Posted by Joel Tan on Friday, April 02, 2010
North America-based online games publisher GamesCampus.com has just released details of the backstory behind its new massively multiplayer online real-time strategy game Soul Master. Real-time strategy as an MMO? I know, I know—I'm just as intrigued as you are. Before I lead you into this new virtual world, let's first take a closer look at its backstory.
The Story of Soul Master
Nobody knows for certain how it was first discovered, but its immense power and endless potential were enough to destroy the greatest empire of the Bunden continent: Elamond. The Magic was a gift and a curse for the Empire that first experienced its effects. With...
Posted by Joel Tan on Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Good news for players of the popular free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game Atlantica Online. Now, whenever you activate the title buff Legendary Sheriff, you can play the part as well—you and a hundred other players who have had the luck of getting a Sheriff's Outfit from a random box off of the item mall.The introduction of the Sheriff Outfit comes at an opportune time as bandits run rampant in North America—at least, that's the scenario that NDOORS Interactive, publisher of Atlantica Online, will have us believe.At least this new costume, the Sheriff Outfit, is way better than the previous costume NDOORS put out—the nefarious...
Posted by Joel Tan on Monday, March 29, 2010
Good news for beta testers—and of course interested players and fans—of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Karos Online. The official launch is finally set, and some details about the commercial phase is already out.For starters, let's talk about the date. Karos Online will enter the commercial phase on April 9th, a Friday—ergo, it's perfect, and will enable curious players to wander onto the server and check out what this title from renowned online games developer and publisher NHN Corporation has to offer."Following the commercial release, NHN will be continuing its commitment to improve and develop Karos Online in response...
Posted by Joel Tan on Monday, March 29, 2010
In line with its thrust to keep content of its massively multiplayer online games current, Ntreev USA has just launched another update for its hit action-brawler, Grand Chase. The update is actually small since it focuses on introducing only one aspect of the game, the Rune Caster known as Mari."We are thrilled to introduce this brand new character, Mari, to our Grand Chase community," said Chris Lee, chief executive officer at Ntreev USA. "Players are going to really enjoy the combination of her characteristics and new skill attacks."Mari wields both magic and machinery, according to the information sheet released by Ntreev USA. By the way,...
Posted by Joel Tan on Friday, March 26, 2010
It's been quite a while since I've heard news about GamesCampus.com's upcoming free-to-play online tank warfare game Tank Ace. Good to know that steps are being taken to improve the game way before launch. The latest news to hit the headlines is the addition of more tanks in the game's already formidable lineup of historically accurate World War II tanks."Offering this broad range of realistic WWII tanks takes Tank Ace to the next level of the warfare genre," said David Chang, executive vice president of marketing and business development at GamesCampus. "Tank Ace gives players more historically accurate tanks and heavy artillery than any other online game, and these new tanks are really going to impress warfare enthusiasts."Good news indeed for some friends of The MMOsh Pit like Playground...
Posted by Joel Tan on Thursday, March 25, 2010
Today I'm launching a semi-regular posting for The MMOsh Pit called MMOtivational Screenshot. I know, I know ... this type of thing has been done before, but it's something I want to do and something that will keep me busy during lean days.For those who have heard or read about or even viewed the website that contains the so-called RPG Motivational Posters, I hope these MMOtivational Screenshots won't disappoint you.Let's get cracking!Screenshot taken from the massively multiplayer online role-playing game Granado Espada, published in Southeast Asia by IAHGam...
Posted by Joel Tan on Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I'm sure by now you've heard about the upcoming introduction of a new B-class mercenary to the virtual world of Atlantica Online. This new mercenary is called the Empress, and she packs quite a punch, thanks to her weapon of choice, the bow. Oh, did I forget to mention that she's a B-class mercenary?The Empress is already out in the South Korean servers of Atlantica Online, but I have yet to see her being used to full potential. Oh, sure she makes pincushions out of soft-skinned mercenaries, but skills seem to be a rarity. It's either Empress skill books are expensive or very hard to come by.Atlantica Online's Empress has two skills, both upgrades...
Posted by Joel Tan on Monday, March 22, 2010
I've discovered something new on the addictive Facebook app known as Restaurant City. Well, it's new to me, as I'm sure it's new to a hundred or so other new fans and users of PlayFish's baby. What I'm talking about is the ability of players to clean any part of their restaurants with a click of a mouse button.Like I said, old news for most Restaurant City fanatics, considering the feature was built into the application way back. What's new, however, is the fact that you can now do away with a janitor—that is, if you're actively playing by managing your virtual restaurant. Say goodbye to wasting manpower to unclog toilets!Isn't that the reason...
Posted by Joel Tan on Sunday, March 21, 2010
Yes, I admit it—I am once again hooked to casual social games, particularly those found on the phenomenal social networking website known as Facebook. Not to Zynga's smash hit Farmville, though, but PlayFish's Restaurant City. This is despite the fact that my better half—formerly known in some circles as the Perfect World yuling (elf priestess) Cesky, the Ragnarok Online blacksmith TikaWaylan, and the Atlantica Online staff main Elphame—is playing Farmville like there is no tomorrow.Why Restaurant City? Well, the first reason, I guess, is because this particular game is my first Facebook application, upon the goading of friend Khang, a girl gamer...
Posted by Joel Tan on Saturday, March 20, 2010
News of the impending closed beta testing for Perfect World's Heroes of Three Kingdoms is finally out, and so is the list of the online games developer and publisher's partners in bringing China-made massively multiplayer online role-playing game to the Western world.For those who are clueless as to what Heroes of Three Kingdoms is—that is, aside from its being an MMORPG, its original title might ring a bell in your noggins. In China, and presumably the rest of Asia, the game is known as Chibi. I've talked about this online game extensively in my past life (read: previous blog).Enough of my prattle. Let's get down to business by checking out...
Posted by Joel Tan on Thursday, March 18, 2010
I've got to hand it to Europe-based online games publisher Gamigo. First, they come out of nowhere, establishing an office in New York City in the United States, and then they announce the upcoming beta testing of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game known as Martial Heroes. Now, they're continuing their apparent streak with another announcement: the acquisition of Loong - The Power of the Dragon."Loong has been the greatest release of 2010 in China and we are very proud to be bringing a game like this one to the West. The spectacularly detailed graphics are unparalleled in the world of free-to-play games," said Patrick Streppel,...
Posted by Joel Tan on Thursday, March 18, 2010
Ntreev USA has just announced a new event for its popular fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game Trickster Online: A New Discovery to welcome the dawning of Spring.Dubbed the Spring Poppuri Olympics, the event gives Trickster Online players the chance to win some amazing prizes, including a new in-game pet, an iPod Touch 32G, and up to 20,000 Trickster points.From March 18th to April 7th, players will be able to drill up Poppuri Boxes (now you know why it's called Poppuri Olympics) all over Trickster Online's Caballa Island. The more boxes a player collects, the better the prizes he or she receives. There are a total of eight...
Posted by Joel Tan on Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Playing my favorite massively multiplayer online role-playing games always makes me hungry, even when I'm not at home and spending countless hours—not to mention money—in some Internet gaming cafe. This is because MMORPGs remind me of food. Of course, food also reminds me of some MMORPGs. Well, you get the picture.Here's a list of well-known free-to-play MMOs, the food they remind me of, and why I think of having a meal while playing them:Allods Online - Filet Mignon. Mouthwatering, to say the least. Allods Online is definitely a force to be reckoned with as the food it reminds me of is a powerhouse of culinary delight. The problem is Filet Mignon...
Posted by Joel Tan on Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Barely a month after opening an office in North America and announcing the acquisition of science fiction massively multiplayer online game Black Prophecy, European online games publisher Gamigo is once again on a roll, this time heralding the closed beta test of free-to-play MMORPG Martial Empires.Let's take a closer look at Martial Empires in the words of Gamigo:Are you prepared for the exploration of the once-separated continent Neha? Ready to meet its people and to expose its secrets? Take action and fight for the freedom of this mystic continent. Decide between three different classes. Take revenge for the murder of your mother as a ranger....
Posted by Joel Tan on Saturday, March 13, 2010
The homepage of Southeast Asia-based Infocomm Asia Holdings, more popularly known as IAHGames, has undergone a transformation, one that is long overdue, in my opinion. The new site is indeed spanking, with more features than you can wave your sword at.IAHGames, for those who don't know, is the publisher of several hit massively multiplayer online games in Southeast Asia. Its roster of online games include EA Sports FIFA Online 2, Emil Chronicle Online, Granado Espada, and Dragonica.From my perspective, the reason for the change in appearance goes beyond the simple desire to please the eye. First, the new IAHGames portal (that's what it is, a...
Posted by Joel Tan on Friday, March 12, 2010
NDOORS Interactive has finally unleashed the decoration item known as Mephisto's Cross in the hit massively multiplayer online role-playing game Atlantica Online, and I can't say that I'm ecstatic about it.I first saw the damned thing called Mephisto's Cross on one of the main characters in a video of the Korean Atlantica Online and have since vowed never to don it—that is, if my semi-active character on the North American servers of Atlantica Online can afford it.Those who wish to condemn their Atlantica Online main characters to eternal damnation are advised to purchase Faust's Soul Shard from the item mall and take a chance that the random...
Posted by Joel Tan on Thursday, March 11, 2010
The online action-adventure brawler Grand Chase is turning two years old and publisher Ntreev USA is inviting you to the celebrations via a tournament sponsored by PlaySpan, one of the world's leading monetization solutions provider for over 1,000 online games, virtual worlds and social networks. How's that for a sponsor?Going back to the topic at hand, Grand Chase is indeed growing older and this new tournament, dubbed the Slam Party, is open to anyone who plays the game. Check out the official Grand Chase website to register an account, download a client and learn how to play.So what's in store for winners of the Grand Chase Slam Party tournament...
Posted by Joel Tan on Thursday, March 11, 2010
That USD$4 billion (well, USD$3.8 billion ... but you get the picture) is a big figure, and it's how much gamers based in the United States are spending on massively multiplayer online games, according to GamesIndustry.com's Today's Gamers MMO Focus Report. Considering there are around 48 million MMO players in the United States, the figure translates to an average of USD$82 per player.According to the survey, however, only 46 percent of the total 48 million players are paying customers. Taking that into consideration, we're looking at an average spending of $15.10 per player (although when I ran my own computations, the figure turned up as USD$179...
Posted by Joel Tan on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Well, it's about time someone gets the ball rolling on a massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the Battlestar Galactica series. Tentatively called Battlestar Galactica Online, the game is said to be the brainchild of NBC Universal and Bigpoint."Overheard" at gaming site Gamers Daily News, Battlestar Galactica Online will be a tactical space combat and adventure MMOG based on Syfy's Battlestar Galactica series. The tentative date of release for the game that is inspired by one of the most popular—and successful, I might add—science fiction series in television history is Fall 2010.Oh, and there's a teaser website for Battlestar...
Posted by Joel Tan on Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Yes, you read that right. If you've been living under a rock this past few days, then you probably don't know that Tales of Fantasy, I Got Games' (that's IGG to you, bud) latest acquisition, is finally entering alpha testing, and everyone has a chance to participate—as in everyone who wants a crack at a new 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing game.To be frank, I don't have much information about Tales of Fantasy that you don't already know. I do, however, have a breakdown of a list of some features that you may find interesting.Out of the three or so features listed on the official Tales of Fantasy website, two clearly stand out: the...
Posted by Joel Tan on Tuesday, March 09, 2010
NDOORS Interactive, publisher of hit massively multiplayer online games such as WonderKing and Luminary, has finally come up with another great event for its best title Atlantica Online. In fact, the event is so good (at least in my mind) that it's probably the best one the company has come up with since the launch of the game.I'm talking about the Mercenary Madness promo that gives players, ordinary folk like you and me, the opportunity to develop a new mercenary for Atlantica Online. Sounds cool, eh? Well it is!"Have you ever wished to develop your very own mercenary in Atlantica Online? Well, guess what—here's your chance! That's right: the...
Posted by Joel Tan on Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Massively multiplayer online games on Facebook or MySpace? It's not as farfetched as it sounds. I've been giving the topic much thought over the better part of the week, and I just had to perform a search. This is why I've stumbled upon an article by Johnny Lim on MMOsite that tackles this very topic."Due to its user-based model, many applications are being developed to satisfy the needs of members of social networking sites ... so promising that MMO developers might see this as another great opportunity to build an MMO game application for social networking site platform," Lim says.I totally agree with him, and I'm sure a lot of online games...
Posted by Joel Tan on Sunday, March 07, 2010
If you are a fan of the animated series Digimon, then you're in for a big surprise. WeMade Entertainment has just announced plans to launch the first-ever online Digimon game called Digimon Battle."The Digimon community has been waiting patiently for an online, interactive DigiWorld, and we feel privileged to be developing this experience for audiences," said Kevin Seo, chief executive officer of WeMade Entertainment. "In the open beta, players will be able to take on the role of hero or heroine in the game and embark on adventures with Digimon friends."By "Digimon friends" Mister Seo doesn't only mean friends you will meet in this online version...
Posted by Joel Tan on Sunday, March 07, 2010
In line with The MMOsh Pit's campaign against spam in massively multiplayer online games, I am launching today a series of guides on how to block most forms of spam in some titles that I play. The first game on the block is Allods Online, a recently released free-to-play MMORPG from Gala-Net Inc. and its gPotato portal.Spam bots started appearing in the two North American servers of Allods Online—Nezeb and Tensess—about a week into the open beta phase of the game and elicited the ire of most players who wanted nothing more than to strangle the unscrupulous individuals behind the bots.Unfortunately, not all Allods Online players know how to block...
Posted by Joel Tan on Sunday, March 07, 2010
This is a shoutout to developers and publishers of massively multiplayer online games: "Get rid of spam bots!" For those who remain unaware, spam bots are not exclusive to email and social networking sites like Friendster and Facebook where spam goes into the inboxes of unsuspecting users on a daily basis.The only difference between receiving spam in email and getting spam in an online game is, in the latter, spam comes in a wide array of forms, from chat, a common function of MMOs (for obvious reasons, as it is the only way to communicate in a virtual world ... at least at the moment), to whispers and in-game mail.What are they spamming? Well,...
Posted by Joel Tan on Sunday, March 07, 2010
It's a bit late, but I owe it to Ntreev USA, who has been actively sending me information about its titles during dry spells in my writing and editing of b5media's MMOtaku, to come out with the announcement of its special events lined up for its popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game Trickster Online: A New Discovery.Here's an excerpt from the Ntreev USA story announcing the launch of all-new special events for Trickster Online:Ntreev USA, a leading online games developer and publisher, has announced two new exciting events starting this week in its popular fantasy MMORPG, Trickster Online: A New Discovery. The Lucky 13 Challenge...
Posted by Joel Tan on Sunday, March 07, 2010
While thinking about what to write in this initial posting for my personal gaming blog The MMOsh Pit, I stumbled upon a tweet from fellow former b5media blogger Jason Bean that said, "It's starting to sink in that I don't 'HAVE' to write any blog posts tonight. Weird! I've been doing that for the last 5 years."I think I'm just one of the many bloggers out there that can truly say, "I know exactly how you feel, Jason."Prior to the termination of my contract with b5media, I was handling the network's MMOtaku, a blog that focused on massively multiplayer online role-playing games, and I had been doing that for almost three years.Now, faced with...
