Massively

Mytheon closing up shop

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Free-to-Play, Mytheon

Faxion Online wasn't the only UTV True Games project to be axed following the company's acquisition by Disney. It turns out that Mytheon, too, is in the process of closing down for good.

In the sole announcement on the Mytheon forums, the team posted a note that the game would be spinning down starting this past July 27th in preparation for a final shutdown at an undisclosed date in the near future. Players can no longer register for the game nor download it. Mytheon planned to launch in 2010 but was kept in beta testing far past the projected release date.

This announcement ends on a bittersweet note: "Finally, we'd like to send out a huge thank you to all our players who've joined us on this journey. Keep challenging fate, The Mytheon Team."

[Thanks to Paul for the tip!]

Mytheon closing up shop originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online closing the doors of heaven and hell

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

It may not have had a long life, but Faxion Online's certainly was memorable. The PvP-centric MMO with the unique heaven-and-hell theme has announced that it is closing its doors within the month, following rumors that the entire team had been laid off.

In a brief statement posted on the forums, players were notified of the game's closure, which will occur in a couple quick stages. This week, players will not be able to register for the game, download it, or use the store, while the servers will be powered down within 30 days from today.

"We're eternally grateful for all the support, feedback, and competition our players have provided through thick and thin," the announcement stated. "Faxion's development was a Herculean effort that some said was impossible given the timeframe and resources we had, and we're proud to have delivered a PvP-driven experience that people could enjoy. Alas, all good things must come to an end."

Faxion Online launched on May 26th this year, making this one of the quickest demises of an MMO since last year's All Points Bulletin. We at Massively wish the best for Faxion's staff in the coming months.

Faxion Online closing the doors of heaven and hell originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Entire Faxion Online team laid off

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, Free-to-Play, Rumors, Faxion Online

Although the Faxion Online team has weathered layoffs before, today it looks as though none have survived a recent culling.

According to a forum post citing a former UTV employee, it's rumored that the entire team has been given their pink slips. "It is now officially dead," the unnamed source wrote. "They laid off the rest of the Faxion team, so there is no one left to do anything."

Disney recently bought out UTV Ignition, which oversees Faxion Online, and there was some speculation that the Mouse House might be making cuts in this struggling PvP MMO and elsewhere. So far this is an unconfirmed rumor, and it remains to be seen what impact this will have on Faxion going forward if true.

Rumor: Entire Faxion Online team laid off originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play

Beau Hindman — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Culture, Opinion, RuneScape, Free-to-Play, Browser, Casual, Humor, Free Realms, Kids, Free for All, Dragon Nest, Family, Clone Wars Adventures, Faxion Online

Of all of the wacky arguments I have heard over the last few years, the "are video games art?" one has got to take the prize for most ridiculous. Sure, you can argue either side of anything, but to ask whether or not games are art just seems to be an attempt to assuage some boredom. We can also ask whether this life is really real, just in case we hadn't already been put to sleep. Art is what the artist says it is, period.

Art is also in the eye of the beholder. Our games are spread across a wide spectrum of styles, and many of us have very strong feelings about what we like and will not tolerate. I have seen people turn down great games simply because of the way a screenshot looked. Heck, I've done it myself. With as many games as I look at every week, occasionally it is smart (and fun) to organize them into lists. This week I am taking stock of my game list and figuring out the games that I feel look the best. Of course, you might not think so.

I decided to leave off games that are in testing or not available for the public yet. Click past the cut and see if you agree with me!

Continue reading Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play

Free for All: The best-looking games in free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney looking to buy out Faxion Online developer

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: MMO Industry, Legal, Miscellaneous, Faxion Online

Disney could become a major player in the future of Faxion Online if it goes ahead with a proposed deal to buy out the rest of UTV Software Communications' stock. Currently, Disney has a majority stake in the company -- 50.4% -- but this move would bring it up to a nice round 100%.

The Ignition Entertainment label would fall under this deal, which has already been struggling with numerous layoffs and studio closings. We recently reported that UTV Ignition had to cut a good portion of its programming, maintenance, and customer service staff as part of these problems.

Whether or not this deal will prove a boon or a hammer blow to Ignition remains to be seen. Disney has previously closed down developers Black Rock and Propaganda Games, although Mickey's parent company is looking to move in the direction of more social and casual gaming. We'll keep a close eye on this deal to see how it plays out.

Disney looking to buy out Faxion Online developer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online studio hit with layoffs

Eliot Lefebvre — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

If you're a fan of Faxion Online, the last thing you want to hear about is members of the game's development team getting the axe. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened today -- UTV Ignition has reportedly cut staff from the division responsible for much of the game's programming and maintenance. Exact lists have varied, with Don Choi (vice-president of UTV's online division) claiming that only a small fraction of employees were let go while employees affected have claimed that the majority of the studio has now been cut.

The affected team members have claimed that the game's customer service and support are also being cut and outsourced, while Choi maintains that the game will still be running and receive updates and improvements. Which version of events is the honest one is a bit unclear at the moment, but we offer our condolences to Faxion Online development members affected by these layoffs.

Faxion Online studio hit with layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online celebrating independence with wings

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

If you're not American, the fourth of July might not mean a lot to you -- but if you are a resident of the United States, it's a holiday of some significance. Of course, it's also significant if you're an angel or a demon in Faxion Online, as it turns out even the celestial realm will be celebrating the event. After all, every time a pyrotechnic display goes off in honor of a country's culture, an angel (or fallen angel) gets its wings, which should account for just about all of the festive appendages being dispensed for the holiday.

Throughout July 4th, players who log in to Faxion Online will receive the special wings for the holiday. If you're a little too busy with cookouts and parades to get online, however, there's still hope -- the wings will be available for players through July 6th. It's not a full-fledged holiday event, but it's a chance to get a little extra something out of the long weekend, and who could say no to that?

Faxion Online celebrating independence with wings originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online announces guild war system

Matt Daniel — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

You know that one guild? The one you hate? The one whose members you've ignored, and the one that makes your teeth grind just from the mention of its name? Well, UTV True Games wants you to do something about it! An upcoming update to Faxion Online will introduce Inquisitions, which will allow guilds to declare all-out war on one another.

These guild wars can last anywhere from a single day to a fortnight, throughout which the involved guilds' members will be free to gank one another to their hearts' content. Not a guild kind of person? Don't worry! Free agents can be hired on as mercenaries if they wish to join the fray. And if the guilds don't want to fight it out to the bitter end, the system also includes ways to negotiate a surrender or declare a stalemate, all the while tracking each guild's stats on a leaderboard. So get out there, don your halos and horns, and start killing one another! After all, you're already in purgatory anyway.

Faxion Online announces guild war system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online gets its wings... and some combat overhauls

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

Faxion Online has only been out a short while, but the staff at UTV True Games is hard at work trying to make the game better from the start. The newest patch for the game, 1.58, has just gone live, bringing with it a variety of improvements and the addition of two brand-new wing styles. But those aren't the centerpiece of the patch, which is instead focused (pun unintended) around a rebalancing of the Focus stat and some large-scale combat changes.

The short version is that Focus was doing too much and has had some of its functions as a stat moved elsewhere. The long version goes into detail about how values will affect characters differently in the post-1.58 world. Faxion Online players can take a peek at the full list of patch notes right here, or they can just log on and start picking up some fallen angel wings post-haste.

Faxion Online gets its wings... and some combat overhauls originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online

Beau Hindman — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, MMO Industry, PvP, Free-to-Play, Interviews (Massively's), Faxion Online

It's been only a short time since Faxion Online launched, and despite some issues with performance and balance, the game is already seeing a strong, dedicated playerbase. Perhaps the PvP-centric world, along with its open, skill-based class system, has encouraged this sort of dedication. UTV Ignition Games is fully aware of the issues that are in the game now and has promised that it's on top of them. The game was created with a smaller team, time frame, and budget than most games that we talk about here on Massively, so it's important to note the growing pains.

How do you divide your time between balance and performance? What do you do, as a developer, when the loudest wheels are squeaking about one issue, while others claim they have no issues at all? These are the quandaries of the smaller developer, especially a developer running a game that obviously offers something different.

We took some time to ask Mike Madden, Director of Product Management, and Frank Lucero, Studio Head, about their concerns as well as what they see happening in the future. So click past the cut to see what they had to say!

Continue reading Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online

Massively chats Heaven, Hell and destructible churches with Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snag a Faxion Online token code from Massively!

Brianna Royce — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Contests, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Giveaways, Promotions, Faxion Online

Is greed your favorite vice? We hope so!

The folks at UTV True Games have given us a multi-use code that will grant 100 of our quickest-clicking readers 30 tokens apiece for use in Faxion Online, the heaven-and-hell-themed MMO that released only last month.

To redeem the code for yourself, log in to the official Faxion Online website, head straight to the store redemption page, and enter the key. Then pause a moment to roll around in your piles of free tokens. You've earned it.

Here's the mega-key: FAXIONMOGULE9P1 -- good luck!

Snag a Faxion Online token code from Massively! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rise and Shiny recap: Faxion Online

Beau Hindman — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, Opinion, Humor, Rise and Shiny

I've been following Faxion Online for quite a while. Aww, I remember when it was just a cute little game in development, back when I visited the UTV True Games studio for a tour during GDC Online last year. The team was very passionate about its product, and there was obviously a lot of talent at work behind the scenes. One of the comments I made then (and that I will always remember) is that the devs all seemed like a bunch of gamers -- they appeared to have a love for what they were doing and truly seemed to believe in the game.

They also talked about how a lot of MMO development took several years and the budget of a small country. I agreed with them on that. So they wanted to create their game in a much shorter time period yet have it still feature free-to-play accessibility along with old-school PvP. It was a tall order, especially considering the time frame they were looking at. Again, though, the team seemed capable of pulling it off.

But did it? I spent half a week (I will explain later) in the game, and my impressions are right past the cut.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Faxion Online

Rise and Shiny recap: Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MV Guide: May 30 - June 5, 2011

Rubi Bayer — Mon, 30 May 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of games to take a look at. During Livestream events, you can participate in the live chat to learn about the game, ask questions, and spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, Livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's scheduled for this week!

Continue reading MV Guide: May 30 - June 5, 2011

MV Guide: May 30 - June 5, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online launch-day roundup

Matt Daniel — Thu, 26 May 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

Heaven or Hell! Let's rock! UTV Ignition Games' Faxion Online is going live today, pitting the celestial forces of Heaven against the diabolical ranks of Hell in a struggle for supremacy over the realm of Limbo. If you're thinking about joining this divine war, then we're here to help. We've compiled a list of the best Faxion articles Massively has to offer for your perusal in hopes of giving you a bit of a leg up on the competition before you swear allegiance to your faction of choice.

So secure your halos and horns and jump on past the cut for Massively's Faxion roundup, and should you exhaust the list, remember that there's more to be had in Massively's Faxion archives.

Continue reading Faxion Online launch-day roundup

Faxion Online launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online launching May 26th

Jef Reahard — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

Judgment day is coming. No, not that one (or even that one). The fire and brimstone of your typical MMORPG launch is bearing down on the world of Faxion Online thanks to the official announcement of the title's launch date. UTV True Games has issued a press release confirming that the free-to-play fantasy game will debut on May 26th and bring its unique blend of tongue-in-cheek humor and an irreverent take on PvP to players across the globe.

Faxion's conflict revolves around the control of war-torn Limbo, the halfway house between heaven and hell that serves as the game's central locale. Players will also fight over the seven deadly sins in a never-ending struggle between light and dark. "We are excited to launch Faxion Online, and based on our burgeoning community's feedback, we have added several new features that will only intensify the combat-driven gameplay experience," says UTV's Frank Lucero. While today's press release doesn't elaborate when it comes to the new features, we'll be bringing you more Faxion-related info as launch day draws near.

Faxion Online launching May 26th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online commercial gets to the heart of conflict

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, PvP, Free-to-Play, Humor, Faxion Online

"We know conflict," a new ad for Faxion Online says, and boy do they ever! The tongue-in-cheek spot shows a fictional (or is it?) day at UTV True Games, where a frisky pirate and an arrogant ninja happen to walk into the same elevator. What happens next can only be seen, not described, although we would not blame you for weeping out of awe.

The commercial highlights the spirit of PvP that lies at the core of Faxion Online, an upcoming MMO that pits angelic players vs. their demonic counterparts. The same sense of humor that comes through in this ad runs rampant throughout the game, as players war over zones themed after the seven deadly sins.

Currently, Faxion is in open beta. You can watch the full carnage of this video after the jump.

Continue reading Faxion Online commercial gets to the heart of conflict

Faxion Online commercial gets to the heart of conflict originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online delivers the ten commandments of PvP

Jef Reahard — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

Thou shalt target the healers? Check. Honor thy guild and group? Check.

If you fancy yourself a PvPer, Faxion Online's newly released Ten Commandments of PvP is worth a read. Even if you're not, the list will no doubt provide a chuckle or two in what appears to be the latest evidence that the free-to-play fantasy title will deliver its MMO conventions with tongue planted firmly in cheek.

In a new press release dated this morning, UTV True Games laid out a PvP manifesto with its trademark sense of humor, alluding to artifacts unearthed "at a remote dig site (located two floors above the basement of the company's Austin studio)." Said artifacts have caused a bit of consternation for Faxion's devs, as UTV creative director Mike Madden explained. "All heretofore planned projects, both announced and unannounced, that pit player against player must be reviewed to incorporate the deeper meaning conveyed to us by these ancient tablets," he said.

Faxion Online is currently in open beta, and you can learn more -- as well as sign up -- at the game's official website.

Faxion Online delivers the ten commandments of PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDC 2011: Checking in with UTV True Games

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Video, Free-to-Play, Events (Massively's Coverage), Mytheon, Faxion Online

Casual, colorful and comical: That's the effort that UTV True Games is putting into its growing portfolio of MMOs. From Faxion Online to Mytheon, UTV has quite a few things cooking on the stove, and we happily taste-tested new visuals and info from this year's Games Developer Conference.

First up was the PvP-centric Faxion, pitting the good-smelling forces of Heaven against the sulfur-sprayed armies of Hell. Faxion is currently prepping for its second closed beta test, and we've been intrigued by what we've seen so far. The devs released 10 new images for the game, which you can see below:

Gallery: Faxion Online

For more previews of UTV's Mytheon, Sky Legends and Planet Crashers, hit the jump and pray you have a chute!

Continue reading GDC 2011: Checking in with UTV True Games

GDC 2011: Checking in with UTV True Games originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Snowballs piling up in Hell: Faxion Online enters its second closed beta test

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Patches, PvP, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

"Free to pray, free to prey, free to play," the tagline goes. While Faxion Online continues to milk all of the religious-themed puns the team can think of (and it's hard not to add your own!), this afterlife MMO continues to charge ahead with the second phase of its beta process.

UTV True Games announced that Faxion Online has entered its second closed beta test, which has been expanded to include new players and a number of improvements implemented after the first test. Faxion now has an improved starter tutorial that invites players to learn about heavenly living or hellish confluct, depending on the class chosen. Other improvements include class reballancing, new areas and teleportation stones that help warriors get to the conflicts even faster than before.

UTV's Frank Lucero credits the players for shaping the game's development: "The responses to the first closed beta have been incredible in helping us determine updates for this second phase."

You can check out this tongue-in-cheek PvP MMO by signing up for the beta test or by vicariously experiencing the spiritual planes in our Faxion Online first impressions.

Snowballs piling up in Hell: Faxion Online enters its second closed beta test originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Faxion trailer reveals combat details and status effects

Jef Reahard — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Game Mechanics, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

The combat in Faxion Online is shaping up to be a cut above the MMORPG norm according to a press release and a new video from UTV True Games. The free-to-play firm has just detailed Faxion's fighting system and is touting numerous visual cues and effects that help the player unleash hell on his enemies.

Combat information is conveyed via a combination of color-coded floating text, status icons, and Vortex Effects, which change the player's viewing area (like the "Confuse" effect in the header image). Faxion's combat status reports can be summed up thusly: The more severe an effect, the stronger the player notification. "We don't want players to rely on the same old visuals; instead we want there to be an instinct and intuitiveness to this combat system that also allows them to know their status quickly so they can dish out more pain to their enemies," says UTV Studio Head Frank Lucero.

Check out the video after the cut and head to the official Faxion Online website to sign up for beta. You can also see four screenshots of the game's status effects in the gallery below.

Gallery: Faxion Online

Continue reading New Faxion trailer reveals combat details and status effects

New Faxion trailer reveals combat details and status effects originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Mytheon trailer features the wrath of Zeus

Jef Reahard — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mytheon

The marketing for UTV True Games' Mytheon MMO is building to a simmering boil, much like the Greek god Zeus' slow-burning anger over the ungrateful disobedience of his mortal children. Mytheon developer Q&As, closed beta announcements, and class trailers are all present and accounted for, and today they're joined by the latest video sneak peek: a new trailer featuring the thunder god himself.

Mytheon is an action MMO that mixes strategy with classical mythology, so it's only natural that Zeus take center stage in both the game and its public awareness campaign. The new trailer lacks gameplay footage and focuses entirely on CG elements, but the stage is nonetheless set for what appear to be epic battles between Zeus and his errant spawn (i.e., Mytheon players).

Continue reading New Mytheon trailer features the wrath of Zeus

New Mytheon trailer features the wrath of Zeus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mytheon closed beta starts today

Jef Reahard — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mytheon

Stonecasters of the world unite! UTV True Games is kicking off the start of Mytheon's closed beta by inviting back previous testers as well as new ones. If you're one of the former, you'll find that quite a few changes have come to the F2P fantasy game. If you're new and looking to get started with Mytheon's beta, UTV has the sign-up form front and center on its official website. Testers will be given the "VIP treatment," according to a UTV press release, and they will be able to take part in leaderboard-driven PvP matches, mythology-based trivia contests (with unique prizes), and hourly in-game giveaways.

Mytheon is an action MMORPG that mixes strategy with elements of classical mythology. The game has undergone a lengthy development process and has even survived a source code-related legal spat between UTV and Petroglyph (the title's original developer). For more information, check out the impressions of Massively's own Beau Hindman, who profiled the title last summer.

Mytheon closed beta starts today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online announces: "Hell has frozen over"

Krystalle Voecks — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

Lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. No, we're not talking about the last raid you went on -- we're talking about the upcoming free-to-play MMO, Faxion Online. The forces of heaven and hell are warring to take over limbo, and hell is freezing over due to the onslaught. Thankfully, today's "Hell Freezes Over" event marks the start of closed beta for Faxion Online, so more players will be joining the armies of dark and light. How the balance between the two powers will end up, nobody knows.

In perhaps one of the more amusing PR statements we've ever gotten, Frank Lucero, Studio Head at UTV Games, said, "When celebrating 'Hell Freezes Over' day you are supposed to pull out a list of all the things you said you would do when Hell freezes over but screw that; why not just come and check out Faxion instead?" With offline skill-leveling, a combat-centric system, and open PvP among the many systems offered in the game, it may be heaven or hell depending on playstyle. Nonetheless, if you'd like to check out the game, then head over to the Faxion Online site and get signed up for closed beta!

Gallery: Faxion Online

Faxion Online announces: "Hell has frozen over" originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online sends traditional MMO classes straight to hell

Jef Reahard — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

It's rare that an MMO laces its world design, gameplay, and lore with humor, but UTV True Games' Faxion Online is doing just that. It's a good thing too, as anything other than a tongue-firmly-in-cheek approach to religion in the public arena can be a recipe for commercial disaster.

Enter UTV's latest press release then, one that focuses on the free-to-play title's unique multi-classing system while gleefully proclaiming that traditional MMO classes can go to hell. "Faxion's class system is somewhat of a misnomer," says UTV's Frank Lucero. "In reality, the classes are nothing more than fundamental components that the players themselves can use to create their own toolbox of hellish destruction or heavenly onslaught."

How exactly does this work out for the player? It depends on your end goals. For example, folks desiring a traditional druid-type toon will probably want to roll a Guardian class and dabble in Diviner and Crusader classes. Similarly, those interested in an evil cleric archetype should start with a Zealot and add a bit of Reaver into the mix. The possibilities are numerous, and UTV provides a helpful primer for each class after the cut, as well as some associated imagery in the gallery below.

Gallery: Faxion Online

Continue reading Faxion Online sends traditional MMO classes straight to hell

Faxion Online sends traditional MMO classes straight to hell originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mytheon releases class trailer and internal Q&A

Jef Reahard — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Trailers, Video, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mytheon

What's next for the makers of Mytheon now that its trans-continental relocation quest is complete? How about a new class trailer and a lengthy internal interview session detailing various behind-the-scenes development initiatives? The clip sports some pretty high production values as well as in-game footage related to the Warcaster, Eidolon, and Elementalist classes. While the video is fairly short, it does whet our appetites for more footage from the forthcoming free-to-play fantasy title.

UTV True Games has also released a Q&A document outlining some of its aims for Mytheon's beta phase and beyond. Join us after the cut for discussion about high-level content, guild improvements, and more.

Continue reading Mytheon releases class trailer and internal Q&A

Mytheon releases class trailer and internal Q&A originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively's first look at Faxion Online

Beau Hindman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Screenshots, Previews, PvP, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Humor, Faxion Online

The worst thing about touring through a virtual world is not knowing exactly what to bring with you. Over the last several months I have slowly but surely tweaked my habits to make writing easier. Even then I am sometimes perplexed as to how to do it better and what tools would work best for me. Luckily, the greatest tool of all time does exist and is dirt cheap. It fits within my pocket and works with any operating system or peripheral.

Yes, I'm talking about a stack of Post-Its.

As I ran through the different areas of Faxion Online with one of the developers, I scribbled my notes down on the tiny notepad. Then I stuck the notes to my computer monitor for later reference. I also took screenshots (not the ones you see in this article -- these were supplied by UTV True Games, the developer behind Faxion) and later used them to try to remember how I felt during the walkthrough. While writing, I looked down at my Post-Its and saw three key words: optimization, stylized graphics, and gross fat guy.

Click past the cut to see what else I might have jotted down.

Continue reading Massively's first look at Faxion Online

Massively's first look at Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Irreverent confession: An interview with Faxion Online's UTV True Games

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, PvP, Free-to-Play, Faxion Online

You're dead -- so sorry, chap! Fortunately, that doesn't mean your gaming adventures are over. On the contrary, according to Faxion Online, they've just begun. In the world of Limbo, players are pulled between the forces of heaven and hell as they fight each other through the physical manifestations of the seven deadly sins.

Curious about Faxion Online, we sat down with UTV True Games to discuss the deep issues of beta, religion and epeens.

Massively: How's the progress toward closed beta coming along?

UTV True Games: It's coming along at an insane pace. The team is focused and beating away at the long list of tasks that loom before us all prior to launching beta as well as the game. We are working on zones, abilities and items, along with wrapping up features and tightening the nuts and bolts of various aspects of the game. The team was able to catch their breath over the holidays a bit, so it's going to allow us to have a good strong kick to the finish.

Continue reading Irreverent confession: An interview with Faxion Online's UTV True Games

Irreverent confession: An interview with Faxion Online's UTV True Games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Explore Faxion Online's seven deadly sins

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Previews, PvP, Faxion Online

Does the angel on your right shoulder take a lot of union-approved time off, so much so that you end up listening to the devil on your left shoulder more often than not? Then Faxion Online has a temptation that's right up your alley -- seven sinful zones, each revolving around one of the classic seven deadly sins.

Taking heavenly and hellish themes with a strong dose of humor, Faxion Online's world becomes a literal battleground for the soul. By taking each of the deadly sins and turning them into a zone to be fought over and conquered, Faxion has created a unique twist on the genre. If the forces of heaven take over a zone, it turns nicer, and if the forces of evil are triumphant, then there will be hell to pay.

UTV True Games' Frank Lucero says that the PvP over these areas will keep players transfixed: "These zones offer all of the competitive combat play that players desire including PVP, innovative territory control and an ability ranking system that will keep players engaged in the timeless struggle of good vs. evil."

Hit the jump to read up on Faxion's themed zones and see for yourself what your sins have wrought!

Continue reading Explore Faxion Online's seven deadly sins

Explore Faxion Online's seven deadly sins originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UTV moves Mytheon development to China, hints at upcoming closed beta

Jef Reahard — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mytheon

The latest chapter in the saga of the free-to-play action MMO called Mytheon features a lengthy quest across a vast ocean and two continents -- and that's before a player even logs into the game. In a press release dated earlier this morning, Texas-based UTV True Games announced the relocation of Mytheon development to its internal studio in Beijing.

"Moving the development of Mytheon to our internal studio is a very positive move for the game because we have total creative control over the title and we can tailor Mytheon's content to the preferences and needs of the community that has already grown around it," said UTV CEO Jeff Lujan. Some of said content tailoring is taking the form of improved guild functionality, camera controls, and tweaks to the various stones and stone types. For the uninitiated, Mytheon players are referred to as Stonecasters after their ability to combine and cast magical stones in battle.

In addition to the studio move, UTV has announced that a new closed beta phase will begin in late January. Previous testers will be contacted via email and will be able to use their existing accounts to access the new phase.

UTV moves Mytheon development to China, hints at upcoming closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online taking closed beta registrations

Jef Reahard — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play

The war between heaven and hell is coming, and UTV True Games is looking to you to shape it. The F2P developer's new Faxion Online MMORPG is gearing up to break the seals on its closed beta test, and registering on the game's official website automatically puts you in the selection pool of potential testers.

The beta is currently scheduled for early 2011 and will allow participants to test the game's factions, territory control, and combat, not to mention the eternal struggle for control of the seven deadly sins. "We already know the game is funny, exciting and addictive, however, at this stage of the game's development, we need to elicit the help of some rigorous beta testers to offer their opinions and feedback to help us fine tune the game and make it as great as it can be," said UTV executive Frank Lucero in a press release dated earlier this morning.

While Faxion's home page features both account registration and newsletter sign-up options, no mention of official beta sign-ups is made. A UTV staffer did address the issue on the game's official forums though, saying that "anyone who has registered on our website is considered a potential candidate for closed beta."

[Thanks to Massively's Jeremy Stratton for the forum link!]

Faxion Online taking closed beta registrations originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Class abilities come to light in Faxion Online announcement

Beau Hindman — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Launches, PvP, Free-to-Play, Humor

It looks like players of the highly anticipated PvP-centric free-to-play MMORPG Faxion Online will use a wide variety of abilities and powers to experience the core of the game. While someone will raise those levels and sharpen those skills the old fashioned way, she can also improve on those abilities using queued, offline skill training similar to EVE Online's. Abilities include Shockwave, a wave of force that will knock back enemies and deal damage; Legion, an ability that only Hell players will get (because Hell is the cooler side) that releases spirits into the bodies of its victims (hopefully while Raining Blood plays in the background;) and Tribunal, which allows players to flourish a weapon, causing all sorts of bodily damage to nearby enemies.

That's not all: there are 50 abilities per class available at launch, allowing multi-class cleverness or single-specialization accuracy. All of the abilities grow normally with time, but their advancement can be sped up using microtransactions. Some abilities will be level-limited, however, to ensure that no one player has such an advantage.

We visited UTV True Games during GDC Online, so check out that tour here. The game seems to be in great hands -- its developers harken from the lands of Ultima Online, Shadowbane, and many other popular titles. Keep an eye out because the game is expected to hit beta stages later this year.

That means you still have time to download some Dio. Or, if you're on the Heaven side, here's something more your speed.

Gallery: Faxion Online

Class abilities come to light in Faxion Online announcement originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warrior Epic closes its doors

Justin Olivetti — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, Free-to-Play

After a year and a half in service, Warrior Epic looks to be destitute. The free-to-play MMO had its service shut off on Friday by ijji, which posted the following announcement in the company's forums:

"As of November 12th, 2010, Warrior Epic will no longer be serviced through ijji.com. The ijji Warrior Epic team would like to thank you for your support during this journey. As a token of our gratitude for your loyalty, we would like to reward you an ijji loyalty package. If you had registered for an ijji Warrior Epic account, you will receive an email with full details on this loyalty package. Thank you again for your support, and we look forward to seeing you in our other exciting games!"

Details of the loyalty package can be found on this thread, where ijji promises to hand out items for former Warrior Epic players if they register for GunZ or Lunia.

Warrior Epic was developed by UTV True Games, the same studio behind Mytheon and Faxion Online.

Warrior Epic closes its doors originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GDCO 2010: UTV True Games wows with three new titles

Beau Hindman — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Historical, Interviews, MMO Industry, New Titles, Previews, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Browser, Interviews (Massively's), Hands-On (Massively's), Events (Massively's Coverage)

One of the most thrilling aspects of this job is visiting game studios. It's essentially like stepping into a toy factory, complete with strange noises and funny personalities. Nerf guns are a staple, and each desk or station is decorated with all types of toys, posters, and other trophies from Nerd-dom. UTV True Games is no different, so when we were asked to sit down with three (count 'em, three) different teams to preview some new titles, we knew we were in for a good time.

Of course, our professionalism prevented us from actually clapping and going "sqqquuueeeee!" every time a new product was shown, but it's very possible that the teams would not have cared anyway. So what did we see? What do we have to look forward to from the same people that brought us Mytheon? Well, click past the cut and let's take a look!

Continue reading GDCO 2010: UTV True Games wows with three new titles

GDCO 2010: UTV True Games wows with three new titles originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sean Dahlberg moves on to Faxion Online development

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Star Wars: The Old Republic

For some of our readers, the idea of managing the community for Star Wars: The Old Republic would be a dream job. (How well this lines up with understanding what community managers actually have to do is debatable.) Sean Dahlberg, however, has apparently decided that he's had quite enough of that scene, so he's packed up and moved on to UTV True Games and Faxion Online. It's a bit of an odd move, and Dahlberg has put up a short entry on his personal blog explaining why he's moved on and what he's moving on to do.

Faxion Online is a free-to-play game focused on the war between Heaven and Hell, with what Dahlberg describes as a sense of humor resembling that of the inimitable Dungeon Keeper franchise. He explains that while he enjoyed working with communities, he wanted to get back into designing fun systems for an actual game, and he felt that he could make a larger contribution by shifting focus to his current occupation of Senior Game Systems Designer for Faxion. For more details and a few more tidbits about what's planned for the free-to-play title, take a look at his full entry.

Sean Dahlberg moves on to Faxion Online development originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online!

Seraphina Brennan — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Events (Real-World), MMO Industry, Livestream

GDC Online (formerly GDC Austin) is rapidly approaching, and we here at Massively.com are making sure that we're on the front lines of coverage from the event. We have plenty of interviews lined up with a huge variety of companies, and we're teaming up with our friends at GameBreaker.TV to deliver live coverage of the event via GameBreaker's live show at the Vivox booth!

To get you excited for the coming conference, we've provided the list of companies we're meeting with just after the break! The list isn't fully extensive, as we'll be covering a variety of panels as well, but it will give you an idea of whom we're meeting with. Plus, keep an eye out for a link to the live GameBreaker.TV broadcast on our right-hand sidebar! Their coverage of the event will be starting on Wednesday, October 6th at 12:00 p.m. EDT!

Continue reading Massively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online!

Massively.com and GameBreaker.TV: Coming to you live from GDC Online! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UTV True Games readies Faxion Online

Jef Reahard — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play

Ready to do your part in the eternal struggle between the forces of heaven and hell? No, we're not talking about the Bible Online or, God forbid (please), another Left Behind game, but rather UTV True Games' Faxion Online. The free-to-play fantasy title features endless battles for territorial control over Limbo, the war-torn nether realm that exists between paradise and eternal damnation.

While the idea of banishing PvPers to the depths of hell might appeal to some, Faxion is aiming to attract both PvE and PvP players, and encourages factional struggles to control the fate of the seven deadly sins (which make up the title's contested zones). If it sounds a bit unusual, it is, but it's also being produced by a team that includes veterans of both Ultima Online and Shadowbane, so we'll be watching this one with a fair bit of interest.

UTV True Games readies Faxion Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mytheon gets EU publisher, shows off new screens and video

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Galleries, Screenshots, Video, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mytheon

With the US launch of Mytheon slated to hit its official launch date of July 13th, and the lawsuit seeming to be a thing of the past, the teams behind Mytheon have been working on trying to send this upcoming free-to-play fantasy MMO across the pond. Well, today we've gotten news that Gamigo will be picking up the overseas publishing while UTV True Games handles the North American servers. Yes indeed -- those across the pond who were waiting to see if they'd have an option to check out Petroglyph's MMO based on various bits of world mythology will get a chance to play as well.

To add to this news, they've also released a video and a bundle of new screenshots for people who may not have seen the polish put on Mytheon as it nears launch. EU players can register for the closed beta on the Gamigo site, whereas US players should head over to the UTV True Games site to get in on the action. Meanwhile, as those clients are downloading, don't forget to check behind the break for the video, or click through the gallery below for all the new eye-candy.

Gallery: Mytheon

Continue reading Mytheon gets EU publisher, shows off new screens and video

Mytheon gets EU publisher, shows off new screens and video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faxion Online announced, promises a divine struggle

Eliot Lefebvre — Tue, 25 May 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lore, New Titles, PvP, News Items

In most games that feature two factions in a PvP environment, there's plenty of room to debate whether or not one side or the other is evil or just misunderstood. Not so in the upcoming Faxion Online, however -- one side is evil. One side is irrevocably and entirely evil. But then again, when you're part of the forces of Hell, you kind of accept that as a given.

Aiming for a beta later this year, the game is taking its setting as the eternal struggle between Heaven and Hell, with players taking sides as both factions seek territory. While a somewhat tongue-in-cheek approach to the subject is certainly welcome, most gamers are going to be looking for a little more from the title. It's slated to deliver on that front, with a PvP-focused game that heavily weighs on the aforementioned control of territory.

The game also promises to remove some of the tedious level grind, a promise which is frequently made but not quite so easy to carry out. We'll have to see how Faxion Online fares in that regard as it moves through development -- but at least we won't be discussing which faction is really evil.

Faxion Online announced, promises a divine struggle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 May 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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