Massively

Neverwinter releasing Q4 2012, opens French and German websites

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, MMO industry, Free-to-play, Neverwinter

Neverwinter was the unexpected surprise of PAX East for us, which is why we're psyched that it should be in all our hot little hands by the end of the year. Perfect World announced that its upcoming Dungeons and Dragons MMO will launch globally in the fourth quarter of 2012.

As part of the global efforts, Perfect World has opened up French and German websites to cater to the diverse European playerbase. Each localized website is just as informative and media-packed as its English counterpart.

Cryptic Lead Producer Andy Velasquez is quite excited to be working on the project and anticipates players' delight when the game finally arrives: "As a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, it's a rewarding experience to develop Neverwinter and contribute to the lore of the franchise. We're taking calculated steps to ensure Neverwinter will captivate players with its immersive storylines and beautiful artwork while being a fast and fluid action game."

[Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]

Neverwinter releasing Q4 2012, opens French and German websites originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Massively Exclusive: Star Trek Online announces EU relaunch, double XP weekend

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, Launches, Star Trek Online, Free-to-play

Star Trek may feature universal translators, but the crew at Cryptic has to make do with old fashioned techniques until the future catches up with us. As such, the studio has announced that it is relaunching Star Trek Online in Europe to support its French- and German-speaking players.

Starting right now, the game, website, forums, and game support will be available in all three languages. To further cater to European players, Cryptic has vowed to add more EU-friendly event timeslots.

Executive Producer Dan Stahl hopes this will spread STO across the world: "The launch of Star Trek Online in Europe is the culmination of our efforts over the past several years to bring gamers the Star Trek universe on a truly massive scale."

All players can benefit from this European relaunch, as Q's coming back to celebrate with a double-XP bonus weekend. Anyone who logs in from today through Monday, April 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. EDT, will not only benefit from the a skill point and bridge officer point boost but can claim a free IDIC Tribble of his or her very own. The Tribble provides a unique buff to your character based on his, her, or its class -- and if you manage to get all three buffs on you at once, you'll be granted an additional boost to damage, resistance, and health regen.

[Source: Cryptic press release]

Massively Exclusive: Star Trek Online announces EU relaunch, double XP weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Not So Massively: Diablo III's competitors speak up and LoL reveals Lulu

Brendan Drain — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Video, Game mechanics, New titles, Patches, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Not So Massively, MOBA, League of Legends, Diablo III

The big announcement we've all been waiting for has finally arrived: Diablo III has a release date! This week the beta was wiped to prepare for launch, and Blizzard's Jay Wilson responded to questions about the cash auction house in hardcore mode. Competing title Path of Exile continued development toward its own release, and Torchlight II gave players a unique look under the hood of the game with a breakdown of item drop statistics. Runic Games congratulated the Diablo team on its release date announcement and published an open letter to fans urging them to just wait a little longer for their Torchlight fix.

In MOBA news, League of Legends revealed its next champion, Lulu, and explored the game's rapidly growing German community. Dota 2 added classic DotA hero Shadow Demon and performed some much-needed tweaks to bots, and Rise of Immortals released the official Azcadelia immortal spotlight. Heroes of Newerth released Gunblade, an original ranged agility carry hero that was been met with some strong disapproval in the community. Blacklight: Retribution's open beta updates continued this week with the release of its Vertigo map, a battleground set in the roofspaces of a sprawling industrial complex.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III's competitors speak up and LoL reveals Lulu

Not So Massively: Diablo III's competitors speak up and LoL reveals Lulu originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Flyff releases New Beginnings to the German and French servers

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Flyff, Expansions, Patches, News items, Free-to-play

MMOs are a worldwide phenomenon. Sometimes that can be hard to see from the perspective of the many American gamers knee-deep in the hobby, but there are games and releases taking place all over the world. Case in point: The European version of Flyff has seen a big new release with the addition of the New Beginnings expansion, with both the German and French servers receiving the new content. The patch adds three new mid-level dungeons as well as over 100 new quests to help players new and old enjoy Flyff in depth.

To help promote the patch, the community team is launching a Lights, Camera, Action! promotion. A group of eight players can register and then upload a video to Own3D.tv, with in-game rewards coming as the video accumulates more likes and shares. The total value of all potential rewards goes up to 1,000 Euros, which should help encourage the French and German players of the game to get in on the action. There's also a trailer for the patch just after the break, although if you're not familiar with French, the language barrier might be an issue.

[Source: gPotato press release]

Continue reading Flyff releases New Beginnings to the German and French servers

Flyff releases New Beginnings to the German and French servers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nexon unveils Vindictus' EU website

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, News items, Free-to-play, Vindictus

European players eager to get their hands on Vindictus have a good reason to get pumped up today, as Nexon Europe has launched the Vindictus EU teaser site for the upcoming MMO regional release.

The gorgeous website boasts both English and German language options, has an overview of the game and characters, and is prepared to inject fans with screenshots, wallpapers and a rocking trailer to keep the excitement level high. Players looking to put in for extra credit may sign up for the game's newsletter and Facebook page as well.

Seeing as how incredibly popular Vindictus has been in both the Asian and North American markets, Europe should prepare to fall in love with the fast-paced action MMO. Vindictus will launch in Europe sometime in the fourth quarter of this year, and is prepared to make a splashy appearance at next month's Gamescom in Germany.

Nexon unveils Vindictus' EU website originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Wizard101 goes anti-disco in the June producer's letter

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, Free-to-play, Kids, Wizard101, Promotions, Family

The community at Wizard101 is still riding high on the recent Wintertusk world expansion, and according to the June producer's letter, KingsIsle wants to keep the good times rolling.

Apart from relaying a few testimonials about the recent expansion, the producer's letter is all about the Benjam-- er, Crowns. Leah Ruben spotlights a couple of promotional sales from the company, including a Dragon's Hoard booster pack that has the potential to deliver rare goodies, and a GameStop card that unleashes a genie (among other things) in your Wizard101 world.

Ruben says that a recent graphical issue known as "discoing" on older machines is now fixed. "While sometimes it's fun to dance the disco with flashing colors and lights," she jokes, "it's a bit distracting when you're trying to adventure through the new worlds."

Finally, Ruben says that the UK version of the game has added a German language version for those who perfer to play in their native tongue. Assuming that you're German and not Swedish. Or Kenyan. Or... well, you get the point. You can read the full producer's letter over at Wizard101.

Wizard101 goes anti-disco in the June producer's letter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Vous parlez français? French and German editions of DDO now available

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Culture, Free-to-play

For many players, it's comforting to know that Dungeons and Dragons Online's European operations are now safe in the hands of Turbine. As part of the new global service of the game, Turbine's just announced that EU players now can enjoy German and French editions of the game in addition to English.

"We've successfully migrated players from the former European service and we are very excited to begin welcoming thousands more to DDO Unlimited," said Executive Producer Fernando Paiz. "This is going to be another outstanding year for the game as we continue to roll out new content and features for our growing legions of players. We're very excited to begin engaging directly with German and French speaking players and look forward to introducing them to a truly premium free-to-play MMORPG."

Last year, Turbine took over European operations from Codemasters, which had handled the game since launch. In addition to the German and French localizations, Europe can enjoy DDO Unlimited's popular free-to-play format, which is now fully in sync with the North American version.

Vous parlez français? French and German editions of DDO now available originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Prophecy throws a European open beta shindig

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Free-to-play, Browser, Black Prophecy

Put up or shut up. Lock and load. Light the fires and kick the tires. Warp speed now, mister!

Whatever phrase gets you in the mood for some good ol' fashioned space dogfighting, dust it off and get it ready for use. Gamigo's announced that Black Prophecy has launched its open beta for European participants.

While Black Prophecy has been in closed beta in both North America and Europe, this new phase of testing represents the first time the game's been available to everyone. In anticipation for the rush to check it out, gamigo's opened two open beta servers in Europe: Kemmura (English) and Shinava (German).

To help new pilots get settled into the war, gamigo's provided a starting guide on the community forums with information about setting up an account, how to play, and how to post bug reports.

With the NDA down and the open beta starting, Black Prophecy's launch hopefully isn't far away. In the meanwhile, check out our first impressions of the game, and let us know what you think when you give it a whirl!

Black Prophecy throws a European open beta shindig originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Trion Worlds posts RIFT's official server list

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, RIFT

With a little over a day until RIFT's head start kicks off the live version of the game, community anticipation is high for Trion World's dynamic brainchild. Players have been waiting for specific details of the list of server names and rulesets to pick their in-game home -- details that are now answered.

On the RIFT forums, Community Manager Abigale finally posted a full list of the servers available for the game's launch. The list includes 17 US and 12 European servers, associated with PvE, PvP, PvP-RP and RP types. The European servers also are categorized according to language: French, English and German.

The team is planning to release specific forums for each servers, but in the meanwhile you can check out the full list after the jump.

Continue reading Trion Worlds posts RIFT's official server list

Trion Worlds posts RIFT's official server list originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Forsaken World to be unleashed March 23rd

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, Free-to-play, Dev Diaries

Looking for new vistas to explore, for untamed MMO wilds to colonize? Perfect World Entertainment hopes that you'll give its upcoming free-to-play title Forsaken World a shot, as the company just announced its March 23rd release date. Forsaken World will be simultaneously launched in North America and Europe with English, German and French versions.

PWE's Director of Marketing, Jonathan Belliss, thinks the game should appeal to these regions: "Forsaken World is one of our most impressive games to date. With vast devotion from our talents and contribution from our players, this game was built from the ground up with the western gamers in mind. We're very excited to finally be releasing Forsaken World and a huge thanks goes out to our beta testing community for providing us with such great feedbacks."

Forsaken World is an MMO that features both the familiar and the unusual (such as floating guild halls), and has been praised by testers for its performance and interesting classes. If you're looking to get to know the game a bit better, hit the jump to watch PWE's third developer diary covering locations and dungeons (here are the first and second videos, if you need to catch up).

Continue reading Forsaken World to be unleashed March 23rd

Forsaken World to be unleashed March 23rd originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Flyff expansion "Act V" to hit European servers

Seraphina Brennan — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Fantasy, Flyff, Expansions, Endgame, News items, Free-to-play

European Flyff followers of the German and French variety, you have fun to look forward to! Flyff's next expansion, Act V, is going to be adding two new dungeons and an entire new continent for you to explore! Not a bad addition at all for the low low price of free.

Flyff's new continent, the lands of Harmonin, is a land of beauty at first sight. The jungles are lush, the lands are beautiful, and the monsters are... deadly? The island, in truth, is a corrupted land that conceals a curse. High level monsters lurk in the wilds, waiting to feast on tender MMO adventurer flesh.

Continue reading Flyff expansion "Act V" to hit European servers

Flyff expansion "Act V" to hit European servers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Aion patches, denies whispers

Seraphina Brennan — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Fantasy, Aion, Culture, MMO industry, Patches, News items

In an attempt to shut up some of those annoying gold spammers, Aion has placed a temporary restriction on whispering in today's patch. Anyone below level 5 will find themselves unable to whisper their friends until they reach the magical level, when they can once again make use of the function. In practice, this makes whispering very much like the general channel, which is also restricted to only those characters above level 5.

This is only a temporary restriction while the Aion team works out a solution to keeping the gold spammers off of their channels once and for all. However, in the meantime, looks like we're going to have to suffer a bit.

Today's patch also fixed a few things for the French and German language version of the game -- mostly localization issues, along with spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Pretty basic things, and nothing to write home about. If you're interested in the breakdown, check out the patch notes on Aion's PowerWiki.

Aion patches, denies whispers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mobile MMO TibiaME hits 10,000 subscribers

William Dobson — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, MMO industry, Tibia, News items, Mobile

This isn't one of those "Wow, this game has only been out for X days and already has Y subscribers!" posts. TibiaME (the ME means Micro Edition) is certainly not a new title. In fact, the mobile MMO was released all the way back in 2003. What makes its latest milestone of 10,000 premium subscribers more notable is the rate at which the game's playerbase has been growing in recent times. 2008 saw the number of subscribers double, and 2009 has been extremely strong so far too. Off the top of our heads, we would say the rising popularity of smartphones would be a contributing factor, but apparently a collaboration with a large Indonesian mobile phone network has been a huge help as well.

TibiaME bills itself as "the first massive multiplayer online role-playing game for mobile phones". After this latest news, Andreas Weikl (marketing manager from the game's German developer CipSoft) thinks it might be time to add another achievement to the list: "Altogether, TibiaME now has an active player base of around 40,000 players. As far as we know, TibiaME is therefore not only the first but by now as well the biggest mobile MMORPG in the world."

Mobile MMO TibiaME hits 10,000 subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Star Wars: The Old Republic being localized in French and German

James Egan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, New titles, Star Wars: The Old Republic

One of the unique aspects of Star Wars: The Old Republic is that it's being developed as a fully-voiced MMO through the efforts of hundreds of voice actors. According to BioWare, the script for SWTOR contains 40+ novels worth of content. This is impressive -- not to mention a bit frightening -- but what happens if BioWare and LucasArts want to tap the non-English speaking markets? (They do.) BioWare stated: "Today, we are revealing that BioWare and LucasArts will be localizing The Old Republic into French and German and we are launching the French and German versions of the official website."

Our understanding is that the French and German releases of Star Wars: The Old Republic will be fully voiced as with the English version. If the localizations for each of these languages truly encompass everything in the English version of SWTOR, this could mark the biggest localization effort undertaken to date in the MMO industry.

Star Wars: The Old Republic being localized in French and German originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Cities XL gets September 3 launch date for French and German-speaking countries

James Egan — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO industry, New titles, News items

We've been seeing MMO developers prepare to fill different niches in the industry with a number of science fiction, post-apocalyptic, and even horror titles in the works, to name just a few avenues that are being explored. One area that seems unique to us is the concept of a city-building MMO which is on the way with Cities XL, currently in development at Monte Cristo Multimedia. Is this game an MMO (or virtual world) as we would typically define it? Perhaps not. But it will offer persistent world gameplay as well as economic interaction between player-created cities, further enabled by social networking options, which we think may be of some interest to our readers.

While we don't have release dates for the North American market yet, Monte Cristo Multimedia got word to us today about the game's European release dates. They state: "Monte Cristo is very happy to announce that Cities XL, the next generation city builder, will be released on September 3rd 2009 on PC DVD in the following countries: France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Austria, in French and German languages. A release is planned for other countries, we will announce a precise date as soon as possible."

Gallery: Cities XL

Cities XL gets September 3 launch date for French and German-speaking countries originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rappelz to get major content update next month

William Dobson — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Rappelz, News items

When we last talked about Rappelz, the game's developers were working on an enormous localization overhaul for the Arabic market. This new version was successfully launched last month, and with that milestone under their belts, it seems that the development team has had time to work on some new content. Gala Networks Europe has issued a press release heralding a "major content update" for the French and German versions of Rappelz to be available in May.

The update is called Navis Lamia, and will feature a new dungeon of the same name. Expect Scooby-Doo-esque antics as you explore a cursed missionary ship and contend with its zombie crew. One of the other major updates in the patch will be a revamping of the existing Trainee Island -- updating newbie areas is an ever-popular idea among MMO developers, and usually yields positive results. At this point, we're not sure whether the Navis Lamia patch will be exclusive to the French and German Rappelz for a period of time. The English website has made no mention of it as yet, so we might just have to sit tight for further information.

Rappelz to get major content update next month originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Official NCsoft Europe podcast: Games Convention edition released

Shawn Schuster — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Super-hero, Podcasts, Aion, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Guild Wars, Events, real-world, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, Tabula Rasa

Who better to talk about the Leipzig Games Convention and the gaming industry in general than the people who develop the games. In NCsoft Europe's most recent official podcast, the community team discusses the convention itself, answers live questions from fans and lets us know about the state of new projects such as the highly-anticipated Aion.

The interesting thing about this audio is it's recorded live at the convention in German and English. Each question is answered in both languages, so if you're wondering what Guild Wars is in German, it's Guild Wars. Also, be sure to follow along with the latest Games Convention happenings over at Stephen "Rockjaw" Reid's blog for updates, videos, photos and more!

Official NCsoft Europe podcast: Games Convention edition released originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Browser-based Pirate Galaxy announced

Samuel Axon — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, New titles, News items, Browser, Casual

Just how massive can free-to-play MMOs be when there seem to be just as many of them as there are people living on Earth? This we wondered when we learned of yet another new browser-based game. This particular game is called Pirate Galaxy, and it's under development by a German company called Splitscreen Studios. The company employs some folks who used to work at Bigpoint, a leading name in browser games that's also based in Europe.

Players of Pirate Galaxy pilot starships which can be upgraded both by things acquired through normal gameplay and through -- you guessed it -- an item mall. Splitscreen's press release stresses that the game's big selling point is how easy it is to pick up and play. "The swift registration process, streamlined interface and seamlessly integrated turorial ensure that the game appeals to beginners and experienced gamers alike," it says.

Pirate Galaxy is slated to release later this year. Oh, and it's 3D. Splitscreen claims the graphics "push the envelope in the browser-based games segment." That's not saying much, but of course gameplay is what matters. Unfortunately we don't know much about that yet.

Browser-based Pirate Galaxy announced originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Closed beta registration for German version of Stone Age 2 begins

William Dobson — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Historical, Launches, New titles, Wallpapers, Free-to-play, Stone Age 2

Joining the English Stone Age 2 closed beta that we saw earlier in the month, a German version of the prehistoric free-to-play MMOG now also has a registration page for a closed beta. The registration can be completed at a newly launched German website for the game -- which is being handled by company Frogster Interactive in this territory, as opposed to Aeria Games -- where you can also find a community forum and a desktop wallpaper.

At this stage it doesn't look as though there will be any significant differences between the German and English versions of SA2 -- well, apart from that really obvious one (duh) and the fact that they seem to prefer to leave out the spaces in the German title, making it StoneAge2.

Closed beta registration for German version of Stone Age 2 begins originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Entropia Universe learns three new languages

Samuel Axon — Sat, 31 May 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Entropia Universe, MMO industry, News items, Virtual worlds

Microtransaction-based Entropia Universe is set to expand into new markets, as developer/publisher MindArk has announced the completion of translations of the Entropia client into three new languages -- German, French, and Spanish. Previously, the virtual world was only accessible to English-speakers.

The translations were performed by a company called Lionbridge. MindArk rep Frank Campbell said his company made the move to increase market penetration, address users' needs, and increase the company's credibility.

Entropia is a Sci-Fi-themed virtual world. It's an unusual combination of MMO-style combat and crafting, and Second Life-esque e-commerce. MindArk suggests to potential users that they can make money -- or even a living -- within the virtual world. Unsurprisingly, though, a substantial investment of real funds and time is required to become competitive.

Entropia Universe learns three new languages originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Funcom hiring community managers, CS reps

Samuel Axon — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Age of Conan, MMO industry, New titles, News items

Funcom is hiring for seven Age of Conan-related positions -- three in Europe, and four in the United States.

The European opportunities are all "community coordinator" positions, and bilingual candidates are preferred. If you're looking for work in the United States, you can apply for one of Funcom's customer service positions. The Durham, NC office seeks CS reps in the English, French, German, or Spanish languages.

Funcom is facing some serious community and customer service issues right now, such as exploits and ensuing bans. We don't doubt that the current staff is overwhelmed by all that's going on. Bringing in reinforcements is probably a good call.

Funcom hiring community managers, CS reps originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

German WAR box confirms CE and preorder info

Mike Schramm — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, New titles, Warhammer Online, Rumors

We've already seen rumors about what might be coming in the Warhammer Online collector's edition, but now a German site (not the same one as before -- what's with the Germans getting this stuff early?) has apparently posted more information on the CE and what a preorder of the game will get you. The box apparently confirms the previous rumors of the exclusive miniature, the comic book, and the bonus quests (along with the player titles), and the preorder of the CE will net you "guaranteed access" to the open beta (so open beta confirmed, apparently), a head start to the live game, and two bonus in-game items.

A German-speaking friend of mine (who actually does professional translation) tells us that the in-game items are a "Knight's (?) Portable Camp," which, "receives your tired soul and heals your wounds between battles." And the other is the "Guards of the Amber Ring," or at least a ring of some kind, that "improves your attributes" and casts a spell called "Touch of Earth," which we're told adds a chance to hit. Sounds pretty cool, though there's no information on when the preorder will be available, or even if it will be in America (the box is obviously labeled for Europe).

Any of this entice you to jump in on Warhammer, or were you already convinced? The collector's edition stuff doesn't sound too exciting, but jumping into the beta and the live game is definitely worth a preorder, if you ask us.

[Via K&G]

German WAR box confirms CE and preorder info originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rappelz reaches 50,000 European users in under a month

Akela Talamasca — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Launches, Leveling, Rappelz, News items, Free-to-play

Warcry brings us the news that Rappelz, made by the fine folks at Gala Networks (who also made Flyff), has attracted over 50,000 active users in the less-than-one month since the game has debuted French and German versions. Two new servers have opened to accommodate the influx of new accounts: the French Kentauros, and the German Bastet, both named after in-game creatures.

To further celebrate the success of the launch, Gala has increased the experience gain to 1.5 until March 18th. Rappelz's gameplay features a system by which you may capture and tame creatures to fight alongside you in combat. Hmm. Do we also gotta catch 'em all? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I choose you!

Rappelz reaches 50,000 European users in under a month originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments