlds in Motion, Executive Producer Chris Waldron says it's all about accessibility. "From our experience with the Sneak Peek weekends, we realize that FusionFall is going to be the first MMO for a lot of players. We based a lot of our design decisions on that, and so far it's working out pretty well." Check out the entire interview for more from FusionFall's Chris Waldron.

FusionFall Executive Producer explains the importance of accessibility originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get factual with FusionFall guide for parents and gamers alike

Kyle Horner — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: News Items, Free-to-Play, FusionFall

We're definitely fans of FusionFall here at Massively. It's really easy to love an MMO that takes cartoons from your childhood and creates a wonderfully fun free-to-play experience around them. So when we saw this guide over at What They Play, we just had to share it with you, our readers.

It's a fairly thorough guide detailing just about every key aspect a concerned parent -- or really anyone in general -- would want to know about what the game is, how you play it, how you sign up for it, how much it costs and much more. They even cover what the community is like and how safe the game is for younger players in general. It's a very impressive look at the title from a parent's perspective. So check it out or send it to any curious parental figures you know who may be scratching their heads about FusionFall.

Get factual with FusionFall guide for parents and gamers alike originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Impressions: Cartoon Network's Fusion Fall

Krystalle Voecks — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, Opinion, Browser, Hands-On, Casual, First Impressions, FusionFall, Kids

In First Impressions, Krystalle takes on a MMOG and reports back at what you can expect from the game. Is it painful? Awesome? Find out as she takes an unscientific (and highly opinionated) view of a game you may not have seen. Also remember, this is not a review; simply a First Impression - as such, we always recommend you give games that seem interesting a shot and decide for yourself.

Cartoon Network's MMO, FusionFall, is definitely a strong first entry into the market. With the Cartoon Network stars as the basis for their IP, and many industry names involved in the project, the hopes have been high. The story is set in a future version of Cartoon Network's own variant of Earth, where the characters are now teenagers - and a bit more anime-styled than their counterparts we know from TV. The premise is that Planet Fusion, a big nasty greenish planet-devouring ball of space-muck run by a terribad guy named Fuse, has come to snack on our beloved home. The only thing standing between Fuse, his sludge minions and the total annihilation of Future Earth is you - and the people playing in the world with you. Along the way Fuse is also spawning evil green versions of all the Cartoon Network characters to aid him in his sinister plan.

Now that you've got the general back-story, I've included the FusionFall opening cinematic behind the cut to set the mood before we move on. So far as opening cinematics for web-based games go, this one is definitely worth watching. From there, be sure to jump into the gallery for the full First Impressions on FusionFall.

Welcome to the future >>

Gallery: First Impressions: FusionFall

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First Impressions: Cartoon Network's Fusion Fall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall presses the big shiny red button -- launches

Kyle Horner — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: New Titles, News Items, FusionFall

(Open in new tab for dramatic effect)

What's that sound? Do you hear it? It's the sound of something being unleashed onto an innocent world -- the sound of a big red button being pressed!

Thankfully, it's not DeeDee -- it's FusionFall. It's officially launched as of today, and if you've in any way got a thing for Cartoon Network shows of today or the past -- such as Ben 10 Alien Force, Dexter's Laboratory, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ed, Edd' n Eddy, The Powerpuff Girls, Kids Next Door and Samurai Jack -- we highly recommend heading over to the website right now and giving this browser-based MMO a go.

Actually, even if you're just looking for just a fun browser-based MMO to enjoy you should give it a look. FusionFall is primarily subscription-based, however it does offer a free play area called Future Zone. A subscription is $5.95 per month, but there's a family plan with four connected accounts at $9.95 per month as well. So while you can check it out for free, it's also possible to put a little money into the game and experience more.

FusionFall presses the big shiny red button -- launches originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: More game for your buck

Krystalle Voecks — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, Opinion, The Daily Grind

One of the news pieces we found out about last week was the pricing finally announced for Cartoon Network's upcoming MMO, FusionFall. According to our little mice within their network, it will start out at $5.95 for one account, and then jump to a Family Subscription rate of $9.95 for up to four accounts. Sony Online Entertainment has been offering a Station Access Pass on all their games for a long time now. One of their MMOs is $14.99, but to subscribe to more, you can get a pass that costs $30 per month, giving you access to all the SOE games you own - up to 8 different games in all. Lord of the Rings Online has run subscriptions at $9.99 per month - or $299 lifetime - for a truly gorgeous world.

It seems that MMO companies are slowly starting to catch on that a cheaper price point will draw more interest; especially in the current economy when people are re-evaluating their MMO subscriptions. Our question today is this: what price point would get you to consider either trying a new MMO, or resubscribing to one you liked but just can't justify any longer? Perhaps $10 per month like LotRO's special pricing? $5? Would allowing you to group subscriptions up on the cheap like FusionFall's model get you to bring back another account?

The Daily Grind: More game for your buck originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall announces subscription model with free-to-play areas

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, New Titles, News Items, Browser, Casual, FusionFall

Cartoon Network's eagerly anticipated first entry into the MMO genre, FusionFall, is set to launch next Wednesday. For those who have checked out the Preview currently going on, and may have been wondering just what kind of pricing Cartoon Network would be implementing, you need wonder no longer. Today we got word that the powers that be at Cartoon Network have decided to run it as a subscription based model, but with a very solid free-to-play portion.

Free-to-play members will have access to all areas in the Future Zone, which includes quite a few of the Cartoon Network favorites, such as The Kids Next Door, The Powerpuff Girls, and Samurai Jack to name a few. The paid membership offers not only the Future Zone, but the rest of the game's many areas. In addition, traveling to these areas will unlock additional cool things for your character, such as different gear, new nanos (pets), and more. Paid subscription accounts will cost a very reasonable $5.95 per month, offering full access for one account. For those who have lots of kids who don't want to share an account - or want to check out this game for themselves - Cartoon Network also offers a family plan: at $9.95 per month, you can have four paid accounts to enjoy all the content that FusionFall has to offer.

Continue reading FusionFall announces subscription model with free-to-play areas

FusionFall announces subscription model with free-to-play areas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FusionFall sneak preview starting this weekend

Seraphina Brennan — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, New Titles, Previews, Free-to-Play, FusionFall, Kids

Yes, that's right, it's Blossom and Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls. Very few MMOs could support something as extreme as grown-up Powerpuffs or Dexter as a invasion resistance leader, but Cartoon Network's FusionFall seems to be bringing them and more to the table. But if you're still unsure about the whole prospect of having all of Cartoon Network's heroes in one interconnected universe, then why not take the chance to try the game yourself?

This weekend will mark a special "preview" of FusionFall for everyone out there who takes the time to sign up on the main FusionFall website. So for those of you who have been drooling at the idea of taking missions from Ben Tennyson or Numbah Five, wait no longer.

And if you're still on the fence about the game -- Samurai Jack. We think that should be enough to push you violently off that fence.

FusionFall sneak preview starting this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cartoon Network announces browser-based MMO

Shawn Schuster — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Browser, Kids

Today at Comic-Con, Cartoon Network has announced the release of the first-ever MMO for kids which will be entirely browser-based. Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall is a futuristic adventure set during an alien invasion of the Cartoon Network universe. This means that players will not only be able to team up together to defend the universe from this alien invasion, but the game will incorporate all of Cartoon Network's most popular characters including stars of Ben 10: Alien Force, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ed, Edd n Eddy, Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls and more!

This game will consist of 60 play areas and utilize the Unity Technologies game engine. This engine has been the cutting-edge choice for several gaming projects such as Freeverse, Shockwave.com, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Flashbang Studios and more. Look for FusionFall to release later this fall.

Cartoon Network announces browser-based MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC08 Highlights: Eve Online, FusionFall and Lego Universe

Dan O'Halloran — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Galleries, Screenshots, EVE Online, Events (Real-World), Expansions, Game Mechanics, Interviews, MMO Industry, New Titles, Previews, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Casual, Massively highlights, LEGO Universe, FusionFall, Kids

EVE Online

Eve Online talks new ships and avatars

CCP's Senior Technical Producer Torfi Frans Olafsson had a lot to say about EVE Online's upcoming space station environments. At present, EVE's player characters are little more than still portraits -- in the playable portion of the game you are primarily represented as your ship, which you can use to navigate and explore the game world. Players will one day have the ability to exit their ship and interact with other characters as a human avatar. We still don't have an exact release date, but we scored the details on the proposed gameplay and development process.

Gallery: GDC08: EVE Online's space stations

Continue reading GDC08 Highlights: Eve Online, FusionFall and Lego Universe

GDC08 Highlights: Eve Online, FusionFall and Lego Universe originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC08: Cartoon Network's FusionFall

Akela Talamasca — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Lineage, Lineage 2, Culture, Game Mechanics, Lore, New Titles, News Items, Opinion, Star Wars Galaxies, Tabula Rasa, Ultima Online, Toontown Online, Free-to-Play, Marvel Heroes, Hands-On, Casual, Hands-On (Massively's), Events (Massively's Coverage), FusionFall

We were invited to check out Cartoon Network's upcoming kid-focused MMO FusionFall, and while clearly still in development, it shows a lot of potential. Developed in part by Korea's Grigon Entertainment, makers of Seal Online, QRing, and Gambledon, this is a title with a great deal of pedigree under the hood. Among the notable names on this project are Sam Lewis, former systems and content designer for Star Wars Galaxies; Robert Knopf, recently of Ultima Online; and Richard Weil, the community relations manager for many MMOs, including City of Heroes/Villains, Lineage I and II, Tabula Rasa, and Auto Assault.

With so many experienced and creative people behind it, FusionFall definitely stands to make a splash in the 8 - 14 year old demographic that Cartoon Network is shooting for. This isn't to say they don't have a few challenges ahead of them, however. We'll explore this, and show you the trailer, after the break.

Gallery: Cartoon Network's FusionFall

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GDC08: Cartoon Network's FusionFall originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cartoon Network to enjoy huge TurnOut

Akela Talamasca — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Business Models, Events (Real-World), MMO Industry, Making money, News Items, Opinion

Turner Entertainment, holder of the Cartoon Network brand, has announced its partnership with Outblaze Limited, a web infrastructure company, to create TurnOut Ventures Limited. They will focus on leveraging the character recognition appeal of the various CN franchises into online games, virtual spaces, and the like.

What would we like to see come from this? How about an MMO based on Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, where you can create your own monster? Or a Transformers game, where you can unlock the ability to transform to different vehicles as you level up? Or a Powerpuff Girls title where you are a new model of PG, patrolling the world, dispensing cuteness and justice in equal measure? Is the world ready for this? Are you? Am I?

No, I'm not. I'd like to keep game development away from established franchises, thank you. Now, mind you, aside from the football-themed MMO, the article under consideration doesn't specifically mention branded game development, so perhaps we'll be spared the further dilution of once-favorite characters via tacked-on plots and shoehorned game mechanics. I'd like to be right about that, but history continues to prove me wrong. I live in hope!

Cartoon Network to enjoy huge TurnOut originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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