Filed under: Browser

MapleStory releases videos for new content

by Rubi Bayer Jan 21st 2010 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Video, MapleStory, Free-to-play, Browser

Earlier this month, we told you about some fun new content for MapleStory fans -- Nett's Pyramid and the Abandoned Subway. While they were both designed for mid-level players, they are worlds apart in style and content, offering up two very different challenges. Venture into the Abandoned Subway to battle hordes of Ribbon Pigs and Horny Mushrooms (no, really). For a change of pace, visit Nett's Pyramid to take on Pharaoh Snakes, Skeletons, and Mummies while being told "The curse of the pyramids will be upon you!" by a very large and annoyed guardian of the pyramid.

Want to see for yourself? Nexon has given us a closer look at the two new areas with some short combat videos of both the Subway and Pyramid. We've included both of them here for you to enjoy. Follow along after the jump to take a look, and good luck with the pigs, mushrooms, snakes, and skeletons!

MapleStory introduces new quest areas

by Rubi Bayer Jan 12th 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: MapleStory, Free-to-play, Browser, Kids

Nexon America's long-running MMO MapleStory is introducing two new areas to their players, less than two months after an extensive content update with a brand new class and storyline.

Players can now explore Nett's Pyramid and the Abandoned Subway, party quest areas available soon to all mid-level players. Nett's Pyramid is an ancient-Egyptian themed area full of pyramids and hieroglyphics, along with plenty of creatures such as mummies and skeletons to battle. The Abandoned Subway is a gloomy underground map full of creatures waiting to attack those brave enough to venture in.

The new areas are great for hunting and leveling, and will allow players to experience the "Monster Survival" feature, as well as some nice extras. Players who manage to clear all stages in one of the new maps will be rewarded with bonus maps, medals, and buffs.

The content will be introduced to MapleStory soon.

Want to sink your teeth into a vampire MMO? Massively can help!

by Shawn Schuster Jan 12th 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Betas, Horror, New titles, Free-to-play, Browser, Giveaways, City of Eternals

With the recent popularity of movies like Twilight, it seems that the folks at Ohai have timed the announcement of their new vampire MMO just right. City of Eternals is a browser-based MMO set in the world of modern vampires. It is completely free-to-play and is currently in its private alpha testing stage. According to the developer, "You can choose your Vampire look and fighting style, explore a massive city with dozens of story quests, combat instances, and standalone missions. You will learn to harvest valuables and craft useful items, customize your own home, and choose your path to becoming the ultimate Vampire."

If that genre appeals to you, and you'd be interested in alpha testing the game, head on over to their invite page where they have 100 invites reserved for the Massively readers. Each person who gets into this alpha will receive 100 "ohais", which are their own form of virtual currency in the game that will cost real money once the game launches.

GoldFire Studios announces caveman MMO

by Rubi Bayer Jan 4th 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Betas, New titles, Free-to-play, Browser

While it's certainly not the only genre out there, fantasy has dominated the MMO market for quite a while. Game developers looking for a change typically head in the direction of sci-fi and the future, churning out titles like Fallen Earth and Star Wars: The Old Republic.

GoldFire Studios has chosen to go in a completely different direction with BC Wars, which is in open beta as of today. Want to channel your inner caveman? You might want to take a little bit of time to check out this browser-based, free-to-play number. It's a bit predictable -- you start on Pangea and clams are the local currency -- but it definitely has possibilities. You began as a low level caveman, wearing a loincloth and scavenging for food, and have 200 steps (turns) you may take each day to advance your character.

Registration and character creation is quick and basic, and the game itself is a fun way to pass some time. Check it out here, explore the forest, and find some clams!

MapleStory releases television promotion

by Rubi Bayer Dec 22nd 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, MapleStory, News items, Free-to-play, Browser

If you're pondering some last minute holiday gifts for the younger set, a gift of Nexon cash may be a welcome pre-emptive strike. MapleStory is hitting the television airwaves this season with a new holiday promotional commercial.

The commercial -- which is oh-so-conveniently included here -- showcases MapleStory's brand new update. The Aran update added a fair amount of new content, introducing a new and storyline and namesake warrior class, the Aran. The new content also added a brand new start-up tutorial intended to give players "an easier and immersive entry into the world of MapleStory," so Nexon seems to be planning on an inrush of new players for their long-running game. The commercial is scheduled to run on Disney XD, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Nickelodeon, and Teen Nick. It began yesterday and will continue showing until January 3rd.

Follow along after the jump for a firsthand look at the new MapleStory commercial.

Heroes of Gaia releases first expansion

by Rubi Bayer Dec 22nd 2009 at 1:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Expansions, News items, Free-to-play, Browser

Heroes of Gaia, the free-to-play, browser-based MMO from Snail Game, launched its first expansion today. Heroes of Gaia launched back in October, and the BABEL expansion adds quite a bit of new content to the game on both the PvP and PvE sides.

Updates to the PvE side begin with the Tower of Babel, a 40-level tower with progressively more difficult guardians (and better rewards!) on each level. The Tower of Babel can be attempted once per day, but fight carefully, because a defeat will expel you from the tower empty handed. The tower isn't the only new challenge facing players, though. Three times a day 20 minions will appear on your world map, each defending a powerful boss monster in an instanced challenge.

PvP has gotten a nice facelift as well, with the addition of new Arena rules, new military ranks, and a very generous list of new military equipment. The full list, as well as all the new additions that came with the BABEL expansion, can be seen on the official site.

Heroes of Gaia celebrates 600,000 active worldwide accounts

by Seraphina Brennan Dec 10th 2009 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Betas, News items, Browser, MMORTS

For being in beta and being a browser based MMORTS, Heroes of Gaia is making a splash by garnering over 600,000 active monthly accounts worldwide for their beta -- a number that's nothing to sneeze at.

Heroes of Gaia is a browser-based 2D isometric strategy game, where you build a persistent kingdom and armies to both defend your land and steal it from other unsuspecting players. The game is currently in an open beta phase right now, but is looking forward to their first major update, entitled Babel, which will implement many of the requests of the player base.

If you think raising and army and conducting RTS combat is your thing, then you should jump on over to their main website and give the game a glance. It's free and run on an item shop, so there's not much to lose except a few minutes of your time.

Massively's Thanksgiving 2009 MMO wrapup

by Rubi Bayer Nov 25th 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Super-hero, Dungeons and Dragons Online, EverQuest, Guild Wars, Events, in-game, News items, War, Free-to-play, Browser, Earth Eternal, Champions Online, Dragonica Online

It's that time of year again -- Thanksgiving is tomorrow and all things turkey related have invaded the MMO world: hunting turkeys, eating turkeys, exchanging turkey parts for rewards, wielding turkey weapons, and even wearing turkeys on your head. Sending yourself into a tryptophan coma isn't the only thing to do, though. You'll find some non-turkey related PvP here and there, opportunities to spread Thanksgiving blessings, and even some new content. And of course, Thanksgiving bonuses, treats, and souvenirs are everywhere. Follow along after the jump for a look at what's going on for Thanksgiving.

Code of Everand browser MMO teaches kids about traffic safety

by James Egan Nov 19th 2009 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Real life, MMO industry, New titles, Tips and tricks, Free-to-play, Browser, Kids

The United Kingdom's Department for Transport has launched a free browser MMO, Code of Everand, that teaches traffic safety to children. It does so through a fantasy theme with direct parallels to real world dangers -- streets are Spirit Channels, glowing energy streams populated with many dangerous beasts. The Spirit Channels crisscross the map of Everand and make travel perilous. That's where the players come in as Pathfinders, explorers trained in the techniques that allow for safe passage across the Spirit Channels. Pathfinders learn important safety lessons along the way in their journey to discover the secrets of Everand.

Code of Everand was developed for the UK Department for Transport by NYC-based firm Area/Code over the course of two years, reports Game Set Watch. Area/Code has a long track record of creating cross-media games for advertising and media firms, television networks, and even major consumer brands. According to Area/Code's site, they've taken innovative approaches to games in the past -- "online games that respond to broadcast TV in real time, simulated characters and virtual worlds that occupy real-world geography" and "game events driven by real-world data". Interesting concepts. If you like the idea of games used as an effective educational tool, you can see the animated trailer for Code of Everand after the jump.

Neverland Online in open beta

by Rubi Bayer Oct 26th 2009 at 8:00PM

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

Chinese MMO developer Oak Pacific Interactive (OPI) has been enjoying great success at home, and now wants to expand that success. Their popular game Neverland Online, launched in China in June of 2008 is coming to North America and Europe in an English language version. Neverland Online is a browser based, side scrolling fantasy game set in a mythical ancient Chinese world. Your job is to defeat the threatening demon army with a wide array of pets and equipment to help you out.

Neverland Online is now in open beta, and you can register for an account here to give it a look. For a limited time, players can log in and receive a free "lucky bag" containing $100 worth of virtual items that will come in handy as you play. All beta accounts will be saved, so you will get to keep your freebies once the game goes live.

Voice chat - zOMG!

by Rubi Bayer Oct 21st 2009 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Game mechanics, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, Gaia Online

Well, yes, we are happy about this, but zOMG! is the name of the MMO, not an expression of our excitement. Vivox, the company that provides voice chat in quite a few of our favorite games, has added one more to their list. They've partnered with Gaia Online to provide in game voice chat for zOMG!, their free-to-play browser based MMO.

"Gaia Online has defined the social web experience for millions of teens and young adults," said Rob Seaver, CEO of Vivox. "And voice is the ultimate social glue. By adding voice chat to zOMG!, Gaia Online proves, again, its commitment to providing a truly social experience for its players."

Vivox voice chat is live in zOMG! now for players to "gab to your heart's content using the power of your own face-hole, saving valuable keystrokes for more efficient monster bashing," according to the zOMG! monthly newsletter. True to form, zOMG! has added their own twist on it as well: players can purchase voice fonts in the storefront to give their voice a unique twist. Congratulations to Gaia Online and Vivox for their partnership!

Jagex comes in 22nd on the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 list

by William Dobson Sep 22nd 2009 at 3:00PM

Filed under: MMO industry, News items, Runescape, Free-to-play, Browser

With the hugely successful RuneScape in their stable, we've known that Jagex has been doing well for a long time now. They've already been recognized outside of the immediate gaming world on numerous occasions: Guiness World Records awarded RuneScape the title of the world's largest free-to-play MMO, and in 2008 the word RuneScape was typed into Yahoo! Search more than Lindsay Lohan and Naruto. The company's latest accolade comes via the Sunday Times Tech Track 100, where they were just ranked at number 22 on the list of the fastest growing private technology companies in the UK.

The Tech Track 100 report states that Jagex's sales have grown 84% a year for the last few years, from £5.2 million in 2005 to £32.3 million in 2008. This is the first time they've made it on to the list since the company was founded in 2001. Jagex CEO Mark Gerhardt made a statement about his company's achievement, sounding particularly proud (and rightly so): At Jagex we are passionate about the games we make and the technology we have created to develop and deliver our games; creating fun is just part of our DNA. Our values and passion have allowed us to grow one of the largest player communities in the world." The full Tech Track 100 list is available online in .pdf form.

[Via GamesIndustry.Biz]

Rumor: SOE to launch casual browser MMO for Clone Wars

by James Egan Sep 4th 2009 at 5:30PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, MMO industry, New titles, Browser, Casual, Rumors

We're chalking this one up as a rumor for now, but word has it that Sony Online Entertainment is developing another Star Wars MMO property, a casual browser game specifically based on the Clone Wars IP. The info comes from Ten Ton Hammer's Cody Bye, who writes:

"Ten Ton Hammer has learned from an inside source that Sony Online Entertainment has once again partnered with LucasArts to do another Star Wars MMO. While we have not yet learned the title of the upcoming game, it sounds like SOE is planning to use the browser-based Free Realms engine to power the game, and the game's setting will be the Clone Wars."

Massively has not heard anything yet to corroborate this as fact, but let's face it -- this was just too juicy to ignore. If we hear more on this while we're at PAX and Dragon*Con, we'll be sure to let you know.

[Via Shacknews]

Fileplanet wants you to play Earth Eternal really badly

by Seraphina Brennan Aug 18th 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Business models, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, Browser, Casual, Earth Eternal, Humor

What's this taking up one of the center links on Fileplanet? Is it the upcoming MMO Earth Eternal? Why yes it is! Sparkplay Media's Earth Eternal has made it to the top of the free games listing... except for the fact that EE is still in closed beta.

Fileplanet's link, while enticing, will not get you instant access into the closed beta. What it will do, however, is sign you up for an account that will let you be eligible to be selected for the closed beta. It will not let you play the game immediately, but it will certainly net you a chance at playing sooner rather than later.

According to Sparkplay Media, Fileplanet will be involved with getting the game and the word out there, but it seems they've jumped the gun in releasing their link for the game. It's cool, we all make mistakes.

As to what special in-game items Fileplanet members will be receiving for signing up and playing, well, that's still a secret to everybody.

Freesky Online merges two servers, offers players compensation

by William Dobson Aug 8th 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: News items, Free-to-play, Browser

Browser-based MMO strategy game Freesky Online has just finished merging two of its servers to help bring the player population up. The Paradise and Canaan servers have been turned into a single server called Paradise&Canaan, and the server's map was made bigger and filled with more resources to give the inflated population a chance to prosper in their new environment. The hope is that a greater population will increase the amount of PvP action that goes on and offer new strategic alliance opportunities.

Along with the positive effects, the merge brought a lot of inconvenience to players: those that had a character on both servers were only able to keep one, and friends lists and existing alliances were deleted. Players were also unhappy about having their ongoing activities interrupted. To make up for all of this, the game's developers IGG have put together some compensatory goodies for affected players. There are two different gift packages; the players' reputation level affects which pack they will receive. To see what you might be entitled to, visit the news article about the merge at the game's official site.