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[Massively Exclusive: Age of Wushu's launch trailer flips over the heads of the competition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/massively-exclusive-age-of-wushus-launch-trailer-flips-over-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/massively-exclusive-age-of-wushus-launch-trailer-flips-over-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/05/massively-exclusive-age-of-wushus-launch-trailer-flips-over-th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Age of Wushu
Tomorrow, Snail Games USA will officially announce its newest title, Age of Wushu -- but we've got an exclusive sneak peek to share with you before that happens!

Sporting heavy Chinese themes and aesthetics, Age of Wushu is designed to allow players to pull off mystical, physics-defying martial arts moves like those you would see in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (or, really, any Kung Fu film).

The official trailer for the title, which you can see after the jump, showcases Age of Wushu's beauty and grace... as well as its lethal underpinnings. Characters attack in slow-motion while performing seemingly impossible Matrix-like jumps through space.

We'll be looking forward to seeing if the allure of fantastic martial arts will be enough to set Age of Wushu apart from the pack, but considering that the devs are promising that we can run up the sides of buildings, we suspect it might be one to check out no matter what. Plus, "wushu" is way fun to say.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Age of Wushu's launch trailer flips over the heads of the competition

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Age of Wushu's launch trailer flips over the heads of the competition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wushucrouching-tiger-hidden-dragonexclusivef2pfearlessfree-to-playkung-fulaunch-trailermartial-artsmatrixmovieslow-motionsnail-games-usathe-matrixtrailervideowushuThu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: How tanking got easier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/behind-the-mask-how-tanking-got-easier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/behind-the-mask-how-tanking-got-easier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/behind-the-mask-how-tanking-got-easier/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I've mused for a long time about the problems with tanking in Champions Online, since it's my preferred PvE role. Gold members can build freeform characters with everything one would need for a tank, leaving only skill as a requirement. On the other hand, Silver members have been left out in the cold. It's unfortunate, but there has simply been no decent archetype tank.

This all changed with the launch of the Master, a martial arts-themed melee fighter with everything needed to compete in the toughest lairs. Although he isn't a perfect tanking package, he is completely functional and does his job well. He's the Mind of tanking archetypes: He soaks damage, he owns face, and he isn't reliant on a healer for sustainability. I think I'm in love.

Although he is not a free archetype, unlocking the Master is a one-time purchase. If you're into the tank playstyle but you're not into a subscription, this archetype is for you.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: How tanking got easier

MassivelyBehind the Mask: How tanking got easier originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkung-fukung-fu-mastermartial-artistmartial-artsmasterperfect-world-entertainmentpweshurikens-and-lightningtanktank-archetypetankingtanksThu, 10 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Age of Wulin closed beta videos revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/more-age-of-wulin-closed-beta-videos-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/more-age-of-wulin-closed-beta-videos-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/more-age-of-wulin-closed-beta-videos-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Wulin - concept art
Another day, another set of videos from the Age of Wulin Chinese beta. MMO Culture has the game covered, and today's installment features a bit of commentary on the title's PvP-centric design as well as a brief look at weapon enhancement functionality.

Age of Wulin eschews the traditional +1 system of gear upgrading and instead opts for an interesting mechanic that basically boils down to meeting whatever requirements are described when you mouse over a weapon. The stated example involves reaching level 10 in a particular life skill as well as possessing certain inventory items. While we're a bit dubious about the fact that your cooking prowess may relate to your ability to wield a sword, we're also cognizant of the fact that it's an early Chinese beta build, so we're looking forward to seeing the system develop.

Head past the cut for a combat video and some clips of Wudang.

Continue reading More Age of Wulin closed beta videos revealed

MassivelyMore Age of Wulin closed beta videos revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinbetachinese-betaclosed-betacombatfantasygamegear-enhancementkung-fulife-skillsmartial-artspvpsandboxsnail-gamesvideoweapon-enhancementwudangwudang-tourTue, 11 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Wulin closed beta begins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/age-of-wulin-closed-beta-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/age-of-wulin-closed-beta-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/age-of-wulin-closed-beta-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Age of Wulin - Character creation
Age of Wulin's Chinese closed beta kicked off this weekend and according to a report at MMO Culture, it's been a "less than enjoyable" experience. The free-to-play fantasy sandbox has an ambitious feature list, and Snail Games has attracted a lot of players anxious to get their hands on the upcoming title. Said gamers flooded the beta shard, which occasionally buckled under the onslaught and served up disconnects, stuck characters, and more byproducts of the early testing phase.

The good news is that MMO Culture's coverage features a ton of embedded video, and you can get a look at the title's character creation process, some beginner areas, and the accessory training interface after the break.

[Thanks to Chris for the tip!]

Continue reading Age of Wulin closed beta begins

MassivelyAge of Wulin closed beta begins originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessory-trainerage-of-wulinbetacharacter-creationclosed-betaf2pfantasyfree-to-playkung-fusandboxskill-basedsnail-gamesvideoSat, 08 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamesCampus to take over 9Dragons in September]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescampus-to-take-over-9dragons-in-september/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescampus-to-take-over-9dragons-in-september/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/19/gamescampus-to-take-over-9dragons-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- 9Dragons
Free-to-play MMO publisher GamesCampus announced today that it will be taking control of martial arts MMO 9Dragons' North American operation. The game is currently provided by GamersFirst, but GamesCampus will begin its run with the game on September 20th.

GamesCampus has stated that it will allow any player with an account in good standing to transfer his or her character, complete with any purchased items, as long as players opt-in by September 15th. The GamesCampus launch of 9Dragons will introduce the new region of Tibet, which will include additional content for each faction. So remember, 9Dragons players, if you want to keep your precious accounts intact, opt-in with GamesCampus prior to September 15th, and be ready to jump into Tibet on the 20th.

MassivelyGamesCampus to take over 9Dragons in September originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9dragonsf2pfree-to-playgamersfirstgamescampuskung-fumartial-artsserviceservice-transfertransfertransfer-serviceFri, 19 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke of Mount Deer announces Chinese open beta, releases new screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/duke-of-mount-deer-announces-chinese-open-beta-releases-new-scr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/duke-of-mount-deer-announces-chinese-open-beta-releases-new-scr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/duke-of-mount-deer-announces-chinese-open-beta-releases-new-scr/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ChangYou announced today that its most recent in-house-developed MMORPG, called Duke of Mount Deer, will be entering closed beta in China on July 22nd. The game takes place within the martial arts fantasy universe of Louis Cha's novel The Deer and the Cauldron (which should help to explain the somewhat bizarre name).

Duke of Mount Deer boasts "beautifully rendered, cinematic quality graphics" as well as the ability for players to move from server to server at-will in order to play with friends and hunt down their enemies. Players are able to choose one of six classes, each with its own signature weapon, and set out on adventures with hundreds of other players. For more information on this upcoming title, head on over to the official site, and be sure to check out the gallery below for more screenshots.

Gallery: Duke of Mount Deer core gallery

MassivelyDuke of Mount Deer announces Chinese open beta, releases new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changyoucrazy-namesduke-of-mount-deergalleriesgallerykung-fulouis-chamartial-artsscreenshotscreenshotsthe-deer-and-the-cauldronwuxiaFri, 01 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tian Long Ba Bu introduces two new mounts and celebratory mount sale]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/tian-long-ba-bu-introduces-two-new-mounts-and-celebratory-mount/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/tian-long-ba-bu-introduces-two-new-mounts-and-celebratory-mount/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/tian-long-ba-bu-introduces-two-new-mounts-and-celebratory-mount/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Attention all wanna-be Tian Long Ba Bu Kung-Fu masters: Are you tired of having to run all over the place? After all, you need to conserve your energy for dramatically roundhouse-kicking people in the face, so you can't go tiring out your legs with something as mundane as walking.

Luckily, ChangYou has a deal for you! In celebration of the introduction of two new mounts -- the aptly named Black Beast and White Beast -- all mounts in the item shop are being sold for up to 50% off. The deal begins tomorrow and will run only for a short period of time, so if you want to cash in on this special offer, you had better crane-kick and tiger-uppercut your way over to the TLBB official site.

MassivelyTian Long Ba Bu introduces two new mounts and celebratory mount sale originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changyouf2pfree-to-playkung-fumartial-artsmount-salemountsnew-mountstian-long-ba-butlbbTue, 24 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When we started into The Matrix Online month last week on The Game Archaeologist, one of the comments caught my eye. Massively reader stealthrider wrote:
Please, please do a tribute to Rarebit. MxO was his baby, and no one took its death worse than he.

He did everything for that game, much of it single-handedly. Everything from playing the canon characters and co-writing the story to fixing hundreds of bugs and even creating a new zone from scratch. Not to mention developing and implementing the story missions, new items, the RP item vendors, and pretty much everything else in MxO's final couple of years. He even implemented and moderated a player-created minigame as part of the official story.

He retired from game development in the months before MxO's shutdown. He was that dedicated to this game that he couldn't work on anything else afterward.

He's a god among developers, and he is as sorely missed as the game itself.
I think this sums up how many Matrix Online vets feel about Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain. So instead of a mere tribute, we drove the MassivelyMobile over to Chamberlain's house (read: send a polite email request), and he graciously said he'd be glad to reminisce with us. So hit that jump to find out the last word on MxO from the dev who held it together!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-versus-predator-2architectassassinben-chamberlainben-rarebit-chamberlainbluepillcinematicscommander-lockdevdeveloperfeaturedgrandmasterin-game-eventsinterviewkung-fulittle-nemolive-eventslive-events-teammatrixmatrix-onlinemissionsmonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclePaul-Chadwickrarebitredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentspystorystorylinethe-matrixthe-matrix-onlineWachowskiWinsor-McCayzionTue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-the-highlig/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not every year that a movie comes along that captures the pop culture zeitgeist so powerfully and so quickly as The Matrix did. I recall lugging a few college friends along to see this in 1999 -- having heard only a few sparse details about it beforehand -- and coming out of the theater feeling as if we we'd been electrified. The bold mix of science fiction, martial arts, philosophy, action, and leather ensembles became the smash hit of the year, and a franchise was born.

And while we had great hopes that this would be this generation's Star Wars, The Matrix ultimately proved to be a lightning-in-a-bottle phenomenon, impossible to recapture once unleashed. Sequels, animated shorts, video games, comic books -- none rose to the height of the original film, and eventually the franchise petered out.

During this period, an odd duck of an MMO was born: The Matrix Online. When you think about it, an online virtual world where people log in and fight against programs was a really short hop from the movie series. MxO, as it was abbreviated, was an audacious game with unique features, story-centric gameplay and a sci-fi bent in a field of fantasy competitors, and while it only lasted four years, it was enough to make a huge impression for its community.

So by popular demand, this month we're going to revisit the 1s and 0s of The Matrix Online to see just how deep the rabbit hole (and well-worn cliche) goes -- and what made this game stand out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben-Chamberlinbluepilldaniel-myersfeaturedfranchisefree-firegamespotinterlockkung-fuleatherlive-events-teammachinesmatrixmatrix-onlinematrix-revolutionsmeleeMerovingianMonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclerarebitredpillsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstorylinethe-continuing-storythe-matrix-onlineubisoftWalruswarner-brosWarner-Bros-InteractivewbzionTue, 10 May 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A catastrophe waiting to happen: Martial Empires expands]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/a-catastrophe-waiting-to-happen-martial-empires-expands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/a-catastrophe-waiting-to-happen-martial-empires-expands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/a-catastrophe-waiting-to-happen-martial-empires-expands/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Cataclysm may have passed, but we still have a catastrophe to survive.

The Catastrophe of Babylon, Martial Empires' newest expansion, is slated to arrive at the end of the month. Gamigo's free-to-play martial arts MMO already offers all the kung fu action you can handle, but now it will be fleshed out with much-anticipated (and needed) additions.

One of the biggest features on Babylon's plate is the implementation of the long-awaited guild wars. High-level guilds will finally be able to go head-to-head with each other in brutal guild battles. Victorious guilds will be showered with long-term buffs and plenty of gold, which should be enough incentive for truly competitive fights.

Babylon will also overhaul Martial Empires' graphics with a new rendering engine, and many of the monsters will be given makeovers to fit in better and boost their self-esteem. Players can anticipate exploring a number of additional dungeons in Babylon as well.

Gamigo plans to hold an event to award access to the test servers for The Catastrophe of Babylon in the near future.

MassivelyA catastrophe waiting to happen: Martial Empires expands originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babyloncataclysmcatastrophe-of-babylongamigoguild-warguild-warskung-fumartial-empirespvpthe-catastrophe-of-babylonworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmMon, 07 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conquer Online is ready for kung-fu fighting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/conquer-online-is-ready-for-kung-fu-fighting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/conquer-online-is-ready-for-kung-fu-fighting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/conquer-online-is-ready-for-kung-fu-fighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been a very long time since we looked into Conquer Online, but the game is approaching its next major update, dubbed "Returning Light." This update features the addition of a new playable class, the Monk, which makes up the sixth entry into the game's mix of classes. While these ascetic disciples of elemental harmony have long remained isolated from the rest of the world, the events of the upcoming patch will force Monks into combat once again, much to the benefit of players.

Monks are capable of bestowing a number of beneficial effects upon party members, healing and supporting others through their elemental skills. But the class is also capable of moving into the fray via powerful martial arts, allowing players to split their time between the class functions or pick one as a specialty. The official preview for the Monk is already available, so Conquer Online players should look forward to the currently scheduled release of December 16th for the patch.

MassivelyConquer Online is ready for kung-fu fighting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassesconquer-onlinef2pfree-to-playhybrid-classisometric-gameskung-fumajor-updatesmartial-artsmonkmonk-classnew-classpatchpatchesreturning-lighttq-digitalMon, 13 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your closed beta test keys for Blade Wars here!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/get-your-closed-beta-test-keys-for-blade-wars-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/get-your-closed-beta-test-keys-for-blade-wars-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/get-your-closed-beta-test-keys-for-blade-wars-here/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Thank god it's Friday, am I right? The week is gone, but we're not done at Massively yet! We've got some beta keys to hand out to you loyal readers, and what better day to do it than on a Friday!

This time around we've scored 2,000 keys to ChangYou's new offering to the F2P MMO market, Blade Wars. This game is another revival of the 2 1/2D form of MMO play, but with a few fun twists. A combo system has been added to the attack system, so if you love racking up chains of attacks then you're going to enjoy this. The game also features a weapon creation system, which allows you to cobble together your own weapons from pieces you find throughout the world.

If you're interested, then head on over here and grab a key! You can redeem it and play the game immediately, so have fun making your own Kung-Fu combos this weekend!

MassivelyGet your closed beta test keys for Blade Wars here! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 May 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-keybeta-key-giveawayblade-warschangyouclosed-betaf2pfree-to-playgiveawaykung-fuFri, 14 May 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kung Fu Panda World starts sneak peek]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kung-fu-panda-world-starts-sneak-peek/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kung-fu-panda-world-starts-sneak-peek/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/kung-fu-panda-world-starts-sneak-peek/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What's more dangerous than a bear, tiger or monkey? A bear, tiger or monkey trained in deadly martial arts and given the slavish adoration of millions of small children everywhere, of course. So there's really no point in resisting Kung Fu Panda World, but we're sure that many kids won't want to anyway. This browser-based MMO moved into a "sneak peek" phase, enabling players everywhere to get a taste of the good life. Just plug into the website and start training up an animal in mystical Eastern fighting styles.

Continue reading Kung Fu Panda World starts sneak peek

MassivelyKung Fu Panda World starts sneak peek originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowser-baseddreamworksdreamworks-animationkung-fukung-fu-pandakung-fu-panda-worldsneak-peeksneak-previewTue, 23 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your Kung Fu on in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/get-your-kung-fu-on-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/get-your-kung-fu-on-in-city-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/get-your-kung-fu-on-in-city-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do you sometimes wish that when everybody is kung fu fighting they didn't all look so alike? NCsoft seems to feel the same way, because they've now made available the City of Heroes Super Booster IV: Martial Arts for ten bucks. Yes, now when you're fighting foes with malicious martial intent you'll look "spiffy" and whatever other adjective you feel like tossing into the equation. The booster comes with more than costume pieces, however. It also contains ninja-theme costume change animations and a ninja running power. There's also two new emotes for roleplayers, who tend to be the biggest emote fans.

This makes the fourth booster pack since the original (or microtransaction bundle, if you like) for City of Heroes and you can bet there will be plenty more as long as these continue to sell. Our guess for the next addition? Mutants would be a safe bet; mutants or zombies.

MassivelyGet your Kung Fu on in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>booster-packbooster-packscity-of-heroescohcoxkung-fumartial-artsmicromicrotransactionmicrotransactionsncsoftparagon-studiosThu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Kung Fu to launch August 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/world-of-kung-fu-to-launch-august-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/world-of-kung-fu-to-launch-august-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/world-of-kung-fu-to-launch-august-1st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The team at World of Kung Fu have sent word that their free-to-play martial arts MMO will officially launch on the 1st of August, a mere week from now. To prepare for the launch, a new patch has gone in today that expands the game's playable area by 25%, with 8 additional areas to explore. The patch also features new quests and an increase to the level cap, and an extra server has been added to accommodate newcomers.

We're sure that many of you haven't seen this title in action yet, so we've embedded a short gameplay clip from Youtube. The game strongly adheres to its ancient Chinese setting, and players must specialize in particular weapon styles such as Spear, Hook, and Broadsword, and hone their Kung Fu while traveling through Zhong Guo (better known in the western world as China). With the release of the latest patch, and the launch next week, this might be a nice title to check out -- especially for those WAR-waiters and AoC-leavers.

MassivelyWorld of Kung Fu to launch August 1st originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-chinesechinesekung-fulaunchmartial-artspatchwokfworld-of-kung-fuzhong-guoWed, 23 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Kung Fu announces new daily events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/world-of-kung-fu-announces-new-daily-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/world-of-kung-fu-announces-new-daily-events/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/world-of-kung-fu-announces-new-daily-events/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

World of Kung Fu is the radical 3d martial arts MMORPG that utilizes Chinese mythology and themes for its setting. The game is free to play, and uses a micro-transactions to sustain development costs. It's important to stress that goods purchased in the "item mall" are not required to complete any quests or objectives in the game. New players also receive three "novice cards" that can be traded for in game items or cash including the following: Earth temple, which grants instant travel to any city already visited. Lion Toy, which will resurrect your character. And the Tai Yi Pill, which grants full healing.

To keep player s busy over the summer VestGame Entertainment has announced regularly scheduled events, which World of Warcraft players would recognize as daily quests. However, the daily events in World of Kung Fu aren't just your run of the mill fair, one is a trivial pursuit type of challenge. Quests are given out by Town Crier in the city of Liuhe and their rewards will range from experience, cash, and even rare items. Hey, it's free, and worth checking out if you are struggling to find something to play this summer.

MassivelyWorld of Kung Fu announces new daily events originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-questseventsfree-to-playkung-fumartial-artsmicrotransactionrmtvestgame-entertainmentworld-of-kung-fuSat, 21 Jun 2008 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Mabinogi]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/first-impressions-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/first-impressions-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/first-impressions-mabinogi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Mabinogi is an engaging MMO by Nexon, the makers of Maple Story, Audition, and Kart Rider. The name is derived from the Mabinogion, a collection of old Welsh stories. In that sense, it's well-named; Mabinogi is billed as 'your fantasy life', and much of what happens in the game follows a gentle, pastoral atmosphere -- even the combat, to a certain degree. We had the chance to check this out, now that it's in open beta, and here's what we found. Keep in mind that this is not a guide -- we have no insider knowledge to report. This is merely a record of our opinions and experience playing this game for the first few hours. Excelsior!

Gallery: First Impressions: Mabinogi

Opening AngelDefault Character10 year oldHuman male: faceHuman male: hair

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MassivelyFirst Impressions: Mabinogi originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-year-old-avatarALFbangbatmanbig-lucky-finishbikiniblacksmithbrown-foxesbubocherrieschickensclash-of-the-titanscobwebscritical-hitcurse-wordsdevil-may-carediydon-johnsondumbfounded-mouthduncandungeoneiryexclamation-markseye-typefeaturedferghusgiant-spiderground-effectshairstylehands-onhobbitshonor-systemhotkeyshow-toilludium-pu-36-space-modulatoririsjoystiqfeatureskawaiikung-fukung-fu-chickenloomlord-of-the-rings-onlinemabinogimalcolmmarvin-the-martianmetal-gear-solidmint-chocolate-chipnaonew-titlesnoselessparcheesiphysiognomypokemonpolitenesspost-agrarianquest-arrowquest-owlsquest-scrollraccoonsranaldrectal-prolapserevival-penaltysawyerscary-faceseraphskill-rankssmell-o-surfingstatue-of-goddessstonehengesunken-living-roomsuperdeformedswearingsword-fairytailoringthrobbing-icontillagetir-chonailtrefortweetmanderlaxachuwait-for-rescuewasdwaypointswhite-spiderworld-of-warcraftTue, 25 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Kung Fu gives North America love on Valentine's Day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/world-of-kung-fu-gives-north-america-love-on-valentines-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/world-of-kung-fu-gives-north-america-love-on-valentines-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/world-of-kung-fu-gives-north-america-love-on-valentines-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Fans of combat systems based on Eastern martial arts will be getting a valentine from VestGame Entertainment. World of Kung Fu is arriving in North America on the 14th as an open beta, and I couldn't be more excited. A kung fu devotee myself, I've been interested in this title, which bases combat styles on your preferred weapon, from standards like the spear and sword, to more esoteric types like the fan and hook. But even better than that is the game's stated intention:

'Unlike other games in which the point of the experience is to defeat monsters and enemies, this game invites the martial artists to become deeply involved in the development and establishment of a society which interweaves economic and social systems. The game also enables the players to enjoy the emotions of a private life filled with romance and drama. Furthermore, as they increase their skills, the players can establish their own school and master their own style of Kung Fu which they will then be able to pass on to others, plus much more!'

Expect a First Impressions to arrive shortly. I'll do my best to look at this critically, but come on, you can buy a 'Fortune Pig' to pick up your loot for you! How could this not be great? Stay tuned ...

MassivelyWorld of Kung Fu gives North America love on Valentine's Day originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fortune-pigkung-fumartial-artsvalentines-dayvestgame-entertainmentworld-of-kung-fuTue, 12 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Open beta for Zu Online starts tonight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/open-beta-for-zu-online-starts-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/open-beta-for-zu-online-starts-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/open-beta-for-zu-online-starts-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're looking for a game with a Chinese-wuxia-esque twist, you'll be interested to know that Zu Online will enter its open beta testing phase this evening at 8:00 PM EST. Poke around the official website for the client download (which can even be acquired via BitTorrent, if that's your sort of thing!) and for instructions for the actual launch when it comes. All the old alpha accounts are getting wiped just prior to the beginning of the new phase, so the servers will be a level playing field for new players.

If you're not familiar with the game: it's a Kung Fu MMO which features player flight and group-oriented story quests as major selling points. It also has a really neat, stylized cell-shaded look -- something that when you think about it seems like a really good match for the genre.

Animated, story-driven Wire Fu -- how can you possibly go wrong with that?

MassivelyOpen beta for Zu Online starts tonight originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabittorrentchinachineseflightiggkung-fumartial-artsonwind-digitalopen-betawuxiazu-onlineFri, 14 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST