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MechWarrior Online announces closed beta and founder's program

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Launches, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online, MOBA

Turn over the engine and light up the jet thrusters because MechWarrior Online is stomping into closed beta this week. Anyone who registers on the official site has a chance to check out the hot 'mech action before the rest of the crowd. While the beta is currently limited to North America, there is no IP blocking, so anyone can jump in as long as he or she doesn't mind a little lag.

Perhaps of more interest is Piranha Games' announcement of its founder's program, code-named Operation Inception. Yes, we guess the devs saw the movie too. While MWO will be free-to-play with optional microtransactions, Operation Inception lets players invest their money up-front to get special goodies and an early start to the game.

Players can buy into the founder's program starting June 19th. It will come in two tiers: a $30 veteran package and a $60 elite package. The veteran package includes $40 of in-game currency, a month of premium account status, a founder's tag, and early access. The elite package includes $80 of in-game currency, two months of premium status, the founder's tag, early access, and an exclusive BattleMech.

Early access for MechWarrior Online begins July 17th.

MechWarrior Online announces closed beta and founder's program originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online dev Q&A covers beta, grouping, and combat damage

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, PvP, Free-to-play, Community Q&A, MechWarrior Online

MechWarrior Online's devs aren't quite ready to disclose specifics on the game's minimum specs or beta process, but news for both is coming "soon." These vague assurances were the anomaly in a recent community Q&A, during which Piranha Games President Russ Bullock and Creative Director Bryan Ekman spilled on all of the minutia that fans were dying to know.

The duo said that they're "working very hard" to get MWO servers into every major region and that information about beta will be coming next week. They did confirm that there will be an open beta at some juncture, however.

Other details disclosed included the fact that players can form groups of up to 12 'Mechs, that legs cannot be blown off (but can be immobilized), and that the launch matchmaking system will be very basic and won't take into account player skill or records.

MechWarrior Online dev Q&A covers beta, grouping, and combat damage originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online unleashes a torrent of new screenshots, plus new teaser trailer

Matt Daniel — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, News items, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online

Piranha Games has spent the last few weeks inundating us with information on the various gameplay mechanics and customization options that players can expect from its upcoming free-to-play 'bot-battling title, MechWarrior Online, but today the studio has unleashed a deluge of screenshots and a new video that shows what the game's really about: big robots and even bigger explosions. Also, lots of lasers. Pew pew!

The screenshots showcase a variety of 'Mechs -- including the first in-game screens of the Dragon -- going at it with everything from lasers to long-range missiles and everything in between, plus there are quite a few showing off the game's MechLab customization features. The video, meanwhile, gives players yet another look at the game's combat, which, judging by the number of lasers flying around, could double as a (potentially fatal) light show. But enough words; go on and click through the gallery below and feast your eyes on all the giant robot goodness.

[Source: Piranha Games press release]

Gallery: MechWarrior Online screenshots

Continue reading MechWarrior Online unleashes a torrent of new screenshots, plus new teaser trailer

MechWarrior Online unleashes a torrent of new screenshots, plus new teaser trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online unloads six preview videos

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Video, Game mechanics, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, MechWarrior Online

With all the talk about how MechWarrior Online will play, potential players have no doubt been itching to see the game in full swing. We only recently got a peek at the first in-game screenshots, but today a veritable cascade of new information is available. Not one, not two, but six preview videos have been released, showing off the general gameplay, all four 'Mech weight classes, and the interface for customizing your 'Mech before you march it into battle.

Aside from a variety of gameplay footage (clearly unpolished but still encouraging), the videos give some insight into the game's design goals. Rather than following the route of the classic MechWarrior games that placed the heaviest 'Mechs at the top of the food chain, MechWarrior Online wants all machines to have a place on the battlefield depending on player style and battlefield objectives. But why read about it when you can watch it in action just past the break? After all, that way you're learning the same information and watching giant robots shoot at each other.

Continue reading MechWarrior Online unloads six preview videos

MechWarrior Online unloads six preview videos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online reveals the first in-game screens of the Catapult

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online

Battles in MechWarrior Online are not about subtlety; they are about unloading huge amounts of firepower on enemy machines as fast as possible. That is the sole purpose of the Catapult, a 'Mech loaded with long-range missiles to pummel enemy units into submission. But the Catapult has another distinction -- it's the first 'Mech to receive screenshot treatment, showing the heavy support 'Mech off in all its jumping, missile-heavy goodness.

Fans familiar with previous games in the MechWarrior franchise or the BattleTech board game will know the Catapult quite well. It's just barely into the heavier weight class. sporting jump jets and medium lasers to help it move out of dangerous engagements or disable lighter units. And, of course, there are its twin missile banks, effective as a direct-fire weapon or for use as artillery with an assisting spotter unit. The game's screenshots also show off the classic variant replacing the missile banks with PPCs, high-powered energy cannons designed to fry targets at extreme range.

[Source: Piranha Games press release]

Gallery: MechWarrior Online screenshots

MechWarrior Online reveals the first in-game screens of the Catapult originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online devs field 'Mech customization queries

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Free-to-play, Community Q&A, MechWarrior Online

If you had four developers of a hot upcoming title trapped in a room and could ask them any question you wanted, what would it be? (Please note that if you actually are in this situation, Massively advises releasing the hostages and surrendering to the police.) While there might not be a filthy underground lair involved in MechWarrior Online's latest community Q&A session, the principle is the same.

A good bulk of the 27 questions thrown to the four members of Piranha Games' team revolve around 'Mech customization. MechWarrior Online will be pretty flexible in this regard, although not as flexible as pen-and-paper fans might hope. For example, custom decals won't be in the game at launch, as their inclusion would require too much monitoring. Still, if you're trying to get a sense of the scope of MWO's 'Mech customization, this Q&A might impress you.

Just because the community could ask doesn't mean that Piranha had to answer, however. When queried about the in-game economy, Creative Director Bryan Ekman put the answer off until later: "We're not ready to go into details on the economics of the game. We plan to cover this in greater detail in the next couple of months via our dev blogs."

MechWarrior Online devs field 'Mech customization queries originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Step inside MechWarrior Online's MechLab and choose your weapon

Matt Daniel — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, Free-to-play, Dev Diaries, MechWarrior Online

Over the past weeks, we've been seeing a steady drip of information about MechWarrior Online's various BattleMechs and the customization options available to players to make each 'Mech unique. Today, Piranha Games is giving players an inside look at the MechLab, which is the in-game interface players will use to modify their machines of death and destruction.

The MechLab uses what the studio calls a hardpoint system, which essentially means that weapons can only be swapped out for other weapons of the same type. For instance, energy weapons can be swapped only for other energy weapons, while ballistic weapons can be changed out only for other ballistic weapons. 'Mech customization also relies on a weight system meaning that each 'Mech has a maximum weight that it cannot exceed, so players will have to pick and choose between numerous lightweight enhancements or fewer, heavier ones (or some combination thereof). The full system, as fans of the series undoubtedly expect, is quite robust, so hop in the cockpit and jump-jet your way over to the official dev blog for the full details.

Step inside MechWarrior Online's MechLab and choose your weapon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Center your sights with MechWarrior Online's latest dev Q&A

Matt Daniel — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, News items, Free-to-play, Community Q&A, MechWarrior Online

MechWarriors, start your engines. It's time for another Q&A session with the fine folks at Piranha Games, the studio behind the upcoming free-to-play MechWarrior Online. Combat is the name of the game today, and developers Matt Craig, Paul Inouye, David Bradley, and Garth Eriam have taken some time to answer players' burning questions.

The Q&A covers topics ranging from the game's reticle convergence mechanics to how exactly one goes about disabling an enemy 'Mech, and just as there's more than one way to skin a cat, there are myriad methods with which to bring destruction to your foes. Players will be able to bring down an enemy BattleMech by destroying the head, disabling the torso, or literally bringing the 'Mech to its knees by crippling its legs. But of course, that's much easier said than done. The game's reticle convergence system will require players to aim their shots well and time them even better if they plan to survive for long.

The full details, for those interested in the mechanics of combat, are available for perusal at the official MWO site.

Center your sights with MechWarrior Online's latest dev Q&A originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scope out MechWarrior Online's high-octane action

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Trailers, Video, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online, MOBA

It's one thing to hear about how exciting an upcoming game might be, but it's something else to see it for yourself. While we were certainly impressed with what we heard and saw about MechWarrior Online from this past week's GDC, we weren't able to show you how the game actually plays. Until now, that is!

Piranha Games just released its first public video showing in-game footage of MechWarrior Online. In it, three 'Mechs -- an Atlas, a Jenner, and a Hunchback -- are duking it out in one of the game's wilderness arenas. While the video is short, there's plenty of sweet details to pick out, such as a barrage of missiles arcing toward a foe, battle-damage on enemy 'Mechs, and serious-looking warnings that pop up on the player's HUD.

MechWarrior Online is slated for a summer 2012 release. You can check out the gameplay video after the jump!

Continue reading Scope out MechWarrior Online's high-octane action

Scope out MechWarrior Online's high-octane action originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Events, real-world, Massively Event Coverage, Massively Speaking, DUST 514, World of Tanks, Miscellaneous, World of Warplanes, World of Battleships, MechWarrior Online

Massively Speaking Episode 190 brings us another installment of the wild and wacky adventures of Massively's GDC crew. Today the entire ensemble has assembled, with Shawn, Jef, Karen, and MJ hogging the mike and sharing their impressions and experiences from the convention. Also, Karen rules from the Iron Throne, so do not mess with her or she'll send you to the Wall.

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:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add Massively Speaking to your RSS aggregator.
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday

Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, Previews, Free-to-play, Massively Event Coverage, MechWarrior Online, MOBA

The notion of strapping oneself into a massive battle robot chassis and duking it out with other 'Mechs appeals to the inner child in all of us (or it should), so it's hard not to feel a tingle of excitement when the makers of MechWarrior Online promise that we'll soon be able to do just that. We caught up with the Piranha Games crew at GDC to become one of the very first non-studio witnesses of MWO's in-game footage and to hear why this is a title that should be on all of our radars.

The team is filled with huge fans of the MechWarrior and BattleTech franchises, so the devs were eager to construct a proper MechWarrior title when Piranha got ahold of the license this year. The studio seized upon the free-to-play model early on as the best way to draw in as many potential 'Mech pilots as possible. It also snagged the CryEngine 3 to provide the best possible graphical fidelity for its product. Unfortunately, it's going to be hard to categorize MWO as "massively," as its non-persistent arena maps will host up to only 24 players in 12v12 fights.

Setting-wise, MechWarrior Online begins in 3049, but that date will keep tempo with the real-world calendar (so tomorrow it'll be March 9th, 3049, and so on). As events happen in the story according to the game's canon, the game will change to reflect that in real-time.

Read on to hear what the devs had to say about two of the game's four pillars: mech warfare and role warfare.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online

GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online kicks off Mech Warfare Month

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Dev Diaries, MechWarrior Online

Driving a multi-ton battle 'Mech isn't like picking your friend up at the 7-11 in your dad's Prius; it's a massive, complicated war machine that has to be understood before it can be wielded against foes. So if you think that piloting one in MechWarrior Online will be as simple as hitting the WASD keys and the occasional 1 or 2, think again.

This is why Piranha Games has launched Mech Warfare Month on the official MWO site, giving us a full run-down of how movement and combat is handled in the game. Concepts such as 'Mech "torso twists," jump jets, environmental obstacles, and heat management have to be taken into account from the onset. To bring down the hammer on enemy 'Mechs, players will use a balance of energy, projectile, and ballistic weapons -- and they have to keep track of ammo while doing so.

Piranha wraps up the post with a lengthy list of keyboard and mouse commands that will be necessary to learn for safe 'Mech operation. While the full list of controls and HUD details may send some running for their nearest touch-screen device, this level of detail is exactly what attracts such a devoted fanbase to the franchise.

We're speaking with Piranha Games at GDC this week, so stay tuned for an in-depth interview as to how this game is shaping up!

[Thanks to Nimsy for the tip!]

MechWarrior Online kicks off Mech Warfare Month originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online unveils the classic CN9-A Centurion BattleMech

Matt Daniel — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, MechWarrior Online

Giant robot fans everywhere are getting pumped up for Piranha Games' upcoming MechWarrior Online, but what's a MechWarrior game without lots of badass BattleMechs? Boring, that's what. Fortunately, however, there's plenty of giant robot lovin' to go around in MWO, and today the team is revealing the newest (though we use that term loosely) addition to the roster: the Centurion.

The CN9-A Centurion is a long-time favorite of anyone who has hung around in the MechWarrior universe for long enough, and it's easy enough to see why. Armed with weapons suitable for any range, the Centurion is a force to be reckoned with no matter where he is on the battlefield. Whether it's launching LRM-10 missiles across the battlefield or wrecking someone's day personally with its AC/10 autocannon and medium lasers, you can bet the Centurion will be making a triumphant return in MechWarrior Online.

For the full details on the newly revealed BattleMech, just jump on over to the game's official site.

[Thanks to nimzy for the tip!]

MechWarrior Online unveils the classic CN9-A Centurion BattleMech originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online fights with knowledge as well as lasers

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Dev Diaries, MechWarrior Online

In any combat situation it is key to be as well-informed as possible: to know where your enemy is (hopefully not right behind you), what resources you have on hand (dual Twinkies), what you're up against (spouse aggro), and so on. The makers of the upcoming MechWarrior Online have devoted their second dev blog to the importance of information -- or as they put it, "knowledge is power!"

To aid with information warfare, the designers will provide to players a key tool called a BattleGrid, which will function like a pumped-up interactive map during in-game conflicts. Through the BattleGrid, players will be able to get a good idea of what's going on in the field quickly and what orders are coming through for the attack.

The blog post also mentions the concept of "modules" that allow pilots to customize their 'Mechs, and it gives a brief overview of the line-of-sight targeting system and how players can work together to share battlefield information as well as how they can confuse the enemy. Hiding and seeking in the game will require a good combination of both detection and "spoofing" modules to keep your team alive while exposing the opposite one.

[Thanks to Nimsy for the tip!]

MechWarrior Online fights with knowledge as well as lasers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior Online rolls out the '12 Catapult

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Classes, Previews, MechWarrior Online

Some people like to drool over car statistics, with their V-8s and turbo-injections and rearview adjustable mirrors. Others like to fawn over every last detail of fictional battle robots as if they were coming soon to a dealership near them. Both, in our opinion, are acceptable.

If you're in the latter category, then you're going to love MechWarrior Online today, as the devs revealed the latest in the 26th century lineup: the CPLT-C1 Catapult. This heavy 'Mech may be a tad on the slow side, but it more than makes up for it with firepower and 10 tons of armor. The two-legged Catapult boasts missiles, lasers, and jumpjets, although it can only go a little less than 65 kph on the battlefield.

The Catapult will be available to the Terran Hegemony and seems suitable for those who prefer slow, powerful brutes to quick, nimble machines. If walking piles of death metal are your thing, make sure to catch up on our preview of MechWarrior Online.

MechWarrior Online rolls out the '12 Catapult originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Previewing the nuts and bolts of MechWarrior Online

Beau Hindman — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, Interviews, New titles, PvP, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, MechWarrior Online

MechWarrior Online might just be one of the most exciting titles to be announced in recent times. If you have ever played any version of the game or have ever enjoyed stomping around in the Battletech universe, you'll be happy to know that, yes, the new online game is actually being made. While the IP will soon turn 30 years old, it's still very popular. Some of us remember painting metal figures to place into our tiny lances, while others have fond memories of jumping and shooting, jumping and shooting, jumping and shooting.

Massively joined the press roundtable for the game this week and snagged some juicy information. We talked with Piranha Games' President Russ Bullock and Creative Director Bryan Ekman about how the development process is going, how their philosophies influence design, and how the game will actually play.

Click past the cut, and watch out for heat!

Continue reading Previewing the nuts and bolts of MechWarrior Online

Previewing the nuts and bolts of MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Randall Bills talks about shaping the future of MechWarrior Online

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Interviews, Lore, MechWarrior Online

For die-hard MechWarrior fans, it must be a relief to know that the upcoming MechWarrior Online is in good hands of people connected with the board game. One pair of hands in particular belongs to Catalyst Game Labs' Randall Bills, who is deeply involved with the MechWarrior and BattleTech franchises, and he emerged to participate in a very lengthy interview about the game and his love of multi-ton mechs.

Currently, Bills says that he fills two roles on the team: continuity editor and fiction content manager. In the former, he helps to inspect what the developers are working on and give them feedback and notes from his well of expert knowledge on the subject. In the latter, he's spearheading the team responsible for writing the lore behind the online game universe.

So what would Bills like to see happen in MechWarrior Online? Orbital insertions ("That's a level of action and immersion that would take MechWarrior Online to a whole new level.") and physical attacks ("It shouldn't work very well and be hard to pull off... but when you do pull it off it should be a move everyone in the game talks about for some time to come.").

As for what he's most excited about in the upcoming MMO, he's just glad that he'll be able to emulate the board game in a virtual environment: "To know that I can jump in a light 'Mech and do exactly what you can pull off in the board game (and just as important, what the fiction depicts for the universe) with a true melding of multiple tactics to achieve victory... that'll be a truly spectacular geek-out moment to experience."

Look for our own upcoming interview with the MechWarrior Online team coming soon.

Randall Bills talks about shaping the future of MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MechWarrior introduces the DRG-1N Dragon BattleMech

Matt Daniel — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Lore, News items, MechWarrior Online

MechWarrior Online's steady media drip continues today with a short lore piece introducing the DRG-1N Dragon BattleMech. This particular 'bot is a result of the work of the Draconis Combine, and through the flavor text, we can pick out a few details about the new addition. The 'Mech is described as a "long-range focussed 'Mech capable of handling threats at all ranges."

The Dragon comes armed with "a Telos DecaCluster LRM-10, an Imperator-A Autocannon/5, and two Victory 23R Medium Lasers." The brief states that "the Dragon will be able to bring down most foes before they even get into the range of its two Victory 23R Medium Lasers" through the use of the long-range Autocannon/5 and the "indirect-fire capabilities" of the DecaCluster. To get the full details on this new 'Mech, just head on over to the game's official site.

MechWarrior introduces the DRG-1N Dragon BattleMech originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively sneaks a peek into Bounty Hounds Online

Beau Hindman — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on

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

Massively 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.

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Perpetuum doubling world size, offering free trials

Jef Reahard — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, Perpetuum, Dev Diaries

What's new in the world of Perpetuum? Well, free trials for starters, as Avatar Creations has officially introduced a 15-day grace period for each newly created account. Trial players will not be able to trade items or currency, and they also will be prevented from joining corporations in order to safeguard the game's economy from exploits.

Perhaps the biggest update in the world of Perpetuum is, well, the world -- or rather, the world as it will look in an upcoming patch. Avatar's official dev blog details plans to effectively double the size of the planet known as Nia in a patch "planned for about a month from now." The new territory will include six new islands (three of them safe zones and three free-for-all areas). All of the zones will boast infrastructure, NPCs, and materials, and Avatar plans on introducing missions shortly after going live with the update.

Perpetuum doubling world size, offering free trials originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The fansite

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, PlanetSide, Interviews, The Game Archaeologist

Famous PvPer George S. Patton once said that "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other n00b die for his." We here at Game Archaeologist University applaud that line of thinking, especially when we want to be entertained. This perhaps explains the long-lasting appeal of PlanetSide. Another working theory is that Sony Online Entertainment is into witchcraft.

For an MMO I never gave much of a thought past "Huh, that's still around?" PlanetSide's surprised me with such a loyal -- and literate -- playerbase. Ever since starting this column, I've never received so many emails about an MMO. Memories and fearless love run strong in this community, and that intrigues me. What have I overlooked? Has PlanetSide proven that our ancestors' DNA contained the hybrid FPS/MMO gene, a gene that was passed down to a select group of winners?

In my quest to unwrap the formula of cult success, I first paid a visit to the folks over at PlanetSide Universe, one of the most established PlanetSide fan sites on the web. Hit the jump to have your mind blown -- and your internal organs donated against your will by a rocket launcher!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The fansite

The Game Archaeologist goes PlanetSide: The fansite originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gears 'n' glory: MapleStory unveils the Mechanic

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MapleStory, Classes, Patches, Free-to-play, Kids

Nexon's MapleStory has been to the brink of the world's end and beyond with its Big Bang overhaul. Spread out over three significant updates, Big Bang started out with a game mechanics renovation in phase one and a pair of original classes in phase two, not to mention the addition of several new zones. Today, Nexon is happy to announce the onset of the third and final phase to this literal game-changer.

In phase three, titled "Birth of the Mechanic" in honor of the newest class in the game, MapleStory is rolling out one of the more unique MMO classes in the genre. Mechanics are pirate tank-drivers who ride into battle on their trusty mech steeds, unleashing robot minions and throwing out long-range damage while retaining the ability to heal themselves. Mechanics can also hit multiple targets at once, making the class an AoE-lover's dream.

Players wishing to honor the valiant Mechanic can raise their wrenches high on January 22nd and log into the game at precisely 2:00 p.m. PST to receive an SP Reset Scroll and a chance at a few other goodies. Hit the gallery below to check out the Mechanic in all his high-tech glory, and get caught up on Big Bang with our Crystin Cox interview!

Gallery: MapleStory

Gears 'n' glory: MapleStory unveils the Mechanic originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perpetuum dev blog talks new features, Interference system

Jef Reahard — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, Perpetuum, Dev Diaries

Wondering what's going on in the world of Perpetuum? Wonder no more, as the official Perpetuum dev blog has been updated with news of today's patch as well as a number of both client and gameplay tweaks. First on the agenda is the fact that Avatar Creations is now offering two new languages for its sci-fi sandbox, and we're sure both the Slovenian and French-speaking communities will appreciate it.

The patch also features the introduction of a new heavy mech robot (the Lithus), which "can be thought of as the big brother of the Sequer, and will satisfy all your hauling needs" according to Avatar's BoyC. Next up are a couple of additions to the character screen in the form of trophies and losses followed by the coup de grace of this particular patch: the Interference system.

In a nutshell, Avatar is attempting to address the fact that players are clustering together in PvP and one-shotting opponents due to a mass of concentrated firepower. The designers intentionally avoided implementing friendly fire and robot collision detection in Perpetuum, and the Interference system "simulates the effects safely fighting in a close group would have on the combat effectiveness of the group in the real world. Basically members of the group would have to be more careful not to shoot any of their comrades, and thus be slower to fire and would have to devote a lot of their attention to working together with their unit."

Perpetuum dev blog talks new features, Interference system originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perpetuum devs working on new mech, combat log, and more

Jef Reahard — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, News items, Perpetuum

It's been pretty quiet on the Perpetuum news front since the game went live towards the end of November. The indie sci-fi title is moving right along, and the developers at Avatar Creations are hard at work collecting player feedback and iterating on possible future additions. Quite a few new features are coming down the pipe for the mech-based sandbox, including robots that damage their surroundings when they die, a new freight-transport mech, and an oft-requested combat history log.

Mancs, an Avatar dev and the personality behind the official Perpetuum blog, writes about these and other upcoming tweaks in the column's holiday entry (dated December 26th).

Perpetuum devs working on new mech, combat log, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perpetuum officially launched

Jef Reahard — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Launches, New titles, News items

Gear up, mechheads -- Perpetuum has officially launched. As of yesterday, November 25th, Avatar Creations' massively multiplayer sandbox is open for business. Early access accounts have been disabled, and you'll need to pony up for the $9.95 subscription fee in order to continue carving out humanity's destiny on the planet Nia. Newly created accounts will receive two weeks' worth of extension points (the game's skill point currency) for free, though a press release on the official website states that this offer will be for an "undetermined period."

Perpetuum features time-based character development, real-time asynchronous combat, dynamically changing environments, and a single-server persistent universe. Register for your account at the official website, and we'll see you on the surface of Nia.

Perpetuum officially launched originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perpetuum devs talk design inspiration, post-launch plans

Jef Reahard — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Interviews, Launches, New titles, News items, Perpetuum

You've probably heard of Perpetuum Online, the new mech-based title from indie developer Avatar Creations. What you may not know is that the sprawling sandbox is the result of a tiny 10-man development team. In a new interview with the devs over at Game Reactor, we also learned that even though the UI and certain gameplay elements resemble EVE Online, most of the Avatar team never played CCP's famous MMORPG and instead looked to the real world for design inspiration.

"When designing the crafting system we looked at how humanity would react when faced with new and alien technology and built crafting around those core ideas. The idea of a complex sandbox single-server world might be very similar, but most of the Perpetuum team never played EVE," Avatar says.

The interview also drops a few interesting nuggets including player beta reactions, post-launch development plans, and a peek at the dev team's stance on equalizing veterans and newbs. "Newcomers in any well designed game won't have a chance against seasoned veterans," Avatar states. Check out the full interview at Game Reactor and don't forget that Perpetuum launches November 25th.

Perpetuum devs talk design inspiration, post-launch plans originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Command line execute: Perpetuum powers up open beta and early access

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Promotions, Perpetuum

Do you like robots? We know, look whom we're talking to -- of course you do. Who doesn't? Well, let us ask you this: Do you like piloting hulking robots with enough ordinance to take out a smallish city? Again, that's a mostly rhetorical question.

Ergo, it might be of interest to you to know that Perpetuum, the giant city-killing robot simulation MMO, has not only booted up its open beta, but is looking ahead to an early access program as well. Avatar Creations is coming off fresh from a year and a half of closed beta testing and has its sights set on a launch in the not-too-distant future. Interested parties may get their hands on the open beta starting October 18th, and if the game tickles your fancy, you can pay €9.95 to enter the Early Access program, which includes the first month of launch and an extra week prior to Perpetuum's release.

Perpetuum boasts a single persistent world where one robot can, in fact, make a difference. We've been intrigued by some of the interesting ideas this dev team has whipped up, so it will be great to get our hands on the beta at last. You can read the full press announcement over on the official site.

Command line execute: Perpetuum powers up open beta and early access originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The end of Exteel

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, News items

Set the flags to half-mast, put on your blackest mech armor, and raise a glass with us: As of September 1st, Exteel is shutting its doors and powering down its giant fighting 'bots. NCsoft announced the game's cancellation with a bittersweet consolation prize in the form of a late August event where all parts and mechs will be sold for one NCcoin apiece.

Exteel has been around since December 2007, a mere month after Massively itself opened its doors. While it was never a title to garner a huge amount of attention, Exteel's combination of a mech-based setting, PvP-centric play and microtransaction funding made it unique to the MMO genre.

NCsoft said that the game was no longer "financially viable," adding, "We know that we have many loyal players who love Exteel. Although this decision was a painful one, in the end it was a business decision that had to be made. We encourage everyone to play and have fun with the game that you love in the time you have left."

The end of Exteel originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earthrise devs on risk vs. reward with mechas in organized ganks and looting

James Egan — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, PvP, Earthrise

The post-apocalyptic MMO Earthrise will have PvP game mechanics tightly integrated into the sandbox game. Given the statements made by Earthrise developer Masthead Studios in the past, it's confirmed that full player looting will be both a driver and reward for PvP in this game. It's interesting to note that the inclusion of mechas in Earthrise will likely play a pivotal role in organized ganks or piracy of a sort.

The Earthrise devs explained more about this today in "Mechas, Transit, and Loot" on the game's official forums. The game's community manager Moll writes: "Goliaths of steel used for combat and transit, mechas are definitely not invulnerable to damage and destruction. It takes a bit of effort, but even carefully planned and armed attacks can disrupt a planned resource transportation route and destroy a mecha."

Continue reading Earthrise devs on risk vs. reward with mechas in organized ganks and looting

Earthrise devs on risk vs. reward with mechas in organized ganks and looting originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tabula Rasa's new Mechs: How do I find them?

Shawn Schuster — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Patches, PvP, Tips and tricks, Tabula Rasa

While we gear up for the official release of Tabula Rasa's Deployment 16 onto the live servers, which is rumored to happen later this week, we find ourselves excited for the features coming along with it. These are features we've been awaiting for months, and even if we can only enjoy them for the remaining two weeks, they're fun to play with nonetheless.

One of those features is the drivable Mechs, or Personal Armor Units. These PAUs were announced very early in the game's development and have become almost a joke for the game's skeptics. So we thought we'd take this opportunity to give a quick little guide on how to obtain your PAU on the test server, and eventually the live server.

Continue reading Tabula Rasa's new Mechs: How do I find them?

Tabula Rasa's new Mechs: How do I find them? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tabula Rasa to merge all servers into one

Shawn Schuster — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Business models, Events, in-game, Tabula Rasa

NCsoft has just announced during today's Feedback Friday that they will be merging all four Tabula Rasa servers into one main server, in preparation for the final shutdown next month. This server merge will basically combine all characters and items onto one main server, located on the East Coast of the US.

In a situation like this, many factors are to be considered. What about duplicate character or clan names? Will all characters on one account be combined onto the same character selection screen? These questions, and more, are answered by a handy FAQ set up on the main TR website. They also mention a release of Deployment 16 coming during or shortly after the merge itself, which will introduce all the goodies we've been hearing about for awhile.

Tabula Rasa to merge all servers into one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tabula Rasa's PAUs and Mechs coming in next patch

Shawn Schuster — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, Tabula Rasa

Just when we thought the Tabula Rasa news couldn't get any better with today's Deployment 15 reaching the live servers, we now get word that the highly-anticipated Personal Armor Units that we've been hearing about for a year now are finally coming in Deployment 16.

These PAUs and Mechs will be two separate unit types, obtainable through either a control point mech pad or in the case of the PAU, as a "mount" of sorts. PAUs will only be available to the highest level of Logos Receptives and require a certain skill requirement for usage. Right now, we have word of the Angel PAU for Specialists, the Vulcan PAU for Soldiers, the standard AFS Mech which players are already aware of, the Orson Mech which acts much like a Sapper and finally the Grendel Mech which is described as having the ability to bring down the mightiest of base defenses (it's the big guy in the screenshot above). Check out the complete announcement and let us know what you think in the comments below.

Tabula Rasa's PAUs and Mechs coming in next patch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tabula Rasa finally gets an FPS camera view

Shawn Schuster — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, Game mechanics, Patches, Tabula Rasa

Have you ever wondered why a game like Tabula Rasa never utilized that classic first-person view, considering the fact that it's billed as an FPS-style MMO? The over-the-shoulder view never really did it for most players who were looking for more of a shooter aspect in their game. Rest easy in knowing that the FPS view is finally coming to this NCsoft sci-fi MMO, according to the latest Feedback Friday.

If that's not enough, there will also be a scope view, allowing players to use their Torqueshell Rifles more authentically and adding to the immersion of playing an actual Sniper class. But wait, there's more! This Feedback Friday also describes a new mech cockpit view and increased camera distance from the character, which will be great news for the support classes who tend to hang back a bit from the front lines. Although there's no date mentioned for the implementation of these improvements, you can check out the entire news story for some impressive screenshots showcasing these new views.

Tabula Rasa finally gets an FPS camera view originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Player controlled Mech spotted on Tabula Rasa test server

Adrian Bott — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Patches, Tabula Rasa

It's a long time since the first sighting of a Personal Armor Unit on Tabula Rasa - and that one was disassembled. Now, on TR's public test server, the first prototype mech has been unveiled that players can test-drive. PlanetTR.com board poster RWScissors has bagged a couple of screenshots of the stompy vehicle in action.

The original plan for PAUs called for one specific type per tier-4 class. It's not yet clear whether the developers have stuck to this plan or revised it, though the hint given by new lead designer Susan Kath of 'a cool new system to allow you to customize your mechs through a type of alternative advancement' may suggest the latter. The possibilities have Tabula Rasa players very excited, if unsure about the exact role the mech is meant to play.

For the immediate future, the best source for definitive information on the PAUs must surely be Dev_Ridout, who's going to be doing a podcast with PlanetTR any day now. There's still time for interested players to get questions in.

Player controlled Mech spotted on Tabula Rasa test server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exteel is live and ready for the masses

Matt Warner — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:22:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, New titles, PvP, News items, Exteel

Players waiting to tear it up on some Mechanaughts in NCsoft's latest MMO, Exteel can jump right in now that the game is live after a successful open beta. There is no database wipe, so any players that participated in the open beta will be able to play with their same wrecks. Exteel is an online 3rd person shooter featuring customized mechs, and the gameplay more or less revolves around beating the living crap out of your opponents with a large arsenal of weaponry. Our own Chris Chester posted a first impression look during the open beta that is definitely worth reading if you are considering playing the game.

Exteel is free to play and free to download.
Exteel is supported by RMT (real money trade) -- Exteel's micro-payment system is called NCcoin which will allow players to purchase more powerful weapons, skills, and parts for their Mechanaughts.
Combat is high-speed gunplay, melee combat, think fast or die tactics.
Decide on one of four battle modes: Death Match, Team Death Match, Territory Control, or Last Stand.
Blends the immersive thrill of an FPS with the furious and brutal intensity of Hong Kong gun-play mixed with the feel of classic robot anime.
Minimum and recommended computer specs.

Any Massively readers give Exteel a spin during the open beta? What did you think? Does RMT kill this for you? I'd rather deal with the RMT aspects in this type of MMOG than have to shell out for another subscription to be honest with you.

Exteel is live and ready for the masses originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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