I am not sure whether Smedley is telling the full truth after reading this one though;
Direct Source: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/131715-SOE-Star-Wars-Galaxies-Fans-Will-Feel-At-Home-in-New-MMO
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Life of MMo gamers - "We hate all MMos".
- Thread starter Authority
- Start date
I am not sure whether Smedley is telling the full truth after reading this one though;
Direct Source: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/131715-SOE-Star-Wars-Galaxies-Fans-Will-Feel-At-Home-in-New-MMO
Do we have a release date for it though or a confirmation that it will be released this year?
No confirmation you are correct. It seems Ubisoft is holding off on a date so people can't complain when it doesn't come out this year.
shiftplusone
Member
The only thing I have found is the following;
Direct Source: http://gamingbolt.com/tom-clancys-the-division-and-the-crew-still-slated-for-2014-release#izoRAGcfxh66WoyM.99
Dr. Buni
Member
Thanks, Authority! I've played most, if not all, of those MMO you mentioned., though.
I am considering buying it soon. Hope it is as good as people claim it to be.
For those of you that didn't know; Age of Wush has been renamed Age of Wulin in Europe;
Age of Wulin
Platforms: PC
Pricing Model: F2P
Gameplay: Age of Wulin First Look
Information: http://en.wulin.gpotato.eu/
Now Age of Wush [NA] has been released on Steam;
Direct Source: http://2p.com/5416600_1/Age-of-Wushu-Launches-on-Steam-by-Wow.htm
Age of Wulin
Release Date: July 18, 2013
Platforms: PC
Pricing Model: F2P
Gameplay: Age of Wulin First Look
Information: http://en.wulin.gpotato.eu/
Now Age of Wush [NA] has been released on Steam;
Direct Source: http://2p.com/5416600_1/Age-of-Wushu-Launches-on-Steam-by-Wow.htm
In other news, the downhill with Archeage in Asia continues after the release of 1.0 version in Korea (my thoughts on this matter can be found here and the discussion regarding Korea here);
Direct Source: http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/28/archeage-japan-going-f2p-getting-1-0-patch-in-april/
So not only are they not learning their mistakes with Korea in which Archeage rank dropped significantly after that particular version, they think it is a great idea to change it to Free to play in Japan.
Direct Source: http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/28/archeage-japan-going-f2p-getting-1-0-patch-in-april/
So not only are they not learning their mistakes with Korea in which Archeage rank dropped significantly after that particular version, they think it is a great idea to change it to Free to play in Japan.
Coming from the combat style of Tera, other MMO's feel unsatisfying to play. I can't help but feel that the Age of Wulin's comes across as a less visually interesting Tera/Invictus kung fu skin.
I played Tera a bit but didn't like the gameplay at all. Tried Age of Wulin right now but not my thing as well.
But that is the "curse" of being an MMO player. They might make you the best MMO in all eternity but you will still not like it because it is not your "theme".
For example, my theme is Aion/Lineageage/Blade&Soul/Archeage. Others are Everquest/GuildWars/Black Desert, WoW/Wilstar. Star Wars/StarTrek, EVE/StarCitizen, and so on and so forth. So it is extremely hard if not impossible to break your personal theme.
That is what I think anyway.
I played alot of MMO's back when the first expansion for WoW was released and it just seems that I overplayed the genre, atleast within the confines of what they are right now. Even when the setting is very appealing and the game seems fun the first few hours of playing, in the end they are all pretty much the same. For me there has to be a far more drastic change in the general way the games are played to pull me back in.
Yeah been trying for a while to find something as good as Tera as far as my mmo prefereces go
B&S and PSo2 were the only two i was rather interested in...now i'm just gonna wait for Everquest Next by the next three years lol
Not sure if I want to get back to PvP MMO again. Peria Chronicles cell-shading ain't bad though, better than what the picture implies.
In be4 coming from the combat style of Lunia, pre rebirth.
In be4 coming from the combat style of Lunia, pre rebirth.
I think I have found the best Diablo II Clone ever.
Information: http://www.pixelgame.net/games/bs/english/yxts_1.htm#1
Gameplay: Best Diablo II Clone Ever
Information: http://www.pixelgame.net/games/bs/english/yxts_1.htm#1
Have you played Rusty Hearts?
Rusty Hearts
Release Date: TBC
Gameplay:
Rusty Hearts Gameplay - First Look
Information: http://wiki.ggftw.com/rusty-hearts/Main_Page
OminoMichelin
Member
I played Rusty hearts for a while, it not bad but it's very repetitive and grindy. Good only if you like high scores.
My favourite and most played MMO is Dofus, a SRPG with a stupid amount of PVE content and a good PVP scene. I stopped playing abouta year ago because I got fed with the sub model and they decided that I could not play from Italy on a UK server (where my main is).
My favourite and most played MMO is Dofus, a SRPG with a stupid amount of PVE content and a good PVP scene. I stopped playing abouta year ago because I got fed with the sub model and they decided that I could not play from Italy on a UK server (where my main is).
TharpDaddy
Member
Looking forward to Wildstar, but beyond that only really have my eyes on EQN. I didn't enjoy the Landmark part of it, but that my change once it's closer to release.
New Trailer for Soul Worker just came out. I'm really looking forward to this game if it ever get released in English.
http://vimeo.com/90291779
Swordmans Online. Heard good things about this.
You can register for beta here: http://www.arcgames.com/en/splash/swm
http://vimeo.com/90291779
Swordmans Online. Heard good things about this.
You can register for beta here: http://www.arcgames.com/en/splash/swm
a secret-boss
Banned
just saw Peria Chronicles in OP. I really like it. I hope it comes to NA soon
Looking forward to Wildstar. I watched a lot of beta gameplay on twitch and it looks neat.
And I'm still holding out hope for Elder Scrolls Online. Not sure why, I played the beta and didn't have much fun, but I just love the main series so much. I have this possibly naive thought that it'll improve and be great by the time it launches.
My main MMO is still WoW (I know I know, it's the worst game ever). Mists of Pandaria has been a top notch expansion for me.
And I'm still holding out hope for Elder Scrolls Online. Not sure why, I played the beta and didn't have much fun, but I just love the main series so much. I have this possibly naive thought that it'll improve and be great by the time it launches.
My main MMO is still WoW (I know I know, it's the worst game ever). Mists of Pandaria has been a top notch expansion for me.
Yeah Soul Worker will be fucking amazing.
Direct Source: http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/28/trion-we-control-prices-in-archeages-cash-shop/
Direct Source: Summary of Q&A
So basically 1.0 is coming to the West.
Cow Mengde
Banned
Vindictus Vindictus Vindictus. That's what I've been playing since... 2010 I think?
In the past Devs were more pro-active in making the necessary changes because subscription was the absolute and we as consumers and gamers had more direct influence.
I do not think this is the case anymore. I honestly think our influence is more limited; we do not have the upper hand on what should be done, but at the end of the day we can still act as a pressure group and hop in to the next MMO.
So what I am trying to say is thus far I am extremely skeptical with ESO team and how they handle business.
And by the way holy shit,
For more: http://evenews24.com/2014/03/25/jesters-trek-the-bonus-round/
I thought they shut it down at some point.
Anyhow here are some interesting figures regarding "Top MMos";
A recent report from SuperData showcased the top earners of 2013 for Free-to-play games. The report shows that “The US digital games market grew 11% in 2013, reaching $11,766 million in sales across all segments, up from $10,582 million a year earlier.”, and that 25% of this market share is held by F2P games. That’s just slightly lower than the quickly growing mobile market segment, which makes up for 26% of these numbers. So F2P games are definitely doing well…but which are the games that are doing best? Let’s see!
Leading the top 10 list is CrossFire, the surprisingly popular Counter-Strike clone, which brought in $957 million. Next in line is Riot’s popular League of Legends, which has seen an impressive $624 million in revenues. League of Legends is doing surprisingly well in the esports scene as well, which would explain why it’s doing so well financially. Interestingly, League of Legends developer Riot Games’ main shareholder is Tencent, the very same publisher behind CrossFire, making Tencent a leader in the Free-to-play segment.
Nexon is also taking up lead positions with its games, having Dungeon Fighter Online in 3rd place and Maplestory in 5th. The first brought in $426 million in revenues, while the latter made $326. In between the two is Wargaming.net’s World of Tanks. The extremely popular tank simulator took 4th place with $372 million, and these revenues will most likely grow in 2014, considering the company has invested heavily into a competitive scenery for its game, as well as an aggressive marketing campaign.
Surprisingly, 6th place is taken up by NCSoft’s Lineage with $257 million. Considering how old the game is (and the fact that NCSoft has sequels and more recent F2P titles out there), it’s amazing to see it do so well. Blizzard’s World of Warcraft follows in 7th place with $213 million, and while the game is not Free-to-play, we’re strictly talking about revenues from micro-transactions here. Considering that Blizzard is releasing a new expansion pack for the game this year and that it is expanding its micro-transaction system, we’re sure these numbers will continue to grow. In addition, Blizzard has revenues from subscriptions as well (estimated at around a monthly $50 million currently) and is hiring for its new “Microtransaction” unit. Last week we’ve discussed Blizzard’s decision to introduce paid level 90 boosts in World of Warcraft.
In 8th place, we have the Bioware/EA Star Wars: The Old Republic with $139 million. These numbers aren’t great, but at least they are a good sign that the game is recovering from the initial financial failures it has originally seen. Considering the game cost a stunning $300 million to produce, it was considered to be a major flop when released. Combined with subscriptions and sales of the recent expansion Galactic Starfighter, it’s safe to assume the game is well on its way to becoming profitable in the future. Valve is also in the top 10, with Team Fortress taking 9th place with $139 million and Counter-Strike Online taking 10th with $121 million.
These numbers go to show that free-to-play models continue to be highly profitable. According to data, the F2P segment has seen a 45% increase in 2013, while social gaming and subscription-based models dropped a staggering 22% and 21% respectively. This is not to say that subscription-based MMOs can’t make profit, but it will definitely be a challenge for upcoming MMO giants Elder Scrolls Online or Wildstar to keep up. We’ve recently debated the pros and cons of Elder Scrolls Online‘s financial aspects, and these recent statistics show that the Bethesda/Zenimax game will be up against tough competition.
Are you surprised by how these games have been performing financially?
Direct Source: http://www.gamerheadlines.com/2014/01/best-grossing-f2p-games-of-2013-crossfire-and-league-of-legends-in-the-lead/
According to Xfire; http://de.xfire.com/genre/mmo/massively_multiplayer_online/
*Andere means other in German.
I think it is kind of embarrassing for the MMO market in the West that World of Warcraft is still the King. Here in the West we are still screwed my Asian friends. Please come to us and take our money.
And Cross-fire (a Counter Strike clone) is number one in the USA in terms of revenue. Yeah the MMO market is bizarre.
Wildstar definitely looks interesting. I've still yet to play an MMO at launch (besides Guild Wars 1 which I got very soon after launch, not completely an MMO though) so I might finally try it with Wildstar.
I didn't get into WoW till last year (unsubbed right now but may sub again in a month) and it's still the best MMO on the market. I wish I started playing earlier, but when it came out I didn't have a job so that wasn't feasible. The world of Azeroth is unparalleled to any other MMO world I've seen, so many varied environments that still look amazing despite the age of the game.
Have you tried the beta yet? I was meant to but I backed off from it last minute. Didn't want to expand too much with MMOs and reinvest my self until I am certain.
Anyhow for those who are desperate like me regarding accessing Blade & Soul with an English Patch* here is the following information;
Blade & Soul China - Guide to Downloading and Registering + English Patch
Warning: Downloading will take ages; patience is a virtue.
*Mod(s) I hope posting that fan-made English patch does not preach my user agreement with Neogaf. If it does please let me know or alternatively remove the content.
TharpDaddy
Member
Didn't realize The Old Republic was doing so well in it's F2P form. Interesting to see some stats on the MMO genre. Thanks for sharing!
Agreed. Azeroth is still an incredible world.
That's partially why I was looking forward to the Elder Scrolls Online. Love the Elder Scrolls world. Sadly, I'm not a huge fan of the combat and don't really like the PvP system.
I wanted to, but I didn't get into the beta.
From what I've seen the Elder Scrolls online seems to have alright environments, but yeah, the combat does not seem very good.
Some exciting news for today;
As previous stated there was a new Soul Worker trailer & additional information;
Direct Source: http://2p.com/5438569_1/Soul-Worker-Released-New-Action-Packed-Trailer-by-Wei.htm
And here is the interview with Black Desert Producer Kim Daeil;
Direct Source: http://2p.com/5432325_3/Interview-with-Black-Desert-Producer-Kim-Daeil-a-Game-with-Endless-Gameplay-by-chaose5.htm
Seems quite hardcore to be honest. Didn't know it would have features as the ones mentioned.
As previous stated there was a new Soul Worker trailer & additional information;
Soul Worker is a new MORPG developed by Korean studio LionGames. The developer just released an introductive trailer, showing 3 character classes' combats. The game features anime art style and focuses on intense hack-n-slash co-op combat; New Soul Worker Trailer
Soul Worker provides 9 unique weapons, each of which grants different abilities to those who wield it. Players will be able to battle in various instances with serious skills and and good insight into boss monsters' mechanics. Team work will be needed as well in such a game emphasizes on group combat. The game will be first released in Korea and then in China. The developer hasn't been ready to discuss their western localization plan.
Direct Source: http://2p.com/5438569_1/Soul-Worker-Released-New-Action-Packed-Trailer-by-Wei.htm
And here is the interview with Black Desert Producer Kim Daeil;
Black Desert Online will be commencing its second close beta test (CBT) in the coming April. Recently, an interview with Black Desert Developer, Kim Daeil of Pearl Abyss has been conducted by ThisIsGame (TIG). The interview contains some exciting new content and interesting changes which are expected in the coming CBT.
TIG: How does Pearl Abyss view the response (from players) on the last close beta test (CBT)?
Kim Daeil: Aside from some major bugs, the response (from players) is pretty good. Some players enjoy travelling around and performing quests which do not have much hint. Meanwhile, others like to discover exploration points to accumulate contribution points, enjoying in-game contents along the way. There are also some players who like to form small groups and participate in siege battle. On the other hand, many players feel that the graphics is very good.
TIG: Do you have the same feeling as other players while playing the game?
I was totally addicted to it. While the server was shut down, I even asked other staff to activate the server so that I can play awhile. However, the staff actually stopped me from doing so. It was quite funny.
After that, I realize that it is because I was playing Ranger. Ranger is a very interesting class, unlike other classes in Black Desert. Therefore, in this coming second CBT, one of the aims is to make other classes fun to play with as well. Please take note of this: this time, we will definitely make all other classes very fun to play with.
TIG: Is there any disappointment in the 1st CBT?
Well, the action of the characters is likely one of the disappointments. Although our staffs are pretty good in this aspect, the fluidity of the attack motion is still not as good as we expected.
Originally, we plan to make certain skills to be used as the finishing hit. So we added a slight action delay before and after the skills. However, this causes the combo chain to be broken. Therefore, many of these action delays will be removed.
TIG: There are certain players who think that the learning curve of the game is pretty steep.
Well, I actually expected this in the 1st CBT. Players who are familiar with other games would probably be able to learn the game easily. However, it might be too difficult for casual players. Therefore we apologize about it and have implemented some changes which help new players to pick up the game faster. Many guides and pointers such as how to use the world map have been introduced. We will anticipate the response of players on these changes.
TIG: Would it be difficult to make such a complicated game easy to learn?
We are not expecting all players to be able to comprehend the game fully upon first contact. We are hoping that players can work things out one thing at a time. Black Desert is not aiming to create a perfect system, but rather a system whereby players will naturally learn while playing the game.
TIG: Many players attributed the high difficulty of the game to the death penalty and random player kill (PK).
The random PK was a bug. Actually, one is only allowed to PK other players during Siege War period. Many players thought that it was part of the game system, despite the notice and information we have released on this bug. Our reputation has gone down the drain due to this (LOL).
TIG: Other than this, there are certain aspects which make players feel sad, for example, the death of their mounts.
Being able to kill others' mounts is a mistake on our side, and it has been fixed immediately. Initially, we thought that the mount is expensive and players would look after them carefully. However, sometimes players just left their horses alone to hunt monster. Only then, we realized that we have made a huge mistake.
Moreover, we initially have the misconception that players would be playing peacefully, but we are wrong. There are too many systems involved in the game, and we miscalculated the difficulties of a particular system.
TIG: Are you saying that the difficulties in the 1st CBT is higher than expected?
Yes, more or less. We don't want to see casual players leaving the game due to high difficulties or being forced to become stronger after being oppressed by others. What we wanted was different types of players can play the game differently, and they don't have to compete with others in every aspects.
TIG: However, death penalty has rarely been implemented in recent MMORPG's.
Death penalty is implemented to create tension in the game and it is a necessary feature to a certain extent. However, we will not maintain the same death penalty in the 1st CBT. Actually this issue is quite sensitive; there are some staffs who feel that the penalty was too heavy while others think that it was just right; there are also some who said that the penalty should be reduced. If the penalty is still too heavy, we would find a suitable balance in open beta test (OBT).
TIG: 2nd CBT will start soon, what is the theme of this CBT?
We have expanded the system which received good response from players in the 1st CBT. We have also changed the way to collect "exploration point" and added more reasons to collect them. Currently, exploration point is not only used to expand trade routes but also can be used on various activities within the region. Furthermore, we have modified the benefit of collecting knowledge and the way to use them. The depth and strategy in siege war have been enhanced significantly.
TIG: It still sounds very abstract. Can you give more details, starting from the siege war?
First, siege war has been changed. Although the siege war in 1st CBT is not so different from other MMORPG's, the new siege war involves conquering stronghold. First the guild which declares the siege war needs to employ NPC workers to build a guild stronghold. It is a race against time to see which side can build faster, and the stronghold must be defended. If the stronghold is destroyed, the siege war will be ended.
In this aspect, we have added the concept of morale. If a stronghold or a specific object is destroyed, the morale of the guild will be boosted and the scales will be tipped in their favour. Players can clearly feel the flow of the battle. We also hope to add some features which can cause a reversal win.
TIG: Any changes to the exploration?
In the 1st CBT, each area had its own contribution point and granted sufficient point to players to experience the system. In the 2nd CBT, the contribution will no longer be tied to an area, but it will be unified. The function of exploration node will be diversified as well.
The nodal point will not merely serve as a destination for player's NPC servant to work on. Small satellite nodes which provide new knowledge, increase productivity and produce specialty items will be located around the whole region. Therefore, players can choose to invest their contribution points in various areas and for different purposes.
TIG: So it's about choice and focus?
Exploration node is closely related to increasing of workers in a village or manufacturing. Some players might want to focus on expand their trade routers to form trading between villages which are far away, while other players might want to focus on investing on a region with specific specialties. Besides that, there are some nodal points which are related to the renovation of houses.
TIG: In the 1st CBT, there are some comments on housing as being a hierarchical content.
We have revamped this aspect. In the 1st CBT, I asked myself and other staffs, if I were to play this game, should I buy a house? I feel that it is something which is very far away from me. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer.
Therefore, I want to revamp the system such that more players will be able to experience the fun of decorating your own house. Currently, I can't disclose too much detail on this yet. There are still many things related to the renovation function which is still under development.
TIG: Will new areas be released in this 2nd CBT?
All the contents discussed so far will be released along with the new region "Calpheon". The area is 3 times as large as the area released in 1st CBT. This area should be able to keep players occupied until level 50.
TIG: Let's talk about Mercenary system.
This system is related to the housing renovation system. If we can finish developing the housing renovation system, the mercenary system will be released together. Otherwise, these two systems will be released in the 3rd CBT. The aim of the mercenary system is to gather more player types for siege war.
We hope that, not only battle savvy players participate in siege war, but also players who focus on production and exploration would be able to participate through mercenary system as well.
TIG: The lifestyle type of gameplay is richer than expected; initially, I thought this is an action game.
We did not change our original concept. In fact, we change the game to strengthen our concept. The aim of Black Desert is to let players enjoy the game. I feel that the linkage between RPG and cultivation game is very important. We have been focusing to allow this link to influence every aspects of the game.
TIG: In the first beta, it seems like players who purely focus on battle can't do well in the game. Is this design being implemented on purpose?
Actually one can purely focus in battle. Some of our development staff actually did purely focus on battle and do quite well. They did gather some contribution points and work together to complete some wonderful achievement. There are others who play the game in a totally different way. Black Desert allows each player to walk his own path freely.
Regardless if it is in game or real life, wouldn't it be boring if you are just doing one thing? We design the game in such a way that you would discover new ways to play the game as you go along, instead of someone asking you to do certain things.
TIG: In your view, how should the ideal Black Desert be like?
A game with endless gameplay. I want to produce a game which doesn't feel repetitive. MMORPG's main framework is growth and battle. Although these two aspects are interesting enough on their own, I hope to add nodal exploration and linkage to enrich the game.
I want to make players feel alive; players can decide on what he wants to do and the path in life he is going to take etc; these will give player a true RPG experience.
TIG: I think the fans of your previous games should feel a bit surprised by now.
Actually I love both life style game and action game. However, I think it is quite disappointing that Korea doesn't have many games on simulation and cultivation. Now, I have been going to Steam to look for simulation and strategy game but can't find anything suitable. However, I have accumulated a lot of concepts of the developers. I am currently producing the game which I like.
TIG: So you don't want to create a world with survival of the fittest?
It is not necessary to create a world with survival of the fittest. I am current thinking how to make the game in a way that player who doesn't belong to any group are not restricted by big guilds. Some players hate the dominance of major guilds but certain players like them. Therefore, the right thing to do is not to pick a side, but to maintain neutral. These things would endanger the game if they are overly prominent but without them, the game would lose its purpose. We need to find a balance.
The same applies to death penalties and items. We need to seek a suitable balance point. We have meeting on this aspect weekly, but all these are sensitive issues. We will continue experimenting until OBT.
TIG: Reflecting players comment is probably the toughest part?
We can't simply heed players' suggestions because they can be very one-sided at times. Therefore, after listening to players' feedback, we strike to look for the best solutions for the problem internally.
TIG: How do you plan to solve some issues which cause inconvenience to players?
After the 1st CBT, many realize that our game is different from other games. For example, Black Desert quest doesn't give experience from completing quest. Apparently, we would need to do something to convince players to accept this.
TIG: Have you ever thought of making the game go in the same direction as other games?
After discussing with the group this morning, we decide to maintain the current model, until players are familiar with it. We would like to thank all players who love the game. We will work hard on the game.
TIG: It seems that the difficulties of the game in CBT and OBT would be different.
Of course. Focusing while playing game would generate tension, but this doesn't mean that players are oblivious to this.
TIG: The game demands high computer specs in the 1st CBT. What is the requirement now?
The requirement is slightly lower now and the graphic quality has been improved. We would optimize and lower the minimum requirement to run the game.
Actually we have not released the low requirement version of the game. Currently, the low requirement version has been completed, and there is a significant difference in graphic quality. It can even run in Window Exp, with CPU and GPU usage greatly lowered.
However, we would not release this in the 2nd CBT because we wouldn't want players to see low quality graphics. Sorry about this.
TIG: Roughly, what is the lowest requirement?
Currently, there are some games, such as League of Legends, which can even run on tablets. We are trying to do that as well, but the outcome is not good. That's the advantage of self-developed engine: we can test its limit.
TIG: Finally, what's the schedule for 2nd CBT?
The 2nd CBT is expected to begin in mid April. We have decided on the date internally. I believe Daum Community will release the information soon.
Direct Source: http://2p.com/5432325_3/Interview-with-Black-Desert-Producer-Kim-Daeil-a-Game-with-Endless-Gameplay-by-chaose5.htm
Seems quite hardcore to be honest. Didn't know it would have features as the ones mentioned.
AzureSkies
Member
Here's hoping that Albion Online and ArcheAge are added to the OP, you can never have enough sandbox MMOs.
Once we got a release date I will add them.
Kingdom under fire II
Platforms: PC, PS4
Gameplay: Kingdom Under Fire II Online G-Star 2013 English Promotion Trailer
Information:
Release Date: Summer 2014
Platforms: PC, PS4
Gameplay: Kingdom Under Fire II Online G-Star 2013 English Promotion Trailer
Information:
Proud to present the following MMO,
Direct Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/loadFeature/8357/page/1
World of Diving: SCUBA Without Getting Water All Over Yourself
World of Diving (pre-alpha) multiplayer Trailer
At one time or another, youve probably looked at the Oculus Rift and thought to yourself, I bet those would make some bangin underwater goggles. That may not be the exact sentiment expressed by the developers at Vertigo Games, but in our GDC 2014 preview, I was told that the form factor of the new piece of tech did in fact provide the initial inspiration for World of Diving.
World of Diving is a first-person multiplayer online adventure game with an emphasis on exploration and user-generated content. In it, youll discover procedurally-generated underwater worlds that are inspired by real locales, take on developer- and player-created missions, and design your own content with the in-game toolset. Youll start out with a small personal island featuring a little swimming pool and Bioshock-style underwater tubes that will eventually lead you to the ocean, and you can customize everything from your appearance, gear, vehicles like boats and submarines, and real estate.
Although the Oculus Rift will not be required for play, I think using it will provide for a far superior experience than a traditional display. World of Diving has some amazing lighting effects, beautiful seascapes, and great ambient sounds, and using the Oculus Rift paired with a solid set of headphones adds substantially to the immersion. The version I played utilized a gamepad for basic movement and controls, and the visor allowed me to look around at my environs, party member, and even my characters body, and I was impressed by how well the tech worked. It was a very early build, to be sure, but the demo ran very smoothly and I was able to complete a few missions, take underwater photos (including a selfie!), and get myself tangled in some corral without issue.
World of Diving is very group-friendly, and supports up to sixteen players per instance. The game allows you to invite your friends over to your personal island for pool parties, and you can even bring them onto your boat and explore the high seas in search of diving points. Youll of course also want to play their created missions and review them with the games UGC rating system, and invite them to do the same with your own aquatic adventures. The underwater kingdom is not free of predators, however, and youll want to avoid creatures like sharks, which will initiate button-mashing minigames if they manage to attack you. Theres no actual combat in the game, and sharks cant do damage to you or vice-versa, but still, their presence in the water is no less terrifying!
Vertigo Games is comprised of a small but highly motivated team, and theyre keen on releasing the game as soon as possible and adding new features as it grows. Pre-orders for World of Diving are already available for 20 USD, and the game will offer vanity customization items, half of which will be free, with the other half being supported by microtransactions. Your pre-order will give you access to your starter island swimming pool and allow you to get active in the development process by giving the developers feedback on things like how movement works and what kinds of features youd like to see.
The team at Vertigo Games is developing the game for multiple as-yet-unannounced platforms, and I can definitely see it working well on both PC and consoles. The game will also support an iPad companion app that will tie in to many different in-game features, like allowing you to view an aquarium filled with all of the different types of fish that youve seen.
World of Diving is slated for launch by the end of this year or the beginning of next, pending the Oculus Rift release.
Direct Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/showFeature.cfm/loadFeature/8357/page/1
New anime for Blade & Soul;
Direct Source: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-08/blade-and-soul-fantasy-anime-2nd-promo-streamed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd6QODIqtEw
The story revolves around Alka, a female swordswoman who uses a blade that can cut enemies with one attack. Alka travels in order to get revenge for her teacher, Hon, who was killed. The one who killed him was Jin Valel, a woman who heartlessly steals the lives of people like a monster. However, as she is part of the same assassination clan, the "Blade Clan," she feels that she is similar to her. During her travels, Alka meets three women. The master of song and dance Karen, the alcohol and gun-loving Hazuki, and Roana, the head of a band of thieves.
Hiroshi Hamasaki (Steins;Gate, Texhnolyze) and Hiroshi Takeuchi (Bodacious Space Pirates chief animation director) will direct the anime at studio GONZO from scripts by Atsuhiro Tomioka (Inazuma Eleven, Pokémon XY). Eri Nagata (Leviathan: The Last Defense, Psycho-Pass sub-character design) is adapting Hyung-Tae Kim's game character designs for animation and serving as chief animation director. LEGO BIG MORL is performing the anime's ending theme, “RAINBOW."
The anime will premiere on April 3, and the CD single for "RAINBOW" will go on sale on April 30.
Direct Source: https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-08/blade-and-soul-fantasy-anime-2nd-promo-streamed
Before Tera it was always Sci-fi for me, with Anarchy Online and Planetside 1/2. I suppose I flirted with Guild Wars 1 for a time. For whatever reason, I find the fantasy tropes to not hold my attention as well. Tera worked because it was pretty, let me level fast, and had an active combat system.
It all clicked for me when I made a Lancer character (tank class). I'd never been attracted to playing a tank before, but Tera gives the tank a lot of responsibility, not just for keeping aggro (which the game intentionally screws you up on all the time), but for protecting yourself (while you have more life as a lancer, you're "tanking" ability comes from holding R mouse, and depletes as you hold it or absorb attacks) and others (people standing behind you get the same defense you do, important in later dungeons). Here was an MMORPG that you couldn't fall asleep in, where fighting any standard dungeon boss was more akin to wrangling a mad bull than just counting down buffs/attacks and complaining to your healer. Not even mentioning the complexity of end game bosses.
Anyway, it's probably for the best that there isn't an equivalent around, I need to get some things done in real life at the moment.
Also, World of Diving? whatamireading.gif. Impressive that it even exists, really.
That is great to hear. I am not sure how I feel about sci-fi MMOs. I am currently giving EVE Online a testdrive to see how I will hold up with it and so far so good. It feels so godam complex so there is quite allot of work I need to do (research, read notes, ask questions on help for rookies channel) but it is at the same time quite exciting.
I honestly miss that feeling; when you enter an MMO for the first time and everything seems like a big complex, not even your common sense can pull you through if you get my drift.
I am sort of a traditionalist when it comes to classes; I always had that assassin must-kill-you-in-3-seconds attitude so basically any MMO must first give me that role; assassin, thief, rogue, hitman, and so on and so forth. That is the exact reason I gave a go Diablo III but kindly disregarded it, as well as other reasons; was a big Diablo II fan.
So what I am trying to say is that these "new classes" in the West; lancer, monk, bard, might not appeal to me but I fully understand why they appeal to others; because it breaks the traditional and strict role of classes into combined roles.
Playing my class is too important. That is probably the first think I research with any MMO before trying it.
I was superexicted with World of Diving; hopefully Neogaf will keep an eye on it,
One interesting take on WIldStar;
Direct Source: http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/wildstars-gameplay-is-all-too-familiar-to-mmo-vets/
Direct Source: http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/26/wildstars-gameplay-is-all-too-familiar-to-mmo-vets/
Azzurri
Member
^^
Everything he says in that article is pretty much spot on. I believe if WS was released around 2006/07 right before or after BC it would be a huge hit since the themepark sub genre was still fresh, not 10 years after WoW. Just look around at MMO's being announced most of them are going for the sandbox or sandpark feel, the traditional themepark is slow dying. It's all cyclical of course since prior to WoW, besides EQ we didn't see themepark mmo's, and now that's all there are, but slow coming back around.
Albion Online looks like Ultima Online but in 2014, and it seems to play the same too.
Everything he says in that article is pretty much spot on. I believe if WS was released around 2006/07 right before or after BC it would be a huge hit since the themepark sub genre was still fresh, not 10 years after WoW. Just look around at MMO's being announced most of them are going for the sandbox or sandpark feel, the traditional themepark is slow dying. It's all cyclical of course since prior to WoW, besides EQ we didn't see themepark mmo's, and now that's all there are, but slow coming back around.
Albion Online looks like Ultima Online but in 2014, and it seems to play the same too.
Gotta keep this in the radar.
And here is the gameplay of this game posted 4 days ago;
Game Shock - World Of Diving Alpha Gameplay
and you can download it here; http://divegame.net/download