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[Neo Steam celebrates one year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/neo-steam-celebrates-one-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/neo-steam-celebrates-one-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/02/neo-steam-celebrates-one-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Free-to-play steampunk MMO Neo Steam has been around for a full year, and the team at Atlus Online is ready to celebrate with a month-long party.

June 11th is the anniversary date, but you can find celebratory events every day in June by going through the Neo Steam calendar. Click on events that look interesting to find more information as well as specific locations and times -- some promise more details to come, but there is plenty to do in the meantime. If you haven't tried Neo Steam and are interested in giving it a look, be sure to check out the daily beginner hour that is part of the celebration. The GMs will be appearing at different spots each day to help new players.

In-game events aren't the only part of the celebration. Each day you log in during June will earn you a brass gear that serves as a raffle ticket for a Neo Steam-themed iPad. During the month of July, Atlus Online will draw from those raffle gears and ship the iPad to one lucky winner.

The event is going on now, so check it out and have fun!

MassivelyNeo Steam celebrates one year originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlineipadipad-giveawayneo-steamneo-steam-anniversaryneo-steam-the-shattered-continentWed, 02 Jun 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neo Steam free item pack giveaway]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/massivelys-neo-steam-free-item-pack-giveaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/massivelys-neo-steam-free-item-pack-giveaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/massivelys-neo-steam-free-item-pack-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Are you a Neo Steam player looking for more in-game stuff? Are you just a fan of stuff, but also curious about Neo Steam? We can help you out, either way. To celebrate Valentine's Day and the fact that we love all of you so much, we're giving away a single reusable key code for all Neo Steam players to enjoy a special mount, angel wings costume and Kirin Incense Premium Boost item.

In addition to this, Neo Steam is also hosting a number of special in-game events running through the 24th for Valentine's Day and the Winter Olympics. Look for more info on that to come and keep reading past the jump below for the code and instructions on redeeming it.

Continue reading Massively's Neo Steam free item pack giveaway

MassivelyMassively's Neo Steam free item pack giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusatlus-onlinegiveawayin-game-itemneo-steamvalentines-dayvalentines-day-2010Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam lets in the soul reapers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/neo-steam-lets-in-the-soul-reapers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/neo-steam-lets-in-the-soul-reapers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/08/neo-steam-lets-in-the-soul-reapers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's October, and that means all of the spooky Halloween events are coming out of the woodwork. But how many of them are offering you a pair of steampunk goggles for completing them? Well, only one right now -- Neo Steam.

Atlus is throwing open the doors to the Underworld, and all sorts of creepy-crawlies are invading their fantasy steampunk MMO. Defeating these event monsters will get you souls to trade in to special soul reapers to claim pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pie for recovery purposes, but the big 250 soul turn in will get you a special pumpkin hat (as seen above) to commemorate the event.

However, some monsters will drop event tickets, which enters your account in for a chance to win a pair of handcrafted steampunk goggles. So, what are you waiting for, an invitation? Kill stuff, get loots!

MassivelyNeo Steam lets in the soul reapers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusatlus-onlineatlus-usaghostsgoggleshalloween2009neo-steamoctoberpumpkinsteampunksteampunk-gogglesunderworldThu, 08 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's interview with Atlus Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/massivelys-interview-with-atlus-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/massivelys-interview-with-atlus-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/massivelys-interview-with-atlus-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Jeffrey Hong, marketing coordinator for Atlus Online and Neo Steam. It's been awhile since we were able to talk one-on-one with the steampunk MMO developer, so we decided to ask a few questions about the game's current progression, the often-overlooked deep lore and the recent addition of 100 new games to Atlus Online's portal.

So if you're a Neo Steam fan, or just curious about the game, keep reading after the jump for our complete interview with Atlus Online.

Continue reading Massively's interview with Atlus Online

MassivelyMassively's interview with Atlus Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlinefree-to-playinterviewloreneo-steamsteampunkTue, 06 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam opens realm vs. realm combat and new dungeons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/neo-steam-opens-realm-vs-realm-combat-and-new-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/neo-steam-opens-realm-vs-realm-combat-and-new-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/neo-steam-opens-realm-vs-realm-combat-and-new-dungeons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The two kingdoms of Rogwel and Elerd are finally facing off on the territory of Rope Isle for control of the neo steam! Yes, realm vs. realm combat is finally being enabled on the Neo Steam servers, letting players go at it for control of new stretches of land and the dungeons that dwell beneath. Players will be able to both fight on foot and in siege engines for the glory of their kingdom!

However, realm vs. realm combat in Neo Steam works a bit differently than most MMOs. For one, it's actually timed. Currently you can only engage in RvR once every weekend. Once a side wins the battle, the areas are locked until the next week.

Continue reading Neo Steam opens realm vs. realm combat and new dungeons

MassivelyNeo Steam opens realm vs. realm combat and new dungeons originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlinedungeonsgroup-contentneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentpvpraidsrealm-vs-realmrvrschedulescheduled-pvpTue, 04 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[So that's how they localize a game...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/so-thats-how-they-localize-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/so-thats-how-they-localize-a-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/so-thats-how-they-localize-a-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you thought localization was just a developer running everything through an auto-translator and shoving the game out the door, you're pretty far off according to Atlus U.S.A. The team over at the company that produces some of the best game localizations in the business have written a very insightful post into why game localization takes so long.

Atlus doesn't just take a game and throw it through a quick translation process. There's the weeks of the translators playing the original game to get a feel for it, then the weeks of the actual translation, the weeks of re-programming to make the new text, voice-overs, and graphics line up. Then you have the weeks of testing to remove bugs and finally the packaging and shipping process. On a good game release, you're looking at around three and a half months for the localization. For MMOs, you're looking at something much more intensive thanks to the amount of text involved.

Interested in the full process? Check out Atlus's production diary number 12 for the full rundown.

MassivelySo that's how they localize a game... originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlineatlus-usalocalizationneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continenttranslationThu, 23 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam fires up the live servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/neo-steam-fires-up-the-live-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/neo-steam-fires-up-the-live-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/14/neo-steam-fires-up-the-live-servers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


If you've been waiting for a fun, Free-to-play part-magic, part-steampunk adventure to check out, then you'll be glad to know that Neo Steam has thrown open the gates for everyone as of this weekend. Whether you are more interested in rolling up a magic/steampunk hybrid character from the Elerd Kingdom, or one of the more devoted science-tech steampowered followers of the Republic of Rogwel, there's more than enough to explore, see and do in this new world.

Addded to the overall fun of launch, the team over at Atlus Online are also throwing a couple of Neo Steam launch contests for everyone. The first of these is a screenshot contest, where entrants should be aiming for the funniest or "epic-est" screenshots. Considering how utterly freaking adorable some of the denizens of Chrysalis are - and how cool thier weapons are - this shouldn't be too terribly hard. The next competition is for those more of a musical nature; Chrysalis' two nations are looking for national anthems! The winners in each competition will be given nifty Neo Steam (in-game or out-of-game, depending) swag, perfect for showing off your steam-style. In either case, there's only a limited time to enter, so it's best to get started soon!

Gallery: Neo Steam

MassivelyNeo Steam fires up the live servers originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlinef2pfree-to-playhanbit-softjoy-impactneo-steamscience-fantasysteam-magicsteampunkSun, 14 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam editor Jason Ruper on bringing steampunk to MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/neo-steam-editor-jason-ruper-on-bringing-steampunk-to-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/neo-steam-editor-jason-ruper-on-bringing-steampunk-to-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/neo-steam-editor-jason-ruper-on-bringing-steampunk-to-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the upcoming free-to-play titles that Massively had a chance to see this month is Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent from Atlus. Our hands-on gallery feature is a good introduction to the look and feel of the game world, but now that Neo Steam is in open beta, we're expecting more info about the game to be forthcoming.

We came across a ZAM interview with Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent lead editor Jason Ruper, conducted by Andrew "Tamat" Beegle. Ruper gives some background on the game's setting and lore, saying, "The game has a lush, fantasy-steampunk setting, and everything -- from the machine wasteyards and polluted rivers to the rickety vehicles and the ancient ruins from before the shattering -- contributes to this setting and reminds you that your nation is in a state of reconstruction as well as in the middle of a cold war."

Continue reading Neo Steam editor Jason Ruper on bringing steampunk to MMOs

MassivelyNeo Steam editor Jason Ruper on bringing steampunk to MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-beegleatlusatlus-onlineatlus-usaclassesfree-to-playinterviewsjason-ruperneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentpvpsteampunktamatzamSat, 30 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam launches into open beta, promises beta accounts will become permanent characters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/neo-steam-launches-into-open-beta-promises-beta-accounts-will-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/neo-steam-launches-into-open-beta-promises-beta-accounts-will-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/27/neo-steam-launches-into-open-beta-promises-beta-accounts-will-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Not only has Atlus Online begun their open beta of their first game, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, but they've also unleashed a second piece of interesting news -- characters created during beta will be available when the game goes live.

Yes, that's right, Atlus Online will not be doing the standard database purge once the open beta is over and switched into live mode. All of your hard work leveling up your characters during the open beta will roll over into the live game.

Plus, Atlus will be giving one lucky tester a set of handcrafted steampunk goggles created exclusively for Neo Steam. The goggles are shown in the picture above and they don't look too bad, if you ask us. All you have to do to be entered is simply play in the open beta and hit level 20! That's it!

You can run on over to the Neo Steam website and grab the open beta until June 8th, or visit our sister site, Big Download, for the client as well..

MassivelyNeo Steam launches into open beta, promises beta accounts will become permanent characters originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusatlus-onlinebetabreakingcontestgogglesneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentopen-betaprizessteampunkWed, 27 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neo Steam kicks off Golden Ticket beta promotion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/neo-steam-kicks-off-golden-ticket-beta-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/neo-steam-kicks-off-golden-ticket-beta-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/06/neo-steam-kicks-off-golden-ticket-beta-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Atlus Online has just announced their newest promotion, giving its community the chance to get an early look at their steampunk MMO entitled Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. You may remember our coverage of Neo Steam from GDC earlier this year which revealed quite a bit of information on Atlus Online's first MMO.

This Golden Ticket beta promotion offers prizes and exclusive in-game items (such as the goggles shown above) for all community members who register between now and May 12th. Golden Tickets will be randomly distributed each day as the deadline approaches. Since this is only the first round of beta access, additional opportunities will be announced throughout May. Be sure to check out Neo Steam's website to sign up for beta access, and continue right after the jump for the newest official Neo Steam trailer.

Continue reading Neo Steam kicks off Golden Ticket beta promotion

MassivelyNeo Steam kicks off Golden Ticket beta promotion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlinebetaclosed-betagolden-ticketneo-steampromotionthe-shattered-continentWed, 06 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[European NeoSteam reveals closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/european-neosteam-reveals-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/european-neosteam-reveals-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/30/european-neosteam-reveals-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We've spoken about Neo Steam a few times now as the upcoming steampunk MMO being re-engineered for English speaking audiences by Atlus Online, the new division of Atlus Games. What we haven't mentioned, however, is that there will be two versions of Neo Steam for English audiences -- the Atlus American version and Gamigo's European version.

Gamigo has recently thrown open the doors on their open beta test for Neo Steam, letting all interested parties enter the battle between Rogwel and Elerd. For the sake of not confusing the two games, Gamigo has subtitled their version "Steam Wars Begin" while Atlus has dubbed their version, "Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent," as we have reported on before.

So if you're itching to see what exactly Atlus is working on, you can jump over to Gamigo to sign up for a free account and check out the game. We're excited to see what exactly Atlus is adding to Neo Steam, as they've said before that their localization is going beyond just a short translation and name changes

MassivelyEuropean NeoSteam reveals closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlusatlus-onlinebetaeuropeaneuropean-versionfree-to-playgamigoneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentopen-betasteam-wars-begin-neo-steamsteampunkThu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:00 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[GDC09: Tinkering around with Neo Steam and Atlus Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-tinkering-around-with-neo-steam-and-atlus-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-tinkering-around-with-neo-steam-and-atlus-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/gdc09-tinkering-around-with-neo-steam-and-atlus-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


The World of Gatheryn isn't the only steampunk MMO on the block this year at GDC09. While Gatheryn certainly appeals to the Victorian steampunk crowd, Atlus Online's upcoming MMO Neo Steam will be bringing in those who like more fantasy mixed in with their brass and gear-driven inventions.

Atlus may be a newcomer to the world of MMOs, but they're proving that they're no newbies with their initial offering. Our look into Neo Steam was quite informative and surprising, especially considering that this will be the second time Neo Steam will be releasing in North America. Atlus is putting a large amount of effort into making Neo Steam resonate with North American audiences, and not just putting out a rehash of the same game you've already seen.

Continue reading GDC09: Tinkering around with Neo Steam and Atlus Online

MassivelyGDC09: Tinkering around with Neo Steam and Atlus Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlineatlusonline.comfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgdc-2009joystiqfeatureslaunchlocalizationneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentnew-titlesteampunkTue, 31 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlus Online to launch online games portal with new localization of Neo Steam]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/atlus-online-to-launch-online-games-portal-with-new-localization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/atlus-online-to-launch-online-games-portal-with-new-localization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/24/atlus-online-to-launch-online-games-portal-with-new-localization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Atlus is planning to launch their online games portal with a bang, announcing the hybrid steampunk-fantasy MMO Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent as their first game.

If Neo Steam sounds familar, it should. GameNetworks has already had an English version of the game running for a few months. However, with HanbitSoft changing the rights over to Atlus, GameNetworks has discontinued service for their version of Neo Steam.

Neo Steam will be undergoing an extensive localization process, common to most Atlus Games, to make sure all of the dialogue is written properly and game features are tweaked to support the English language. The game will also be undergoing other updates, including graphical and content updates. Simply put, this will not be the exact same version of the game that has already been released to English speaking audiences.

Interested users and previous Neo Steam players will be very interested to hear that signing up for early access to the Atlus Online portal will also let users sign up for the beta of the newly localized Neo Steam. Signing up also allows instant access to their forums, so you can talk and mingle with your fellow neo steamers to your heart's content!

MassivelyAtlus Online to launch online games portal with new localization of Neo Steam originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlus-onlineatlus-usafantasyfree-to-playgamenetworksneo-steamneo-steam-the-shattered-continentsteampunksteampunk-mmoTue, 24 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST