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Runes of Magic's Fires of Shadowforge update features new race, starting zone

Jef Reahard — Fri, 25 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Races, Runes of Magic, Dungeons

Runes of Magic's Chapter V is on the way, and along with several new features, it's bringing a whole lot of dwarven flavor to the game's sprawling fantasy world.

The Shadowforge Dwarves are the game's latest race, and players who choose to roll one will begin their adventures in the new Yrvandis Hollows starting area. In addition to the usual newbie zone accoutrements, the area features an instance called the Outskirts of Taffrock that Frogster describes as "particularly challenging." Players will face off against a final boss known as Dark Gargoylem, along with his horde of aggressive spirits that have hunkered down in the lower levels of the ancient dwarven hall.

Runes of Magic is a free-to-play fantasy title developed by Runewaker and published by Frogster. The Fires of Shadowforge update releases June 12th.

[Source: Frogster press release]

Runes of Magic's Fires of Shadowforge update features new race, starting zone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic weekend event psyches players up for Chapter V

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, Patches, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic is counting down the days until its next major update, Chapter V: Fires of Shadowforge, and Frogster is throwing five exciting events to pep up its playerbase during the wait. The Big Five, as the company is calling it, is currently at the halfway mark as its third event that will take place over the holiday weekend.

From May 25th through May 29th, Runes of Magic players can visit the Helping Hands in one of several locations in the game to get an incredible buff. This two-hour buff will boost experience, talent point, and rare loot gain for all who accept it. Players can receive the buff once a day for the duration of the event.

The highlight of Chapter V is most definitely the addition of a pair of new classes: the Champion and the Warlock. Also coming with Chapter V are the playable Shadowforge Dwarves, a new starter zone, and additional high-level instances. The update will release on June 12th.

Runes of Magic weekend event psyches players up for Chapter V originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic shows off the new Champion and Warlock

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

New classes are always exciting. In a game with an established set of abilities and character options, the chance to take a different option helps keep the game engaging and surprising. That's no doubt part of the rationale behind Runes of Magic's two new classes, the Champion and the Warlock. But they're also meant to show off the ingenuity and cleverness of the Dwarves, and in a new preview of these two classes, it becomes clear just how much both will bring to the table.

The Warlock is an arcane caster who has delved into the knowledge of the Shadowforge Dwarves, allowing him to act as either a damage dealer or a support character as the situation warrants. Champions are masters of pseudo-mystical forge techniques, with the Champion ultimately being capable of transforming into a special Runic Robot form for increased damage and durability. There are only a few more weeks until the game's next major update, and then players will get to try out the new hybrid classes for themselves.

Runes of Magic shows off the new Champion and Warlock originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Play Runes of Magic in your browser (if you're in Europe)

Jef Reahard — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Browser, Runes of Magic

Want to play Runes of Magic in your browser? Now you can, thanks to the fruits of a partnership between Frogster and Kalydo. Frogster tells us that "game quality is not compromised in the new version, and Runes of Magic can now be played on any PC that meets the technical requirements without having to download the full client."

It usually takes about 30 seconds of streaming to reach RoM's main menu and character creation interface. Also of note is the fact that the browser version runs on the same servers as the client version, so you'll still have access to all of your friends and familiars.

The bad news is that the browser version is only available in Europe as of today. We'll update you as soon as we hear about Frogster's plans for additional markets.

[Source: Frogster press release]

Play Runes of Magic in your browser (if you're in Europe) originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition

Jef Reahard — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, EverQuest II, Guild Wars, Events, in-game, MMO industry, RuneScape, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, Runes of Magic, Atlantica Online, Vindictus, Dragon Nest, Miscellaneous

Whether you're an Easter traditionalist or you simply need an excuse to eat a chocolate bunny, it's that time of year again. It's also time for a few of our favorite MMO devs to don their silly hats and introduce all manner of egg hunts and contests into games like RuneScape, Runes of Magic, and World of Warcraft.

That's just the tip of the Easter event iceberg; you'll find several more festively inclined titles in our roundup after the cut. Before you hop on over, have a look at the two bunnies above and repeat after us: d'awww.

Continue reading Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition

Massively's Easter event roundup: 2012 edition originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Star Trek Online, Vanguard, Guild Wars 2, Massively Meta, Humor, World of Darkness, Massively Speaking, Runes of Magic, Miscellaneous

Massively Speaking Episode 194 welcomes aboard resident Star Trek Online expert Terilynn Shull to talk about Tribbles and bits and why Star Trek doesn't have more "The Fly" incidents involving the transporter and local flora or fauna. Captain Archer would have been vastly improved by beaming him into a badger.

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.
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:

Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah!

Massively Speaking Episode 194: Bookah bookah! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic Chapter 5 features new race, two new classes

Jef Reahard — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST

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

Frogster is prepping for the next chapter in its Runes of Magic saga, and the company says it's going to be a doozy. Chapter 5 is called Fires of Shadowforge, and not only will it bring the requisite new zones, dungeons, and quests, but players will also have access to a new race and two new classes.

The Shadowforge Dwarves have been hidden beneath the ground of Taborea for some time now, perfecting their dark arts and blacksmithing skills as well as founding a kingdom in the continent's network of caves. Thus far Frogster is remaining coy about the gameplay associated with the new race and the two new arcane-based classes (the Sorcerer and the Champion), but the company says it will publish skill info and other details in the coming weeks.

[Source: Frogster press release]

Runes of Magic Chapter 5 features new race, two new classes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Soapbox: The hidden perils of Guild Wars 2's microtransactions

Jeremy Stratton — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Economy, Game mechanics, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic, The Soapbox

Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

The ArenaNet post about microtransactions in Guild Wars 2 reveals that the "gems" currency will be bought with real money and be available for purchase with in-game gold in GW2. But people seem to have forgetten that Runes of Magic's cash shop operated this way three years ago. I've been playing RoM since closed beta, and the cash shop is one of the reasons RoM is so different from other F2P MMOs of its era.

Frogster eventually removed the ability to buy diamonds with gold because of fraud, so I'm curious to see how ArenaNet handles that issue. My time in RoM has shown me that there are other issues involved here, issues of security, players gaming the system, botting, and pay-to-win debates. In other words, there's more at stake here than whether cash shops sell gear or items toward gaining power.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The hidden perils of Guild Wars 2's microtransactions

The Soapbox: The hidden perils of Guild Wars 2's microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic on its third anniversary

Jeremy Stratton — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Events, real-world, Events, in-game, New titles, Opinion, Free-to-play, Rumors, Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic's third anniversary is finally upon us. Frogster has been gearing up for the event by holding diamond sales and cash-shop specials. Each anniversary, you can also take part in multiple frog-related quests and events. Frog-bashing, frog disguises, and more frog-bashing have long been a staple. Frog-racing and frog etiquette have been added to the roster. What's frog etiquette? Why, it's either insulting or complimenting frogs, silly. During the festivities, various freebies are usually handed out to players who log in, as well.

The real question is what's new in the land of Taborea, but if you wanted to know about new lands or dungeons, you'll have to wait a little bit longer. There's no official word, but given the time that's passed and the unofficial images and information that are floating around the Internet, we know Chapter 5 can't be too far off. There are still players out there who are far from making their way through the Chapter 4 content, but many guilds on the cutting edge are starting to trample Tomb of the Seven Heroes into a well-worn path.

During this intermediary period, Runewaker added the random attribute extractor and the costume interface. This isn't a replacement to aggregating; it's more like an extension. Most recently, the team introduced a patch containing bug fixes and a sprinkling of changes to the user interface, guilds, pets, vendor NPCs, quests, crafting, and skills. Some of the most exciting information is sketchy but does point to two possible new classes. And what class (or race?) could possibly have skills with names like "forge" and "runecraft" in them? Hmm...

Continue reading Runes of Magic on its third anniversary

Runes of Magic on its third anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic now featuring new raid content, Tergothen Bay zone

Jef Reahard — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic, Dungeons

Thanksgiving presents aren't really a tradition as of yet, but Frogster nonetheless gave its Runes of Magic faithful a gift in the form of the game's 4.0.5 content patch. The update is called Souls of the Past, and it brings a bit of new endgame stuff to the free-to-play fantasy MMO.

First up is a new raid dungeon called the Tomb of the Seven Heroes, and it will challenge groups of 12 players with seven formidable boss battles. Frogster has also raised the level cap to 70 and is also offering up a entirely new content zone called Tergothen Bay. Here the players will find themselves taking part in the ongoing struggles between the region's ruling families, and the new content "paves the way to Chapter 5, which we are all very much looking forward to," says Runes of Magic producer Mandy Blumenthal.

Runes of Magic now featuring new raid content, Tergothen Bay zone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic reveals Souls of the Past trailer

Jef Reahard — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic, Dungeons

Get ready, Runes of Magic fans. Frogster has unveiled a brand-spanking-new trailer for the fantasy title's upcoming Souls of the Past content patch. According to a developer post on the game's official boards, the update will go live on November 22nd and will feature a level cap increase as well as a new adventuring region.

Players will be able to advance from 67 to 70, and they'll also be able to explore Tergothen Bay, a royal coastal town near the foothills of the Redhill Mountains. The trailer is short, but it shows off a few of the big nasties awaiting players in the region's new dungeon. It also touches on the lore behind the new content, and specifically how the demon Sismond continues to manipulate the citizens of Taborea. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading Runes of Magic reveals Souls of the Past trailer

Runes of Magic reveals Souls of the Past trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic partners with Overwolf for social media functionality

Jef Reahard — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic, Miscellaneous

Overwolf is making its presence felt in the MMORPG marketplace of late, and the latest collaboration between the social media developer and a major game company takes place in Runes of Magic. The free-to-play fantasy title now features something called the Magic Hub, and if you're into Facebook as well as easily publishable screenshot and video captures, you'll want to check it out.

The Overwolf software also integrates instant messaging functionality that players can use without leaving the Runes of Magic client, not to mention game database searching functionality and account settings access. "Our new partnership with Overwolf will bridge the gap between the fantasy world of online gaming and the accessibility of social platforms," says Frogster's Daniel Ulrich.

[Source: Frogster Press Release]

Runes of Magic partners with Overwolf for social media functionality originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic stages fox hunt event

Jef Reahard — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events, in-game, News items, PvE, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Looking for an in-game diversion to help wile away your weekend? Well, look no further than Runes of Magic's fox hunt, a mini-event that aims to rid Taborea of its fox population by sending hordes of player pelt-hunters in search of the furry four-legged fiends.

To get started, you'll need to speak with Owenstein, an NPC merchant near the Harf Trading Post in the Ystra Highlands. Each time you bring him a bundle of 50 pelts, he'll gift you with a Happy Smile package, which in turn will grant you one of several desirable reward items.

The event kicks off today and runs through Monday, October 11th. Check out the announcement on the Runes of Magic Facebook page for more details.

Runes of Magic stages fox hunt event originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Why you should be playing Runes of Magic: It's free!

Brendan Drain — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Economy, Game mechanics, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Runes of Magic, Why You Should Be Playing

"Why you should be playing ..." is a free form column from Massively.com intended to inform you about our favorite parts of our favorite games. We want you to know why we're playing them, so you can know what to play.

It's no secret that free-to-play MMOs have gained a permanent foothold in the MMO landscape. With some titles garnering millions of players and others reporting record profits, it's clear that this business model is here to stay. Like most free-to-play games, Runes of Magic is supported by a micro-transaction system. Players spend cash on "diamonds", which can be used to dye equipment, unlock extra backpack space or buy items in the cash shop. Available items for purchase include tools for upgrading equipment, skill reset stones, XP gain potions, cosmetic pets and costumes.

In addition to the usual conveniences and cosmetic options, the Runes of Magic cash shop contains some items that could be considered essential. Yet of the few free-to-play titles I've tried that are supported by a cash shop, I find it the most supportive to players who don't want to spend any money. The method Frogster uses to keep Runes of Magic open to free players is highly effective. While cash can be used as a short-cut or convenience, free players are still able to acquire essential items and make full use of the game. In fact, there's very little a cash-wielding player can do that a free player can't.

In this article, I look at how Runes of Magic can be played without spending any cash.

Continue reading Why you should be playing Runes of Magic: It's free!

Why you should be playing Runes of Magic: It's free! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 May 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic planning a Masked Ball to welcome spring

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Galleries, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

While the cold may still be lingering in many places around the globe, in the online lands of Taborea, spring has come. To celebrate, the folks at Runewaker Entertainment and Frogster Interactive are planning a fancy dress Masked Ball for all Runes of Magic players, and you're all invited!

The Masked Ball event is set to go live with the next content patch coming up in March. Players will be treated to lots of party-themed cake and fruit -- great for restoring health! There will also be the chance to get some special springtime goodies like ornamental masks and transformation potions through springtime daily quests and other party fun.

If you're curious for a sneak peek into the upcoming Masked Ball celebration, be sure to check out the gallery below. Perhaps we'll see you in Runes of Magic for the fun!

Gallery: Runes of Magic Masked Ball

Runes of Magic planning a Masked Ball to welcome spring originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic drops more info about Elves as a playable race

James Egan — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic is the game some view as a free-to-play successor to World of Warcraft. Our own Krystalle Voecks gave us a preview of what's to come in RoM from E3 2009 but Frogster has released a little more info about the next major patch, Chapter II - The Elven Prophecy. Frogster states: "In the upcoming 'Chapter II - The Elven Prophecy', the name giving elven will find their way into the game world Taborea. A widely branching background story entwines about the fairylike race with many new challenges that are going to be told in lots of new quests and new quest lines. Thus, 'Chapter II - The Elven Prophecy' will lead players into new game regions characterized by elven lore like an elven island at the shore of Ravenfell."

Frogster really seems to be on a roll the release of content updates on a regular basis since launch; Return to the Ice Dwarf Kingdom (Patch 1.7) dropped earlier this month, bringing guild castles, permanent pets, and high level content with it. Chapter II - The Elven Prophecy will be released in September 2009. For a first glimpse at screens and concept art for The Elven Prophecy, check out our gallery after the jump.

Continue reading Runes of Magic drops more info about Elves as a playable race

Runes of Magic drops more info about Elves as a playable race originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Runes of Magic adds in the armored warhorse mount

Seraphina Brennan — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Free-to-play, Runes of Magic

Let's face it, you want to ride in style when you're jaunting around Taborea and that old horse just isn't cutting it anymore. So what do you do when you need a new ride? Grab one of the new armored warhorses, of course!

The armored warhorse is a new addition to the Runes of Magic item shop, giving players a new, slightly faster alternative over the current mounts. The horse comes in three different variations, including a 1 day, 30 day, and permanent purchase version.

The 1 day and 30 day versions are economically friendly, only costing 40 diamonds and 100 diamonds respectively. That's around 2 US dollars for the 1 day, and 5 US dollars for 30 days. If you really want to be a sport, though, you can pick up the permanent version for 395 diamonds -- about 20 dollars in US currency. It's a bit expensive, but it's almost to be expected from a horse covered in shiny sheets of metal.

Runes of Magic adds in the armored warhorse mount originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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