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gPotato closing Prius Online, compensating players through April 10th

Jef Reahard — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play

We regret to inform you of the impending death of Prius Online, a free-to-play fantasy title that featured a unique pet system comprised of anima and giga companions.

We first got wind of the title at last year's Game Developer Conference, and we covered its launch in the summer of 2011. In the interim, gPotato has decided to terminate the project and has posted a terse announcement on the game's official website with all the details.

March 27th will be the final day of service, and all cash shop items have been reduced to 1% of their original price for the last two weeks. gPotato is also compensating players via credit in its other games; you'll want to head to the compensation page to take full advantage of that offer by April 10th.

[Thanks to Dweeblok for the tip!]

gPotato closing Prius Online, compensating players through April 10th originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online releases Stronghold of the North expansion

Jef Reahard — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Dungeons

A couple of weeks ago we told you about Prius Online's new Stronghold of the North expansion. The content was slated to release sometime in October, and today we're finally able to report that it is in fact live and available for you to download.

Stronghold adds 500 quests, three new dungeons, two exotic mounts, and a new item upgrade system that "allows players to design their own gear with powerful stats and a unique appearance that suits their character," according to the latest gPotato press release.

That's not all, either, as the expansion brings new looted gear and a new city-based venue for guild siege warfare. Finally, gPotato is offering up a double XP weekend to celebrate all the new content. From October 28th through October 30th, players can look forward to XP bonuses, double drop rates, and welcome back bundles for returning players that include combat enhancers and premium item upgrades. Check out some of the new gear (and the two mounts) in our gallery below.

[Source: gPotato press release]

Gallery: Prius Online

Prius Online releases Stronghold of the North expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online's Stronghold of the North expansion coming October 26th

Jef Reahard — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Dungeons

Remember Prius Online? No, it's not the game where you're a corporate lawyer helping Toyota dodge a bunch of brake-related lawsuits. It's the one where you're the hero of a fantasy world, possessed of a Giga pet and a strange companion called an Anima (the latter of which has a dark and mysterious past that you must unravel as you battle your way through the game world).

Yeah, it's that Prius, and gPotato has just issued a new press release for the game's Stronghold of the North expansion content. New dungeons, new quests (500 of them), and a new level cap (70) are on tap, and the company promises more details to follow before the patch's October 26th launch date. Head to the official Prius Online website to learn more.

[Source: gPotato press release]

Prius Online's Stronghold of the North expansion coming October 26th originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online changes up servers, entices players with contests

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Contests, Free-to-play, Promotions

Big changes are in store for Prius Online this month, particularly in regard to the fledgling game's servers. The dev team announced that the two existing PvP servers -- Requiem and Aurora -- will be merged into a single PvP server called Raven and that players will have their Karma reset. In addition, gPotato is launching a PvE-only server for the game: Primus. The team hopes that this move will accommodate both types of players in what they're seeking.

To celebrate the server restructuring, gPotato is throwing a few fun events for Prius players. On the Raven server, players who hit level 50 by October 4th will be entered into a special raffle for spiffy prizes. Other prize packages are avilable for those who amass the most Karma points and teams that succeed in the Coliseum Tournament.

Over on Primus, gPotato is rewarding the first player who tames 11 specific Pero with a Special Event Pero. More rewards are in store for adventurers who complete specific dungeon quests and take screenshots to prove it (remember kids: screenshots or it didn't happen!), players who cultivate certain items, and outfitters who complete the Yellow Tulip set for their Anima.

All players can benefit from a bonus event in the in-game store, where spending $10 or $50 will net the purchaser additional items. This promotion will continue until October 4th.

Prius Online changes up servers, entices players with contests originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online launches with a spiffy Alienware giveaway

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Contests, Launches, Patches, Free-to-play

It's a really good day for fans of Prius Online. First up, gPotato has officially launched the title worldwide with no regional restrictions whatsoever. On top of that, Prius has beefed up with a major day one patch that includes an increased level cap to 60, new skills, a pair of additional zones, five virgin dungeons, and castle siege warfare, where guilds can engage in PvP skirmishes to take over one of three castles that will bestow special benefits for the victors.

The last reason why this is such a stellar day is that to celebrate the launch, gPotato got together with Alienware to host an awesome giveaway for the game. Starting today, players can loot special Alienware tokens from mobs, and after two weeks, the person who's accumulated the biggest collection will win a souped up Alienware MX11 laptop!

All players will enjoy double XP and drop rates during "peak gaming hours" and other random giveaways, such as the chance to win an HD video camera, during this period. We've also added five new screenshots to our Prius Online gallery, so check 'em out!

Gallery: Prius Online

Prius Online launches with a spiffy Alienware giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online goes worldwide

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Patches, News items, Free-to-play

IP restrictions are about as much fun as any sort of restriction -- but they're also a sometimes necessary reality in the world of free-to-play games, where licensing companies frequently only accept players from a limited range of national IPs. But as Prius Online continues its open beta, the development team has decided to go the opposite route and fling the doors wide open, allowing players worldwide to access the game with no restrictions on regions.

While that alone would be cause for celebration in some circles, the game has also added five new dungeons worth of content for beta testers to enjoy. There's no word on an official launch date just yet, so Prius Online's open beta testers will have to console themselves with the fact that the game is still in the testing stage even though the item shop is open. But you can log in from anywhere, and isn't that worth something?

Gallery: Prius Online

Prius Online goes worldwide originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do the shopping cart: Prius Online opens item shop

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Free-to-play

Prius Online has taken another step toward full-fledged release, as gPotato opened the doors to an in-game item shop today. As with many free-to-play titles, Prius Online will chug along under the power of microtransactions from shop purchases.

The item shop will hold an attractive array of fun and useful goods, ranging from costumes to mounts to all manner of helpful trinkets. To celebrate the shop's opening, Prius Online is handing out a free Leaf of Oblivion to players who log in between June 15th and 19th. The Leaf is capable of resetting your skill points, including your initial job choice, so that you can respec into a better build.

Prius Online went into open beta earlier this month, and any interested parties can check the game out by visiting the website and signing up!

Do the shopping cart: Prius Online opens item shop originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online open beta starts today

Jef Reahard — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

Set your alarm clocks for 5:00 p.m. EDT, Prius fans, as today marks the start of the title's open beta. gPotato has issued a press release detailing what players can expect during the final testing phase. First up is a level cap increase from 25 to 50, followed by the introduction of second classes for all races and finally the new female Ayin race.

New dungeons are coming, too, as are the bounty system and the ability to summon Gigas at level 30. Explorer types will be happy to note the lifting of various regional access restrictions, and PvP fiends can check out the two new unions in the Coliseum Battle System as well as take part in week-long guild battles.

You can learn more about Prius, and download the client, via the official website. Be sure to check out our in-depth coverage from this year's GDC as well.

Prius Online open beta starts today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online hits closed beta testing

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Events, in-game, Free-to-play

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

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

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

Gallery: Prius Online

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

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Check out Prius Online with our closed beta key giveaway!

Rubi Bayer — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Contests, Free-to-play, Giveaways

Good things come to those who wait: Gala-Net has been working on the NA version of Prius Online since last August, and we are finally in the home stretch for closed beta testing.

The first round of closed beta will begin later this month, but we've got plenty of beta keys to share now so you can be ready! You can visit our giveaway page now to get your key, then register for a gPotato account if you haven't already.

Closed beta starts on April 28th, but you can download the client beginning on the 22nd, so keep an eye on the Prius Online site for the download and beta key redemption links. In the meantime, check out the game's forum and our complete rundown of some of the most exciting features of Prius Online!

Check out Prius Online with our closed beta key giveaway! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC 2011: Prius Online and the evolution of MMORPG pets

Jef Reahard — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

The closed beta countdown for Prius Online is in full swing, and the new MMORPG from gPotato is targeting a spring 2011 North American launch window. Prius is a new free-to-play fantasy game (new to the American market, at any rate), and no, it doesn't have anything to do with Toyota automobiles. We recently sat down with the guys from gPotato to talk about how they've spent the last little while working hard to localize Prius and how it differs from your average F2P MMO.

The game has been out in Korea for a couple of years now and was one of the more unique titles we saw at this year's GDC on account of its three-character control system and an unusually elaborate narrative focus and pet mechanic. Join us after the cut for the full scoop on Gigas, Animas, and all things Prius.

Continue reading GDC 2011: Prius Online and the evolution of MMORPG pets

GDC 2011: Prius Online and the evolution of MMORPG pets originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prius Online teaser website, beta signup countdown go live

Jef Reahard — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

There's a new free-to-play game from gPotato on the horizon, and the company is leading into the Prius Online closed beta with a spiffy new teaser website. In a press release earlier this morning, gPotato touted the upcoming title as the "first free-to-play cinematic MMORPG," and said it "pushes the boundaries of free-to-play gaming" by virtue of its storyline, gameplay, and a three-playable-character system that enables gamers to control Adventurers, Anima companions, and a mysterious third party called a Giga.

The full (and forthcoming) Prius website will play host to lore features, artwork, and videos, while the current countdown timer heralds the coming of closed beta signups which will be available between Friday, March 4th and Sunday, March 13th.

Prius Online teaser website, beta signup countdown go live originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on

Beau Hindman — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, MMO industry, New titles, Opinion, Free for All

There is so much to be excited about in the MMORPG world that I am always perplexed when someone claims lack of innovation in the market. I tend to think that this comes from an inability to play more than one game, or to support more than one idea in gaming, rather than from the actual state of the market. The fact is that there is so much happening in the world of gaming, and specifically free-to-play gaming, a player should feel almost overwhelmed.

I wanted to point out three games now in development (or very close to release) that I believe will do very well. Think of this as a list of predictions -- in fact I am going to have some fun with it and predict just how well these games will do. I have always enjoyed testing my gut. Concerning these three games, my gut is very, very excited. So, let's get right to the list.

Continue reading Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on

Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gala-Net enters agreement to publish Prius in North America

Rubi Bayer — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, New titles, Free-to-play

It sounds either the opening line or the punchline for some sort of car-related MMO joke, but it's true. Prius Online is a popular free-to-play game in Korea, and Gala-Net has worked out a deal with CJ Internet, the game's Korean publisher and developer.

Not much is known about the NA version of Prius Online, but Gala-Net describes it as a "3C" or three-character fantasy game. The three characters consist of you and two AI-controlled companions, the Anima and Giga. The Anima is your companion, who grows and advances alongside you. The Giga is a sort of mercenary called forth in battle.

Gala-Net promises more information coming to the gPotato site very soon!

Gala-Net enters agreement to publish Prius in North America originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The unintended consequences of MMO design (and cars)

Michael Zenke — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion

Veteran game designer Damion Schubert put up an interesting post to his personal site discussing some of the unintended consequences of design choices. Just as the seemingly simple decision to allow objects to have collision properties resulted in Ultima Online towers being robbed, design elements in other fields can have unexpected results.

Schubert points out the dangers of the Prius as a perfect example of these unexpected results. The fact that the hybrid vehicle is incredibly quiet probably didn't seem like a big deal to the Toyota designers. In fact, they may have seen that as a plus. A plus for everyone except those without sight, of course. The result is that the vehicle's designers are now considering how to add more auditory feedback to the vehicle. Check out the post and the attendant comments for some additional MMO design elements that seem, in 20/20 hindsight, kind of obvious.

The unintended consequences of MMO design (and cars) originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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