sony-online-entertainment posts

SOE offering a 25% boost in Station Cash this week

by Kyle Horner Nov 25th 2009 at 9:00AM

Filed under: EverQuest, EverQuest II, News items, Free Realms

If you play EverQuest, EverQuest II or Free Realms and happen upon a Station Cash card this week, you may want to considering picking one or two up. Sony Online Entertainment will be giving players with accounts in good standing a 25% boost to any Station Cash card they redeem between Monday, November 23 (after 10:00am PST) and Sunday, November 29th (before 10:00pm PST).

A pretty good offer if we do say so ourselves. In fact, we kind of wish we knew that for our second episode ReSubbed this week, as we could've mentioned it during our jaunty exploration of EverQuest's trial zone. Oh well, at least you know now!

Tags: eq, eq-2, everquest, everquest-2, free-realms, soe, sony-online-entertainment, station-cash, thanksgiving, thanksgiving-2009

ReSubbed Episode 2: EverQuest

by Seraphina Brennan Nov 24th 2009 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, EverQuest, Humor, ReSubbed

It's that time of the week again! Time go to back in time with this week's episode of ReSubbed, and boy did we pick a good one for you! What's also 10 years old, helped to start the MMO genre, and has really annoying skeletons? If you guessed EverQuest (or if you read the title above) then you'd be 100% correct!

This week Seraphina is joined by Krystalle Voecks and Kyle Horner as they re-visit the Gloomingdeep Mines and talk about the good 'ol days of trains, planes (of power), and auto-attacks. Plus, as the game has changed much over the years, the gang revisits what the game used to look like and how much it's improved today. Look 'Ma, I don't have to drop my sword on the ground to tell which way is north!

You want some ReSubbed? It's right after the break, for your eyeball viewing pleasure.

Tags: everquest, gloomingdeep-mines, preview, resubbed, review, revisit, soe, sony-online-entertainment, trial, video

Nightwing leaps into DC Universe Online

by Kyle Horner Nov 24th 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Sony Online Entertainment's newest character reveal for DC Universe Online happens to be the ex-boy wonder himself, Nightwing. No longer the young man fighting at the dark knight's side, Dick Grayson is capable of some incredible feats of athleticism, some even more impressive than Batman's repertoire. He's also known to fight alongside the Teen Titans, and it's nice to see them standing with him in these new screens. All-in-all there are nine screens for you to check out.

There's a long list of heroes and villains from the DC universe to reveal, giving us cause to question whether we'll ever see an end to these announcements. It's not that we're uninterested in seeing the in-game counterparts of these classic characters -- we're simply ready to see more of the actual game itself. Chris Cao did recently answer some fan questions, which was a great start. Here's hoping 2010 plays host to all sorts of awesome DC Universe Online information.

Gallery: DC Universe Online Screenshots

Tags: batman, chris-cao, dark-knight, dc-universe-online, dcuo, dick-grayson, nightwing, soe, sony-online-entertainment

One Shots: Misty shores

by Krystalle Voecks Nov 24th 2009 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Screenshots, EverQuest II, One Shots

One of the things that we love in EverQuest II is finding some really interesting out-of-the-way places as you adventure. Beyond that, the attention to little things like water breaking on the rocks really should be seen animated to be appreciated. Today we have a great screenshot sent in to us by Pedro A that - while it can't show us the waves breaking, sadly - does show us an interesting view he stumbled across. He writes in: This is the first pic [I've sent], I hope you like it. I was wandering along Antonica's north shore when I saw this beautiful sight. Sometimes I get surprised... So many awesome places in EverQuest II and we use[d] to ignore them, concentrated (sic) on leveling, hunting, grinding. MMO's are beautiful.

From big to small, we love 'em all! However, we need you to send those great screenshots in. It's easy to join the ever-growing crowd of our most awesome One Shots contributors! Just email us your screenshot along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing in the shot. We'll post it out here and give you the thumbs-up for sharing a great shot with us.

Gallery: One Shots

Tags: eq2, eqii, everquest-2, everquest-ii, one-shots, screenshot, screenshots, soe, sony-online-entertainment

Ride in style with the Star Wars Galaxies Premium Adventure Pack

by Rubi Bayer Nov 22nd 2009 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Expansions, News items, Star Wars Galaxies

Sony Online Entertainment has a Star Wars Galaxies package available for purchase now that offers some pretty compelling incentives. Of course you get the game and all three expansions: Jump to Lightspeed, Rage of the Wookiees, and The Trials of Obi-Wan, but the in-game bonus items are what really make it worth the purchase of the Premium Adventure Pack.

Each account includes a free AT-RT to give to one of your characters. Even better, you will also get the sleek Queen Amidala transport ship. That one is one per character, so no need to choose -- even the alts can enjoy some new toys. We saved the coolest for last, though: you may well be parking the transport ship for a while in favor of the General Grevious wheel bike. That one is also one per character, and even better, it's a two seater with room for a friend.

SOE put together a fun little video of the wheel bike in action, so take a look. More information on the Premium Adventure Pack can be found here.

Tags: jump-to-lightspeed, rage-of-the-wookiees, SOE, sony-online-entertainment, star-wars-galaxies, star-wars-galaxies-premium-adventure-pack, the-trials-of-obi-wan

Bill Roper on Champions Online's launch, current state and future

by Kyle Horner Nov 20th 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Interviews, New titles, News items, Champions Online

In a recent interview with Boomtown, Bill Roper spoke his mind on everything from Hellgate: London hate to Champions Online's launch and future. In fact, the man spoke quite candidly on all topics, particularly that of Cryptic's missteps with their second superhero MMO as well as their successes.

Of particular note, there's a mention of how Champions Online will handle DC Universe Online's 2010 launch given that the superhero MMO market hasn't really expanded of late. Curiously, Roper says he feels that the Xbox 360 version will help to vastly expand Champions' user base. There's a chance Cryptic could be pushing to get into the console market by or before SOE releases their superhero MMO. Although given the headaches Cryptic has expressed at getting an MMO on Microsoft's console, we get the feeling much of the developer's focus is presently on Star Trek Online and continued live game support.

Tags: atari, bill-roper, champions-online, cryptic, cryptic-studios, dc-universe-online, dcuo, soe, sony, sony-online-entertainment, star-trek-online, sto

EverQuest unveils the city of Kernagir in Underfoot

by Rubi Bayer Nov 17th 2009 at 7:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, Expansions

EverQuest continued their "Unfolding the Lore" series yesterday with the introduction of Kernagir, the Shining City. This latest area of the Underfoot expansion is "where the chosen of Brell Serilis go to live out eternity in Underfoot."

The city of Kernagir was built to honor and worship Brell, and is created using the unlimited natural resources that his followers enjoy to make Kernagir a place of beauty. Kernagir was designed as a sort of Utopia for Brell's chosen, and the citizens have traditionally been fairly choosy about who they allow in. Things are changing in the Shining City, though.

With Brell keeping his distance lately, followers of the Faith of Self are seeking out the talented craftsmen who live in Kernagir, and the "heresy of individualism" is spreading. The tale of Kernagir says "This has led to a philosophical schism and the taking of sides. The acrimonious debate between the two sides is descending towards violence and may lead to rampant chaos in the Shining City now that Brell's influence has disappeared."

What happens next? The story of Kernagir and its fate will continue with the December release of EverQuest: Underfoot.

Tags: everquest, everquest-underfoot, expansion, kernagir, SOE, sony-online-entertainment, underfoot

One Shots: Something old, something new

by Krystalle Voecks Nov 15th 2009 at 2:00PM

Filed under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, Star Wars Galaxies, One Shots

With all the new games coming out recently, it's nice to see someone taking on some of the older titles with fresh eyes and seeing what's going on out there. Take, for example, this great Star Wars Galaxies image that our friend Petter M. sent in from his recent travels. He writes in: I'm currently doing some "research" into Star Wars: Galaxies to find out if it deserves its bad reputation. I'm enjoying it so far, exploring and questing my way across Tatooine. At first the planet seems pretty much barren, but there are a lot of things to see hidden away in the desert - all the player houses and cities, if nothing else. Here's a screenshot from a calm oasis which has been affected by the light side of the Force, where I ended up as a part of a Jedi-quest.

Have you been exploring parts of your favorite game that we haven't seen here? All games are welcome, all images too! Send us combat, group posed shots, landscapes, you name it, to oneshots AT massively DOT com. Some information like your name, guild, server, and a description of what's going on in the screenshot is awesome too. We'll post it up here and give you credit.

Gallery: One Shots

Tags: one-shots, petter-martensson, screenshot, screenshots, soe, sony-online-entertainment, star-wars-galaxies, swg

Evercracked! looks back at EverQuest history

by Eliot Lefebvre Nov 14th 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, EverQuest, Interviews, MMO industry

Everyone has their own lists of what games have been the most important in the grand scheme of the industry, but it's pretty impossible to argue that EverQuest doesn't deserve a spot near the top of the list. While time hasn't seen the classic game and its sequel remain the 900-pound-gorilla of the industry, it still holds a place near and dear to many people's hearts. More to the point, the impact it had on MMOs as a whole is undeniable. That's why the new Evercracked! video series running on IGN should bring a nice dose of joy, nostalgia, and general good feelings to a number of people.

Hosted by Jace Hall, the series is slated to include interviews with veteran players and designers, behind-the-scenes footage, and a general collection of trivia and recollections. The first episode is now available, with new episodes going live every week until December 10th, so really, what's keeping you? The game has inspired countless people into the genre, including the original sources of the industry's current big success story. Even if you're just looking for historical purposes, it's likely to contain some amusement. And if you got your start in the genre with EverQuest, well, that's all the better.

Tags: eq, evercracked, everquest, interviews, jace-hall, mmo-history, mmo-industry, soe, sony-online-entertainment, video

EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate opens up pre-orders

by Eliot Lefebvre Nov 13th 2009 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Expansions, Launches, News items

The latest expansion for EverQuest II, EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate, is slated for release in February both digitally and in retail, but why wait until then to pick up your copy? No, far better to pre-order the expansion and be ready for the day it launches -- which, not coincidentally, is now an option. There are both Regular and Collector editions available, as is the standard for MMOs these days, and each one comes with its own little bonuses as well as the usual little extras for ordering ahead of time.

Sentinel's Fate promises to be a broad expansion for everyone playing EverQuest II, offering a level cap of 90, several hundred new quests, new dungeons, and new alternate advancement systems for characters. If you're a dedicated player of the game, they probably had you at "EQII expansion," but the expansion also looks to be the perfect point for new players to jump in and start getting involved in the world of Norrath. Take a look at the full list of the expansion's features, go ahead and pre-order, and get ready for February to be booked solid.

Tags: eq2, eqii, everquest-2, everquest-ii, everquest-ii-sentinels-fate, expansion, expansions, news-items, pre-order, sentinels-fate, soe, sony-online-entertainment

Free Realms begins job sampling week for free players

by Rubi Bayer Nov 9th 2009 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Business models, Events, in-game, News items, Free Realms, Kids

Last week we spoke to Laralyn McWilliams, the creative director for Free Realms, and she had a lot to say about upcoming changes and additions to the game. The most important change she mentioned was to the job system: "...as of early November, free player characters that are newly created will be able to play any job (Ninja, Chef, Postman, Kart Driver, Demo Derby Driver, Brawler, Miner, Soccer Star, Archer, Wizard, Medic, Blacksmith, Warrior) in Free Realms up to level five for free."

The Free Realms team will usher in the new availability of these jobs by holding a community job sampling event this week, running Monday through Friday. Twice each day, they'll be hanging out by a specific job trainer to spend some time with the players and answer questions to familiarize you with the newly available jobs. The full list of jobs they'll be covering, as well as locations and times, can be found on the site.

Tags: community-events, free-realms, jobs, laralyn-mcwilliams, soe, sony-online-entertainment

Free Realms to introduce new job, pets, player housing and more

by Shawn Schuster Nov 3rd 2009 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Galleries, Screenshots, MMO industry, Player Housing, Free-to-play, Casual, Free Realms, Massively Interviews, Kids

The world of Free Realms is about to get a bit bigger this holiday season as even more content is being added and improved for the game. According to Sony Online Entertainment's Creative Director for Free Realms, Laralyn McWilliams, the game is about to see a new job, new job structure, new pets, player housing and more added by mid-December.

We caught up with Laralyn to get a few more details on the upcoming improvements before the first stage of these updates goes live this week. Follow along after the jump for the complete interview, and in our gallery below for some exclusive screenshots of the new content.

Gallery: Free Realms

Tags: content, fisherman, fishing, free-realms, laralyn-mcwilliams, pets, player-housing, soe, sony-online-entertainment

EverQuest II adds new achievements of challenging nature

by Kyle Horner Oct 29th 2009 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, News items

What's makes beating raids in Ruins of Kunark and The Shadow Odyssey even better? Achievements, of course. That's why SOE is adding brand new achievements to several heroic zones and raids to those two expansions. Players will be challenged by several new goals, such as Flawless Victory, which requires finishing an encounter without losing a single party member. Other achievements involve winning a raid encounter with three or more people less than the maximum and clearing a raid or heroic zone within a set time limit.

Obviously, these challenging new achievements wouldn't be worthwhile without a reward. The form of said reward comes as three new titles: the Dragonslayer, the Urgent and the Flawless. We'd point out which titles go with which rewards, but we're pretty sure you've got it figured out. In our opinion, the Dragonslayer title is probably the coolest sounding, what with the dragon murdering and all that. Being "Urgent" sounds kind of cool but in a confusing way, like when your friends tell you they blew up a car, until they reveal it was, in fact, your car.

[via WarCry]

Tags: achievements, dragon, dragons, dragonslayer, eq2, eqii, everquest-2, everquest-ii, flawless, heroic, heroic-zone, raid, ruins-of-kunark, soe, sony-online-entertainment, the-shadow-odyssey, urgent

Massively interview with Aion's new community manager part 2

by Kyle Horner Oct 28th 2009 at 11:30AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Aion, Massively Interviews

Tags: aion, blizzard, community, daoc, dark-age-of-camelot, everquest, lineage-2, lineage-ii, nc-west, ncsoft, ncwest, planetside, soe, sony-online-entertainment, tamat, world-of-warcraft, wow

DC Universe Online creative director answers questions from the fans

by James Egan Oct 27th 2009 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, New titles, DC Universe Online

One of the upcoming SOE titles we're hoping to hear more about is DC Universe Online -- the superhero MMO that will build on the DC Comics legacy. DC Universe Online's Creative Director Chris Cao recently did a video interview with DCUO Source that explains how the devs have approached the game's design.

Cao fielded a number of questions posed to him by the fansite's readers -- How will player feedback impact the game's development? Will there be voicework in DCUO from the actors who've voiced characters in the various DC animated series and video games (specifically, Kevin Conroy)? How will DCUO handle secret identities? All good questions. For the answers, check out the video interview with Chris Cao at DCUO Source.

[Via MMORPG.com]

Tags: chris-cao, dc-comics, dc-universe-online, dcuo, dcuo-source, fansites, kevin-conroy, new-titles, soe, sony-online-entertainment, super-hero, superheroes