Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Spirit Tales bringing 1v5 monster boss PvP on June 6th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/spirit-tales-bringing-1v5-monster-boss-pvp-on-june-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/spirit-tales-bringing-1v5-monster-boss-pvp-on-june-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/spirit-tales-bringing-1v5-monster-boss-pvp-on-june-6th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Spirit Tales
When you look at KoramGame's über-cute free-to-play title Spirit Tales, revolutionary PvP probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. According to a new press release, however, that's exactly what the studio is aiming for in an upcoming update which will add 1v5 monster boss PvP to the game.

The feature is pretty much what it sounds like: One player takes on the role of a giant dungeon boss mob, and it's his job to stomp the everloving daylights out of the other five players who will be teaming up to bring him down. The victor of these 1v5 battles will be rewarded with "stronger, more powerful PvP equipment" with which to further dominate the battlefield. The update will be going live on June 6th, and players who take part in the new gametype between its launch and July 1st will have the opportunity to win fancy Tt gaming peripherals, so head on over to the game's official site and get ready to rumble.

[Source: KoramGame press release]

MassivelySpirit Tales bringing 1v5 monster boss PvP on June 6th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v5-monster-boss-pvp1v5-pvpanimef2pfree-to-playkoramgamekoramgame-ltdplayer-vs-playerpvpspirit-talesThu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Tales launching Crisis of Jade Forest next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/spirit-tales-launching-crisis-of-jade-forest-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/spirit-tales-launching-crisis-of-jade-forest-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/spirit-tales-launching-crisis-of-jade-forest-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diabeetus.
It's really hard to imagine anything in the saccharine world of Spirit Tales being properly termed a crisis, but the game's newest update is aiming in that direction. The Crisis of Jade Forest goes live on May 23rd, giving players a chance to tackle an extra-difficult version of the normal Jade Forest area with extra boss-enriched goodness. Successful players have plenty of motivation, however, as the reward for completion involves a chest that could contain items normally reserved for the game's item mall.

Groups of up to five players can enter the battle once per day, which fills the area with deadly monsters and 10 special bosses. Successfully defeating all of these bosses will grant the chance to earn both rewards that would normally cost real money as well as other little trinkets. it's also meant to be a great way to level up, so if you're already in the open beta, you may want to consider a look at the dungeon.

MassivelySpirit Tales launching Crisis of Jade Forest next week originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animedungeondungeon-contentf2pfree-to-playkoramgamekoramgame-ltdmicrotransactionsnew-contentpatchespreviewsspecial-contentspirit-talesupdatesThu, 17 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elsword celebrates first anniversary with cake]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/elsword-celebrates-first-anniversary-with-cake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/elsword-celebrates-first-anniversary-with-cake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/elsword-celebrates-first-anniversary-with-cake/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Elsword Online - gameplay screenshot
It seems like every other day is an MMO anniversary around these parts. Next on the list is Elsword Online, the free-to-play side-scrolling manga actioner from Kill3rCombo.

"As with any new business venture in North America, we were both apprehensive and hopeful that online gamers would receive Elsword as well as audiences overseas have," says Kill3rCombo CEO Ben Colayco. "Now, as we celebrate Elsword's first anniversary, we are proud that the game continues to grow and has found its niche within the gaming community."

The firm is not only proud but in a giving mood if the in-game anniversary festivities are any indication. Players can enjoy reward-filled anniversary cubes, hit point recovery cake, limited edition coins, play-time bonuses, and increased drop rates. All of this is ongoing through May 8th, so log in now to join the celebration.

[Source: Kill3rCombo press release]

MassivelyElsword celebrates first anniversary with cake originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeelswordelsword-anniversaryelsword-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playkill3r-combokill3rcombomangaside-scrollerTue, 01 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/massively-speaking-199-rusty-hearts-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Rusty Hearts
Massively Speaking Episode 199 has our intrepid duo sitting down with Rusty Hearts Game Producer Mark Hill to talk about the game's newest character: Leila! If petticoats and perfume and razor-sharp swords are your bag, then Leila will answer your peculiar personals ad. We also talk about several game anniversaries, the Guild Wars 2 beta weekend, and Cryptic's big boo-boo.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal

MassivelyMassively Speaking 199: Rusty Hearts reveal originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanetanimearenanetblueholebluehole-studiosbrantbrianna-roycecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcrypticcryptic-studiosdnden-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomguild-wars-2gw2humorinterviewjustin-olivettikingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmark-hillmassively-speakingncsoftneverwinteropinionparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpirate101podcastpodcastingpodcastspwerusty-heartssuperherosuperheroesteraTue, 01 May 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 199Massively.com Staff01:07:09podcasts<![CDATA[Rusty Hearts releases new Leila Vergerius character]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/rusty-hearts-releases-new-leila-vergerius-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/rusty-hearts-releases-new-leila-vergerius-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/rusty-hearts-releases-new-leila-vergerius-character/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Rusty Hearts - Leila
If you haven't tried Rusty Hearts yet, this week is as good a time as any since Stairway Games, WindySoft, and Perfect World Entertainment are adding a brand-new playable character to the hack-and-slash free-to-play title.

Leila Vergerius is the younger sibling of Roselle Vergerius, and she's been fighting to escape her older sister's protective shadow for some time. Perfect World tells us that Leila doesn't actually need the protection since she's more than capable of unleashing a dark magic-flavored can of whoop-ass on par with those of big sis.

Leila is also adept with a sword and an axe, both of which are made even more deadly by her propensity for speed, agility, and leap-and-flip aerial attacks. Check her out in the gallery below, and head to the official Rusty Hearts website for more game info. We've also got an interview with Rusty Hearts producer Mark Hill on today's podcast!

[Source: Perfect World press release]

Gallery: Rusty Hearts

MassivelyRusty Hearts releases new Leila Vergerius character originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanimef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryleilaleila-vergeriusmark-hillperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerusty-heartsrusty-hearts-new-characterrusty-hearts-new-skinscreenshotscreenshotsstairway-gameswindysoftTue, 01 May 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Tales open beta delayed until May 10th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/spirit-tales-open-beta-delayed-until-may-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/spirit-tales-open-beta-delayed-until-may-10th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/spirit-tales-open-beta-delayed-until-may-10th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Spirit Tales
At the beginning of the month, KoramGame announced that its upcoming saccharine-sweet free-to-play title, Spirit Tales, would be entering open beta this Wednesday, April 25th. Alas, that is no longer the case. Fans of the mind-numbingly adorable title will have to wait another couple of weeks to get their hands-on time, as KoramGame announced today that the open beta has been delayed until May 10th.

So what's the deal with the delay? According to General Manager Yann Wang, "problems have occurred that have made it difficult to incorporate certain features that are vital to the release of the game." As a result, the game "will not be ready on the date [...] originally promised." He goes on to add, however, that "the Spirit Tales team... [is] optimistic that this short-but-necessary delay will ensure that [it produces] a much more complete and polished game." Here's to hoping that's the case, but we'll just have to wait until May 10th to find out for sure.

[Source: KoramGame press release]

MassivelySpirit Tales open beta delayed until May 10th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetabetasdelaydelayedf2pfree-to-playkoramgamekoramgame-ltdobtopen-betaopen-beta-testpostponedspirit-talesMon, 23 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Forget guild housing -- Spirit Tales is bringing guild islands]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/forget-guild-housing-spirit-tales-is-bringing-guild-islands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/forget-guild-housing-spirit-tales-is-bringing-guild-islands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/12/forget-guild-housing-spirit-tales-is-bringing-guild-islands/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Spirit Tales
Because there are so many free-to-play games to choose from, developers who come up with something unique have an edge in attracting players. That's exactly what KoramGame Ltd. did with the guild island system in its upcoming title Spirit Tales. Why settle for just a house when you can own an entire private island?

"Guilds have had a long standing tradition in most MMORPGs, but never has there been a feature this extensive and dedicated to guilds. We're convinced that our Guild Island system will not only add to the traditional guild experience, but also take it in an exciting new direction," says General Manager Yann Wang

When guild members need a break from battling creatures and capturing magical pets, they can relax on their very own customizable guild islands, where they can access special buffs and content. Amenities that can be constructed on the islands include hot springs that provide power buffs, statues to immortalize guild members, a throne room meeting hall, a warehouse to store additional guild gear, and a buff vendor to access unique buffs.

If you want to get a glimpse of guild islands live and in action, join the Spirit Tales livestream event on April 13th at 5 p.m. EDT. There will even be prizes!

MassivelyForget guild housing -- Spirit Tales is bringing guild islands originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebuffsf2pfree-to-playguild-housingguild-islandskoramgamekoramgame-ltdLiveStreamspirit-talesyann-wangThu, 12 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Tales open beta goes live April 25th; cuteness levels critical]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/spirit-tales-open-beta-goes-live-april-25th-cuteness-levels-cri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/spirit-tales-open-beta-goes-live-april-25th-cuteness-levels-cri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/spirit-tales-open-beta-goes-live-april-25th-cuteness-levels-cri/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

WHO'SH A GOOD DOGGY-MAGE-THING? YOU ARE! YESH YOU ARE!
Over the past couple of weeks, we've gotten a few glimpses of KoramGame's upcoming free-to-play MMO, Spirit Tales, but so far the game has been closed off to all but select closed beta testers. Thankfully for those who have been waiting patiently to get their hands on the game, KoramGame has announced that the title (with all of its precious chibi goodness) will be bouncing into open beta on April 25th.

To celebrate the occasion, the studio has announced that it will be giving away over $2000 in prizes to players who sign up for the game's open beta. The prizes run the gamut from in-game items to a snazzy NVidia GeForce GTX 560 video card. If you can brace yourself against the sheer concentrated cute that the game has on display, it may be worth your while to head over to the giveaway site and sign up for yourself.

[Source: KoramGame press release]

MassivelySpirit Tales open beta goes live April 25th; cuteness levels critical originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetabeta-testbeta-testingf2pfree-to-playits-so-fluffy-im-gonna-diekoramgamekoramgame-ltdobtopen-betaopen-beta-testopen-beta-testingspirit-talesTue, 03 Apr 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spirit Tales introduces the Lunar Fox and Maned Dragon tribes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/spirit-tales-introduces-the-lunar-fox-and-maned-dragon-tribes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/spirit-tales-introduces-the-lunar-fox-and-maned-dragon-tribes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/spirit-tales-introduces-the-lunar-fox-and-maned-dragon-tribes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Aww, who's a kyoot wittle sorcerer? Yus you are!
If you are allergic to stupefyingly adorable things, you may want to look away now. If you're not, you may be interested in KoramGame's upcoming free-to-play title Spirit Tales. Fans of fluffy wittle animal-people with eyes the size of some small galaxies will find themselves right at home with the two newly announced tribes, the Lunar Fox tribe and the Maned Dragon tribe.

Each tribe has its own unique classes available to it; the Maned Dragon tribe sticks to tradition with the mainstays of Warrior (which plays the role of defender) and Archer (which supplies ranged DPS), while the Lunar Fox tribe bring some magic and cunning (and lots of DPS) to the table with the Sorcerer and Assassin classes. The full details on each tribe and its respective classes can be found over at the official Spirit Tales forums.

MassivelySpirit Tales introduces the Lunar Fox and Maned Dragon tribes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animearcherassassinclassclassesf2pfree-to-playits-so-fluffy-im-gonna-diekoramgamekoramgame-ltdlunar-foxmaned-dragonraceracessorcererspirit-talestribetribeswarriorThu, 29 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rusty Hearts adding 'first true raid dungeon' on March 22nd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/rusty-hearts-adding-first-true-raid-dungeon-on-march-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/rusty-hearts-adding-first-true-raid-dungeon-on-march-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/rusty-hearts-adding-first-true-raid-dungeon-on-march-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rusty Hearts
If the name "Dead Man's Valley" doesn't give you pause while looking up places to travel on your next vacation, perhaps consider a luxury cruise through Rusty Hearts' territory this spring. The hack-and-slash MMO is prepping a major update to the game for March 22nd that will add "the first true raid dungeon" for the game. Dead Man's Valley is an eight-person raid that will represent some of the most challenging content in the game.

Also coming with the update is the latest playable character: a man trapped in a boy's body (insert your own role-reversal jokes here). Edgar Grosvenor is joining the crew of Rusty Hearts as a fierce melee combatant whose skill with the scythe and magic sword are completely at odds with his schoolboy demeanor.

You can see the highlights of both Dead Man's Valley and Edgar's combat technique in Perfect World's latest video right after the jump!

Continue reading Rusty Hearts adding 'first true raid dungeon' on March 22nd

MassivelyRusty Hearts adding 'first true raid dungeon' on March 22nd originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanimeclassdead-mans-valleydungeonEdgar-Grosvenorf2pfantasyfree-to-playpatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweraidraid-dungeonrusty-heartstrailertrailersupdatevideovideosThu, 15 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Two years and counting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/free-for-all-two-years-and-counting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/free-for-all-two-years-and-counting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/free-for-all-two-years-and-counting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Free for All two year anniversary banner
On March 9th, 2012, this column will turn two years old. I thought it would be a fun idea to look back on those two years and recount what I might have learned. I've learned a lot, actually. When I was first hired to write a column about free-to-play games, I thought I would be covering relatively simple topics, stuff like "how much would you pay for a horse?" or "how many free-to-play games do you have on your hard drive?" Pretty soon I realized that free-to-play, to many people, represents a sort of gaming movement and genre rather than a payment model.

The discussions have been open, frank, and sometimes infuriating. It's easy for me to write so simply that it can seem as though I am attempting to make a larger point, and it's much easier to make much more of the term "free-to-play" than is necessary. I have seen the lines being drawn by many players who feel that free-to-play is a sort of scary neighbor who threatens the peaceful existence of their neighborhood, while many others couldn't care less.

Like I said, I have learned a lot.

Continue reading Free for All: Two years and counting

MassivelyFree for All: Two years and counting originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeanniversarybeau-hindbeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-plfree-to-playfreemiumftpindependentindiemaplestoryopinionvelvet-ropeWed, 07 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Win free Steam games with Spiral Knights and Rusty Hearts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/win-free-steam-games-with-spiral-knights-and-rusty-hearts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/win-free-steam-games-with-spiral-knights-and-rusty-hearts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/26/win-free-steam-games-with-spiral-knights-and-rusty-hearts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Win free steam games image
If you've been checking out this year's Christmas Steam sales, you'll undoubtedly have seen the Great Gift Pile giveaway. By completing various game achievements and objectives, Steam users unlock prizes that can be anything from a lump of coal to discount vouchers or even a full copy of any game on Steam. There are reports of people winning massive prizes like Skyrim or the Valve complete pack, and even if you just get a lump of coal, it's still a valuable prize; seven lumps can be exchanged for a new random prize, and those left over at the end of the holiday event will count as tickets in a lottery to win a copy of every single game on Steam.

While many of the achievements require the purchase of cheap indie titles, there are several ways to get your hands on a gift from the great pile absolutely free. Checking your Steam inventory page and trading any item with another user will get you two free gifts, and joining the 2011 Holiday Group will net you a third. Two more prizes can be collected by completing the Son of a Nutcracker! achievement in Spiral Knights and the All I Want for Christmas is Sewers achievement in Rusty Hearts, both of which are free-to-play MMOs available through Steam.

Skip past the cut for details on how to beat the Steam gift achievements for Spiral Knights and Rusty Hearts, including full walkthrough videos.

Continue reading Win free Steam games with Spiral Knights and Rusty Hearts

MassivelyWin free Steam games with Spiral Knights and Rusty Hearts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementachievementsaction-mmoall-i-want-for-christmas-is-sewersanimef2pfantasyfreefree-to-playgiftsgreat-gift-pileguidenewsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentprizespvppwerise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprusty-heartsson-of-a-nutcrackerspiral-knightssteamthe-great-gft-pilethree-ringsvalvevideowinMon, 26 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Digimon Masters launching October 25th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/digimon-masters-launching-october-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/digimon-masters-launching-october-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/digimon-masters-launching-october-25th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Digimon Masters - screenshot with boy and giant pet
Digimon fans, your wait is almost over. Joymax has just announced that the Digimon Masters Online MMO is scheduled to release on October 25th (which is next week, if you're keeping score at home).

The game features "a deeper RPG experience, enhanced graphics, and adrenaline-pumping real-time combat," according to the latest Joymax press blurb. DMO will purportedly satisfy fans of the original Digimon television series too, as it features more than 1000 characters who appeared on the show during the first five seasons. Joymax says that Digimon Masters is faithful to both the original art design and the series' storyline, and you can learn more about the pet-centric RPG title at its official website.

[Source: Joymax press release]

MassivelyDigimon Masters launching October 25th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animedigimondigimon-mastersf2pfree-to-playjoymaxlaunchlaunch-datepet-combatpetspress-releaseThu, 20 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive: Trickster Online's Songs of Love and Fate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/exclusive-trickster-onlines-songs-of-love-and-fate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/exclusive-trickster-onlines-songs-of-love-and-fate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/exclusive-trickster-onlines-songs-of-love-and-fate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Trickster Online
Heads up, Anime fans: SG Interactive's Trickster Online is on the verge of releasing what it's calling "the largest episode in the history of Caballa Island." The cutesy, free-to-play, 2-D isometric MMO out of South Korea aims to launch Episode VI, the grand finale of its second season of content, on October 6th. The episode, titled The Songs of Love and Fate, includes a new escort system, 18 new characters, 23 new maps, 17 new monsters, 15 new normal quests, and 41 new scenario quests. And as you might guess from the title, the update will tell a love story rather than focus on the mysteries of the island itself. Who says a game has to be 3-D to tell a good story?

Past the cut, we've got an exclusive teaser video with the highlights from this upcoming content patch. Enjoy!

Continue reading Exclusive: Trickster Online's Songs of Love and Fate

MassivelyExclusive: Trickster Online's Songs of Love and Fate originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-danimeepisode-viexclusivef2pfree-to-playisometricntreevseason-2sg-interactivesongs-of-love-and-fatetrailertrailerstrickster-onlinevideovideosMon, 03 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magic Campus beta a success, gamigo announces]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/magic-campus-beta-a-success-gamigo-announces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/magic-campus-beta-a-success-gamigo-announces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/magic-campus-beta-a-success-gamigo-announces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Magic Campus - fantasy wallpaper
gamigo's new Magic Campus MMO has "passed the beta stage" according to the company's latest press release. The title is a tactical browser-based affair, and gamigo says that players will take on the roles of magicians in training and beast tamers bent on capturing the hundreds of critters that populate the "colorful anime world."

The game boasts six classes, turn-based battles against both monsters and other players, and guild and crafting systems designed to offer an alternative to combat. Magic Campus is free-to-play, and you can find out more about it, as well as download the client, at the official website.

[Source: gamigo press release]

MassivelyMagic Campus beta a success, gamigo announces originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebeast-tamerbetaend-of-betaf2pfantasyfree-to-playgamigoguildsmagic-campusmagicianpetspvepvpstrategytacticalturn-basedThu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Digimon Masters preps for open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/digimon-masters-preps-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/digimon-masters-preps-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/digimon-masters-preps-for-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Digimon Masters
Prepare to unleash your digital monster because Digimon Masters is on the verge of open beta! Joymax's online adaptation of the hit franchise will unlock open beta testing on Tuesday, September 27th to anyone interested. Potential testers need only head on over to Joymax's portal and apply.

Digimon Masters is the story of various youths who decide on an alternative career path to business school or online games journalism. Players can select from Marcus (big damage), Thomas (dodge and counter-attacks), and Yoshino (multiple special attacks) depending on their playstyles. The game features hundreds of Digimon from the anime series and promises to be loyal to the series' art design and story.

Make sure to wash your eyeballs first and then you can check out these fantastic new screens of Digimon Masters below!

Gallery: Digimon Masters

MassivelyDigimon Masters preps for open beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetadigimondigimon-mastersdigimon-masters-onlinef2pfree-to-playgalleryjoymaxopen-betascreenshotsThu, 22 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively sneaks a peek into Bounty Hounds Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/massively-sneaks-a-peek-into-bounty-hounds-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/massively-sneaks-a-peek-into-bounty-hounds-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/massively-sneaks-a-peek-into-bounty-hounds-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Bounty Hounds Online screenshot
The developers of Bounty Hounds Online recently invited Massively to join them in exploring their closed beta world. I am not the type to turn down an invitation like that, so I downloaded the client and logged in. While it did take a while to figure out which client to use and exactly how to log in to the test server so the developers could show me things that were not yet in the beta, the wait was worth it.

If you've been curious about how the game looks, plays, and feels, click past the cut and join me for a preview! Bear in mind that I was given a very decked-out character, so combat was a breeze. Other than that, everything else was a normal tour through a very cool-looking world!

Gallery: Massively's tour of Bounty Hounds Online

Continue reading Massively sneaks a peek into Bounty Hounds Online

MassivelyMassively sneaks a peek into Bounty Hounds Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineanimebeau-hindmanbhobounty-hounds-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpinnogamesinnogames-gmbhmechNamco-Bandaisci-fitabula-rasaTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/free-for-all-the-best-looking-games-in-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/free-for-all-the-best-looking-games-in-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/10/free-for-all-the-best-looking-games-in-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Eden Eternal screenshot
Of all of the wacky arguments I have heard over the last few years, the "are video games art?" one has got to take the prize for most ridiculous. Sure, you can argue either side of anything, but to ask whether or not games are art just seems to be an attempt to assuage some boredom. We can also ask whether this life is really real, just in case we hadn't already been put to sleep. Art is what the artist says it is, period.

Art is also in the eye of the beholder. Our games are spread across a wide spectrum of styles, and many of us have very strong feelings about what we like and will not tolerate. I have seen people turn down great games simply because of the way a screenshot looked. Heck, I've done it myself. With as many games as I look at every week, occasionally it is smart (and fun) to organize them into lists. This week I am taking stock of my game list and figuring out the games that I feel look the best. Of course, you might not think so.

I decided to leave off games that are in testing or not available for the public yet. Click past the cut and see if you agree with me!

Continue reading Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play

MassivelyFree for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesanimebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedClone-Wars-Adventurescwadragon-nesteden-eternalf2pfamilyfaxionfaxion-onlinefeaturedflyfffree-for-allfree-to-playftpjagexjunebudjunebud-abkidsmilmonexonrappelzrunescapesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsutvutv-true-gamesvindictusWed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Pockie Ninja]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-pockie-ninja/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-pockie-ninja/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/19/rise-and-shiny-recap-pockie-ninja/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Well, it's nice to finally get back to my regularly scheduled columns after attending E3 last week. I have to say, I loved all of the new games and gadgets that I got to check out at the event, but I missed the rhythm of my columns. So this week I decided to get back to Rise and Shiny in full force by attacking Pockie Ninja, an odd-looking little game that I have been hearing about for quite a while. In fact, it doesn't take much to see that it has grown pretty popular, but I still wasn't sure why.

So I signed up (thank you, Facebook connect!) and jumped into the game. It should be noted that a lot of the game has not been translated very well. This is a real problem when you consider some of the learning curve involved in Pockie Ninja. Sure, the English is there, and there are words that I know, but they are often arranged in such a strange order or just come out sounding so... odd that I have no idea what is going on.

Click past the cut and let's see if I can explain what I found.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Pockie Ninja

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Pockie Ninja originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebeau-hindmancity-of-eternalsfeaturedmudn-gamesn-games-conarutongamesngames-copockie-ninjarobotechSun, 19 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Eden Eternal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/first-impressions-eden-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/first-impressions-eden-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/first-impressions-eden-eternal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hello, Massively readers, and welcome to my first ever first impressions article. Are you excited!? No? Well, feign interest for me anyway, and be gentle! Today, I've been asked to take a look at the currently-in-closed-beta Eden Eternal from Aeria Games, and you all have front-row seats for the grand tour. Now, I don't know about y'all, but I tend to be highly skeptical in regard to free-to-play games such as this one. I'm sure at least some of you know what I mean -- anime-inspired graphics, microtransaction-based, each with the same instantly recognizable website layout.

With this in mind, I wasn't expecting much when I first logged in to Eden Eternal. I was anticipating, at best, some limited character customization, poorly translated quests, and a whole lot of grinding that could only be alleviated by shelling out for upgrades in the cash shop. What did I find instead? Jump past the cut to find out.

Continue reading First Impressions: Eden Eternal

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Eden Eternal originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesanimebetaclosed-betaeden-eternaleef2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onMon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect World releases Rusty Hearts E3 trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/perfect-world-releases-rusty-hearts-e3-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/perfect-world-releases-rusty-hearts-e3-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/01/perfect-world-releases-rusty-hearts-e3-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've known for a couple of weeks that Perfect World Entertainment's anime-infused Rusty Hearts MMO is coming to this year's E3. Now we've got video evidence, as PWE has released a new trailer showing off two of the game's spikey-haired warriors and ample evidence of the title's action-centric nature.

PWE describes Rusty Hearts as its ultimate hack 'n' slash dungeon crawler, and after seeing the manga-inspired trailer, we're... unsure what to make of the title thus far. Gameplay footage is pretty scarce, but there's atmosphere in spades (along with English voice dubs and an electric guitar-driven soundtrack). We do know that players will take control of pre-existing mercenary characters for both dungeon-crawling excursions and PvP arena battles.

Stay tuned to our E3 coverage next week for more info, and while you're waiting, check out the trailer after the cut.

Continue reading Perfect World releases Rusty Hearts E3 trailer

MassivelyPerfect World releases Rusty Hearts E3 trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animee3e3-2011f2pfantasyfree-to-playmangaperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpress-releaserusty-heartstrailervideoWed, 01 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Lucent Heart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/first-impressions-lucent-heart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/first-impressions-lucent-heart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/first-impressions-lucent-heart/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Once again I have been tasked with taking a look at an upcoming or newly released MMO, this time one called Lucent Heart. The game has been brought to us by Gamania, the same company responsible for the adorable Hero 108. Each time I am asked to play one of these games and to report to you lovely readers what I found, I am a little frightened that the game will simply suck.

Yes, I know, "suck" is not a very good descriptive term, and it does not quite detail exactly what I disliked about something, but if a game is just not meant for me, it can be hard to describe why. No, I did not just spoil my entire article for you by telling you how I felt about the game in one word (you should always read to the end anyway). I've described to you how scared I am of finding a game that does, indeed, suck.

Lucent Heart does not suck. In fact, I was relieved to find a game that, like Iris Online, seems to offer the same overall wonderful experience that so many of these Anime-style, not-from-our-shores games seem to avoid. Of course, Lucent Heart has plenty of issues, so let me tell you about those as well.

Click past the cut, will ya?

Continue reading First Impressions: Lucent Heart

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Lucent Heart originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebeau-hindmancash-shopemoticonsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgamaniahands-onirisiris-onlinelucent-heartmatch-makingzodiacFri, 27 May 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Elsword Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/first-impressions-elsword-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/first-impressions-elsword-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/first-impressions-elsword-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last time we checked in on Elsword Online, we found a fun, little, over-the-top, side-scrolling, action-based MMO. (That's a mouthful.) It provided a good amount of challenge but was never too hard, and the freeze-frame finishing moves were... well, neat. I've just used a series of words that do not really describe to you how fun the game is, but like most fluffy arcade romps, it really just needs to be experienced.

It was nice to go back and check in on the game after its official release, but I didn't find much difference. Sure, the cash shop is now open (will explain that later), and yes, there are actual players around now, but it's still basically a cute little tear-'em-up that will probably make millions. If you like this kind of game, you'll love Elsword Online.

Click past the cut to read more.

Continue reading First Impressions: Elsword Online

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Elsword Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanimebeau-hindmanchibielsword-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpkill3r-combokill3rcombokog-lukog-lu-usaSide-scrollerMon, 23 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elsword Online launch day is here]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/elsword-online-launch-day-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/elsword-online-launch-day-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/elsword-online-launch-day-is-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What's better than launch day for Elsword Online? Well, free beer for everyone springs to mind, but since we can't afford the latter, you'll have to settle for the former. Kill3rCombo's action manga is the next best thing for fans of anime-themed MMOs, though. The free-to-play title sports a highly stylized look resulting in an original side-scroller that feels as much like a comic book as it does a video game.

Elsword boasts three customizable player characters and fighting styles that evolve based on job class upgrades and a variety of skills and combos. Gameplay includes solo content and cooperative missions, and there's a bit of PvP for the competitive crowd as well.

"By keeping with the original manga aesthetic and animation, we hope to give players easily accessible gameplay while also staying true to the game's Asian roots," says Ben Colayco, CEO of Kill3rCombo. Head to the game's official website to download the client and get started.

MassivelyElsword Online launch day is here originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeben-colaycoelswordelsword-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playkill3r-combokill3rcombolaunchlaunch-daylaunchesstylizedThu, 05 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Prius Online hits closed beta testing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/prius-online-hits-closed-beta-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/prius-online-hits-closed-beta-testing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/prius-online-hits-closed-beta-testing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're feeling a little beside yourself these days, Prius Online is right there with you. The vibrant anime MMO that features the ability to play three characters at once has finally entered the closed beta stage today.

It's a big day for publisher gPotato, which transported Prius Online over from Korea for the North American audiences as a premier free-to-play title. Closed beta testing will take place from April 28th through May 8th and includes six classes that can be played up to level 25. Prius Online promises a special experience as your character travels with two steadfast companions, forging a permanent party of sorts.

Both FilePlanet and Big Download have the beta client available to snag right away. To celebrate this special period of the game's development cycle, Prius Online is holding several in-game contests, such as a race to the level cap, and is handing out rewards to all beta testers. Catch up on this title with our overview from GDC!

Gallery: Prius Online

MassivelyPrius Online hits closed beta testing originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetabig-downloadclosed-betaclosed-beta-testingcontestcontestsfileplanetgigagpotatokoreakoreannorth-americapriusprius-onlineThu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Elsword Online open beta starts April 27th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/elsword-online-open-beta-starts-april-27th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/elsword-online-open-beta-starts-april-27th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/elsword-online-open-beta-starts-april-27th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Not enough side-scrolling manga-style beat-'em-ups in your life? Elsword aims to remedy that, and the title's closed beta is rapidly nearing an end. According to a new Kill3rCombo email blast, open beta is just around the corner and the servers will be up and running at midnight PDT on April 27th.

You can download the client right now, and the game will automatically patch to the new open beta version as soon as the servers come up. The new public testing period will also see Elsword's item mall open for business, and guild features (as well as consumable items) will be enabled.

You can learn more about the title at the game's official website as well as via our recent hands-on impressions piece.

MassivelyElsword Online open beta starts April 27th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetacash-shopclosed-betaelswordelsword-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-featuresitem-mallkill3r-combokill3rcombokog-studioslevel-up-gamesmangaopen-betaMon, 25 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: GhostX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/rise-and-shiny-recap-ghostx/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/rise-and-shiny-recap-ghostx/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/rise-and-shiny-recap-ghostx/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

There are quite a few side-scrolling action MMOs out there these days, so when I decided to take on yet another one, I thought that I might regret it. As soon as I downloaded GhostX and loaded it up, however, I knew I was in for a different experience than anything found in the other side-scrollers I have played in the past.

First of all, GhostX is set in some kind of futuristic setting, complete with nanobots and strange mutant creatures. The look of the game is distinctively Anime, but the good kind. When I think Anime, I think incredibly bad creations like Naruto or Pokemon -- stuff that literally makes me cringe. GhostX is the kind that just looks like a toy, like you could reach through the screen and manipulate the characters and story yourself.

Click past the cut to read more!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: GhostX

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: GhostX originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatanimebeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgamekissghost-xghostxlaptop-gaminglivestreammetro-actionmetro-action-rpgnanobotsrise-and-shinyside-scrollervideoSun, 13 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamland Online drifts off into closed beta on November 21st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/dreamland-online-drifts-off-into-closed-beta-on-november-21st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/dreamland-online-drifts-off-into-closed-beta-on-november-21st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/dreamland-online-drifts-off-into-closed-beta-on-november-21st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Feeling drowsy? IGG has two words for you: WAKE UP!

IGG's Dreamland Online is making the transition into closed beta on November 21st following a period of intense alpha testing, and they're looking for a few good testers to iron out the bugs. Dreamland Online is an interesting fusion of anime and fantasy, dreams and reality, 3-D and side scrolling. In the game, players can tame wild beasts and raise them as their dearest friends or explore one of eight visually exciting zones in Dreamland.

If you're looking to participate, IGG urges you to head over to Dreamland Online's site and sign up for a closed beta key. Unlike many MMO closed betas, character data will not be wiped at launch, so the character you make will live to fight another day. While IGG promises "tons of exciting events and rewards" in the beta, there are limited keys available, so don't delay!

MassivelyDreamland Online drifts off into closed beta on November 21st originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebetabeta-keycharacter-wipeclosed-betadreamlanddreamland-onlinef2pfamilyfree-to-playiggigg.comFri, 19 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Legend of Edda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/rise-and-shiny-recap-legend-of-edda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/rise-and-shiny-recap-legend-of-edda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/rise-and-shiny-recap-legend-of-edda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Legend of Edda is a bright and shiny new game from Games Campus. It pits your character against uncountable, endless hordes of all types of monsters and even other players. According to my on-again-off-again education about Anime (I consulted those weird teens that sit in the Barnes and Noble reading Manga) the artstyle of the game is called "Chibi," the Japanese word for "little people." I was sure to ask if the word could be offensive, in the same way that calling any little person a "midget" could be. I have been assured that it is not used in such ways.

Still, I hesitate to say that the game is cute. It is, but not just cute. It speaks to that same area of us that enjoys Domo, or that relishes in YouTube videos of puppies barking in their sleep. It's not just cute -- it's something deeper than that. I love how tough everything seems, how every character has such a low center of gravity. The standard top-down view is perfect for such a world.

But, what about the grind? How about the PvP?

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Legend of Edda

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Legend of Edda originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgames-campusGrindlegend-of-eddarise-and-shinySun, 24 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at Ether Saga Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-ether-saga-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-ether-saga-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-ether-saga-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family ... From tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate niches for every family member, MMO Family offers you advice on MMO gaming of the family, by the family and for the family.

Next in our look at kids' MMOs is Ether Saga Online, winner of a 2009 National Parenting Publications Award for tweens and teens video games. Compared with the freewheeling, open-ended approach of Free Realms, ESO presents a more traditional MMO face. Even so, you probably weren't expecting a work of classic literature -- but that's in fact what you'll get. ESO, which was first developed for Chinese players, is based on Journey to the West (often known in the West as Monkey), considered one of the four great classical novels of Chinese literature. All that, and it's free to play, too.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at Ether Saga Online

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at Ether Saga Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animechat-filterchildrenESRBESRB-ratingfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-funfamily-gamingfeaturedJourney-to-the-Westkid-friendlykidsMonkeyparental-controlsparentsPerfect-WorldPerfect-World-EntertainmentFri, 29 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragonball Online opens main website, confirms that it is over 9,000]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/dragonball-online-opens-main-website-confirms-that-it-is-over-9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/dragonball-online-opens-main-website-confirms-that-it-is-over-9/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/dragonball-online-opens-main-website-confirms-that-it-is-over-9/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Normally we don't cover the opening of games in far, far off countries, like Korea. They usually don't affect us very much, and we're usually not that interested. But how can you not be interested when a game's power level is over 9,000!!!!!!

Yes, that's twice we've used the same meme in the same article. We apologize. But Dragonball Online's website is finally up over at Netmarble's games portal. Akira Toriyama's artstyle has translated beautifully to the game, looking much like his signature style in Dragon Quest.

Continue reading Dragonball Online opens main website, confirms that it is over 9,000

MassivelyDragonball Online opens main website, confirms that it is over 9,000 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akira-toriyamaanimedbodragonball-gtdragonball-onlinedragonball-znetmarblenew-titlewebsiteTue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus Games launches online gaming and anime portal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/atlus-games-launches-online-gaming-and-anime-portal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/atlus-games-launches-online-gaming-and-anime-portal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/atlus-games-launches-online-gaming-and-anime-portal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fans of RPGs like the Persona series and those already playing Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online should be familiar with Atlus Games. The company is branching out into online interaction via a new web portal that's a home for their upcoming (summer release) MMO title Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent as well as having a heavy focus on anime. In fact, users can draw live on the site and collaborate with others in this fashion.

We've known that a web portal for MMOs and anime was something on horizon but it became official with yesterday's press release and the launch of the Atlus Online portal. Along with the rest of the wired (and wireless) world, Atlus Online is also on Twitter.

MassivelyAtlus Games launches online gaming and anime portal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeatlus-gamesatlus-onlineatlus-usafantasyfree-to-playimaginemmo-industryneo-steampersonashin-megami-tenseisteampunktwitterweb-portalWed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kendra Bancroft/Madeleine Blaustein passes away]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/kendra-bancroft-madeleine-blaustein-passes-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/kendra-bancroft-madeleine-blaustein-passes-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/kendra-bancroft-madeleine-blaustein-passes-away/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It is with some regret that we note the passing of a notable, veteran Second Life user, the vivacious and witty Kendra Bancroft, better known in some circles as popular children's television and video-game English voice actress, Madeleine Blaustein.

Maddie joined Second Life in June 2004 and under the name Kendra Bancroft was a long time friend and compatriot of the well-known (if slightly infamous) Ulrika Zugzwang. She participated in Second Life politics, experimental democracy, protests, parties and virtual construction.

Maddie also gave unique voice to a variety of well-known cartoon, anime and video-game characters, such as Pokemon's Meowth, and Sartorius from Yi-Gi-Oh GX. She was, however, perhaps most notable for her building, vivacious wit, and her loyalty to her friends.

Maddie died in her sleep on 11 December, after a brief (but unspecified) illness at the age of 48.

Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.

MassivelyKendra Bancroft/Madeleine Blaustein passes away originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeculturekendra-bancroftmadeleine-blausteinmeowthpokemonsartoriussecond-lifeulrika-zugzwangvirtual-worldsyu-gi-ohyu-gi-oh-gxWed, 17 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Joe Wreschnig, Champions Online's resident UI coder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/meet-joe-wreschnig-champions-onlines-resident-ui-coder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/meet-joe-wreschnig-champions-onlines-resident-ui-coder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/meet-joe-wreschnig-champions-onlines-resident-ui-coder/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Meet the man behind both the in-game user interface and character creation interface for Champions Online. He's into Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy and anime -- which sort of goes hand-in-hand with the first two. He's also into Dungeons and Dragons and happens to play with the rest of Cryptic every Monday. We just thought that was kind of cool to know. Oh and of course he's a coding guy, so be careful or he might just melt your face off with some kind of demonic, alien script.

Joe is also one of the many people looking forward to the Nemesis System in Champions Online and mentions that, "Showdown combat looks really cool." Hm, we're curious about how that looks ourselves, actually. Sadly we'll just have to keep waiting it out and watching for any new information as these weekly "Meet The Team" articles continue to flow out of the Cryptic website. You can read the rest of his interview in case hotdog re-enactments give you a cause to be curious.

MassivelyMeet Joe Wreschnig, Champions Online's resident UI coder originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animechampionschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcrypticcryptic-studiosdungeons-and-dragonsfinal-fantasyjoe-wreschnigmeet-the-teammetal-gear-soliduser-interfaceThu, 17 Jul 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Kaiju MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/the-digital-continuum-kaiju-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/the-digital-continuum-kaiju-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/28/the-digital-continuum-kaiju-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I know there's been a The Daily Grind about this subject already, but I felt like talking about my own personal kaiju (giant monster) MMO and this is just the place for that. Growing up there were certain things I could count on. For instance, there would always be some sort of Anime marathon in the summertime on the Sci-Fi Channel and that very same channel was also usually good for giant monster movies. Oh yeah and you could always count on a new Megaman game coming out that year.

It's strange how this never occurred to me but giant monsters are almost perfect as a theme for an MMO. Purely because the theme itself provides a gigantic, epic sort of combat gameplay that is central to the thrill of massively multiplayer online games. Whether it's a game where the players create and control their own giant monsters or fight against the monsters is the choice I've been struggling to answer -- but then something dawned on me. The two game types, when combined, make for a very interesting type of MMO experience.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Kaiju MMO

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Kaiju MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animechampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedfireskygiant-monstergodzillajoystiqfeatureskaijulord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromechapvepvpsci-fi-channelsoesony-online-entertainmentstargate-worldsstrike-craftthe-agencythe-digital-continuumturbineSat, 28 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asda Story on its way to the US]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/asda-story-on-its-way-to-the-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/asda-story-on-its-way-to-the-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/asda-story-on-its-way-to-the-us/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Asda Story, a popular anime-style 3D MMORPG with a large following in Korea and Japan, is coming to the US following a deal struck between MaxOn Soft Corporation and Gamescampus.com.

Asda Story is especially popular with female gamers, who make up more than 20% of the population. This success has been credited to two unique game systems, one of which allows two players to become 'soul mates' and unlocks associated costumes and skills, and the other being a highly customizable costume and appearance system.

Another in the ever-expanding range of free-to-play MMORPGs with a bright and colorful theme, Asda Story is set to launch later this fall. European gamers should note: there is no connection between Asda Story and the chain of Asda supermarkets familiar to British readers.

MassivelyAsda Story on its way to the US originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeasda-storyfree-to-playgamescampusMaxOn.softThu, 26 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zu Online gets a new look, new server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/zu-online-gets-a-new-look-new-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/zu-online-gets-a-new-look-new-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/zu-online-gets-a-new-look-new-server/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

IGG has just launched a new website for Zu Online, their cel-shaded martial arts MMO. The revamped site features an animated video introduction to the storyline with comic book panel transitions, fitting the anime style of the game itself. The free-to-play game is set in an ancient and mythical Sichuan and has an active community, perhaps even moreso in light of the situation facing its real-life locale.

Hot on the heels of the site revamp is Zu Online's new server launch, slated for June 6th. The new server coincides with the game's second anniversary. IGG announced that this new server is needed to accommodate the growing population of Zu Online, as well as to improve the game experience for fans of the title.

Via MMORPG

MassivelyZu Online gets a new look, new server originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 May 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animecel-shadedchinafantasyfree-to-playiggzu-onlineThu, 22 May 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your grind on a different way with Street Gears]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/get-your-grind-on-a-different-way-with-street-gears/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/get-your-grind-on-a-different-way-with-street-gears/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/get-your-grind-on-a-different-way-with-street-gears/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Gala Networks Europe, holders of Flyff and Rappelz, have announced their third and newest MMO, Street Gears. SG is based around inline skating, with an anime aesthetic and extreme gameplay that combines racing with track skating. It's being developed by NFlavor, who created Rappelz, and who have given it a cel-shaded look that's sure to appeal.

As with the other two titles in their stable, Street Gears will be free-to-play, and will become available in June on the gPotato portal. GameTrailers has the trailer up, so check it out!

MassivelyGet your grind on a different way with Street Gears originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animecel-shadedextremeflyffgala-networks-europegpotatoinline-skatingnflavorrappelzstreet-gearstrailerFri, 09 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cinemassively: Cowboy Bebop, Star Wars Galaxies-style]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/cinemassively-cowboy-bebop-star-wars-galaxies-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/cinemassively-cowboy-bebop-star-wars-galaxies-style/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/cinemassively-cowboy-bebop-star-wars-galaxies-style/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fans of the anime series, Cowboy Bebop, may be interested in today's Cinemassively. It comes from Sku110ne over at WeGame, although we do believe it's straight from the archives. You know -- back when people actually played Star Wars Galaxies.

Sku110ne attempted to recreate the intro to the series in SWG. This blogger knows that it's not easy to create machinima in certain MMOs, so he gets major credit for even attempting it. Throughout the remake, he shows shots of the actual intro. We assume that's because he wants to show you how close he is to the real thing. Either way, pull up a chair and enjoy this throwback to 2003!

MassivelyCinemassively: Cowboy Bebop, Star Wars Galaxies-style originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animecinemassivelycowboy-bebopmachinimaparodyremakesku110nesoesony-online-entertainmentspoofstar-wars-galaxiesswgwegameThu, 27 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST