Review Candidate: ArcheBlade

ArcheBlade by Codebrush Games:
http://en.codebrush.net/game

Pros:

• Unique concept: battlegrounds/map-based third person PVP with fighting game mechanics (a MOBA/fighting game or DOTA/Brawl Busters hybrid).
• Map-based PVP can allow for many different game modes.
• Decent starting character roster.

Cons:

• Uses Steam.
• Doesn't seem to have any PVE content.
• Unclear monetization strategy.
• Significant character balance issues.
• Small team/developer - can they support regular game updates?
• Each character's move set isn't that deep/extensive.
• Kickstarter for this game was closed quite quickly, though developers claim that the game's status has not been affected.

Reviews/Previews:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/346990097/project-archeblade-0
http://www.onrpg.com/MMO/ArcheBlade/review/ArcheBlade--Closed-Beta-Impressions

Previous News:
http://luidailynews.blogspot.com/2013/01/january-7-cbt2-registration-for.html

Black Deserts News: Closed Beta Schedule Confirmed

Black Deserts News: Closed Beta Schedule Confirmed:

Black Deserts' developer PearlAbyss held a press conference, together with publisher Daum Communications, to announce the current progress of Black Deserts. Closed Beta is scheduled for July 2013, with Open Beta penned for late this year. Just a reminder, although confirmed, the schedule is still subject to changes.

Continue reading Black Deserts News: Closed Beta Schedule Confirmed.

League of Legends PH: Our Response to the Community

Our Response to the Community:
Greetings Summoners,
As we are nearing the second year anniversary of League of Legends in the Philippines, we feel that we from Garena owe everyone an update on the current state of our community, our eSports initiatives as well as issues that have and is currently being the topic of discussions.

Super Hexagon and Ikaruga available for Android

Super Hexagon and Ikaruga available for Android: Super Hexagon and Ikaruga have found their way from the App Store to your Android device.

Terry Cavanagh's popular...

Defiance beta enlistment opens today

Defiance beta enlistment opens today: Sign-ups for the second round of beta testing for the highly anticipated Defiance are officially...

DK Online charges into open beta

DK Online charges into open beta:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

After two months in closed beta, DK Online has opened its testing doors to everyone who wants to get in on the action. Now whether you prefer the style of the mighty Warrior, the subversive Shadowmage, the righteous Paladin, or the fire-flinging Sorceress, you can take on the role of a Dragon Knight to battle against the encroaching evil of Dark Knight Nox.



Along with open doors, this beta is bringing two new castles to fight for, a new level cap of 42, plenty of new monsters, a skills revamp, and the new land of Emtlant for players to explore. Aeria Games is also hosting a number of events during this time, such as GM hide and seek, a scavenger hunt, and a large-scale invasion. For more details on the events and to download the game, visit the official site.



[Thanks to Ville for the tip!]

DK Online charges into open beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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• Source: Open beta announcement

Trion and Syfy redefine licensing with Defiance

Trion and Syfy redefine licensing with Defiance: Trion SVP Nick Beliaeff on how this game and TV show developed together

Tekken Is Getting Its Very Own Virtual (And Real-Life) Card Game

Tekken Is Getting Its Very Own Virtual (And Real-Life) Card Game:

The King of Iron Fist Tournament will be raging on in 2013, this time with the fiercest weapon of them all: playing cards. Namco Bandai Games has just announced Tekken Card Tournament, a mobile/real world card game that is set to launch "in the next few weeks." Tekken and card gaming: a match made in... somewhere weird. More »

Fridge Words (iOS) review

Fridge Words (iOS) review:
Fridge Words is a new iOS game from Thumbstar. It’s available now as a free download from the App Store, with additional in-app purchases of in-game currency available.

Ragnarok Online: Lighthalzen Arrives On Classic

Ragnarok Online: Lighthalzen Arrives On Classic:

Gravity Interactive has announced that the town of Lighhalzen has been deployed on the Ragnarok Online Classic server. The town will offer players a variety of new quests as well as the homunculus companion monsters for Alchemists as well as the Somatology Laboratory dungeon underneath the city.

General: Life is Magic Now Available on iTunes

General: Life is Magic Now Available on iTunes:

Those looking for a mobile action RPG will want to check out Life is Magic. The new game has been released to iTunes in North America and is also available in the Android Marketplace. Since deployment, the game has received substantial updates including "city chat" with players in the same city as your character.

A newbie in Heroes of Newerth: How patch 3.0 improves the MOBA experience

A newbie in Heroes of Newerth: How patch 3.0 improves the MOBA experience:
Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, Patches, Previews, Free-to-play, Massively Interviews, Massively Event Coverage, MOBA

My first experiences in the MOBA genre went something like this: "What do you mean last-hitting and how come these towers keep shooting me? I'm a hero for, freak's sake!" to which my teammate would respond, "Quit feeding and die in a fire." It was a confusing and tumultuous time. Thankfully, the genre has taken a turn for the better, adding more in-depth tutorials, bot matches, and various other aids to help new players transition into the game and beef up the competitive numbers.



Heroes of Newerth is no exception. S2 Games is preparing to globally launch (yes, everywhere at the same time) patch 3.0 on January 31st, 2013, and it will include a lane full of visual enhancements, bots with customizable AI, and a stronger emphasis on teaching new players the ropes.



Could HoN establish itself as the MOBA for new players of the genre? We trekked to a demo in San Francisco last week to find out.
Continue reading A newbie in Heroes of Newerth: How patch 3.0 improves the MOBA experience

A newbie in Heroes of Newerth: How patch 3.0 improves the MOBA experience originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let's See How Konami's Beat Gather Handles Space Unicorns and Dinosaur Lasers

Let's See How Konami's Beat Gather Handles Space Unicorns and Dinosaur Lasers:

Released late last year on iTunes, Beat Gather is a rhythm game that lets players use their own music library to create finger-tapping levels and share them with the world, so I am sharing a couple with you folks. Warning: my taste in music is odd. More »

Trion reveals Defiance pre-orders, live-action teaser

Trion reveals Defiance pre-orders, live-action teaser:
Filed under: Betas, Sci-fi, Business models, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Defiance

Defiance's April release isn't too far away, and today Trion has made the new MMO shooter available for pre-order. There are several bundles to choose from including both physical and digital collector's editions and a good assortment of early bird bonus items.



Pre-order bonuses include beta invites, XP boosts, and exclusive titles and outfits. The physical CE boasts a Hellbug statue, a soundtrack CD from renowned composer Bear McCreary, an art box, and a slew of in-game items. Defiance is coming to the PC, PlayStation 3 and XBox 360. You can find the full listing of pre-order options at the game's official website.



The company has also released a 30-second live-action teaser trailer, the full-length version of which will "be available soon." See it after the cut.



[Source: Trion press release]
Continue reading Trion reveals Defiance pre-orders, live-action teaser

Trion reveals Defiance pre-orders, live-action teaser originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New sci-fi shooter Storm unveiled by Syndicate developers

New sci-fi shooter Storm unveiled by Syndicate developers: Not every sci-fi shooter needs a flashy announcement. Starbreeze, the developer behind Syndicate, The Darkness...

I'd Rather Play Fire Emblem Than Play This Clone

I'd Rather Play Fire Emblem Than Play This Clone:

I'm a huge fan of Nintendo's strategy RPG series Fire Emblem. In fact, I'm just a fan of well done SRPGs (strategy role-playing games). Unfortunately not many get translated to English; just look at the Super Robot Wars series. The lack of new SRPGs and the fact that I had to wait a month for Fire Emblem had me searching for something "new" to fill the void, and that was how I came across Sword Requiem by Chinese game developer JoyMaster. While Sword Requiem has captured my attention and time, it sadly isn't Fire Emblem. More »

Scarlet Blade Starts Configuration Beta Test in Taiwan

Scarlet Blade Starts Configuration Beta Test in Taiwan:

The fierce action MMORPG Scarlet Blade will launch its configuration beta test on January 30 in Taiwan. Developed by Liveplex, Scarlet Blade is an adult game with all female characters, pitting players against mysterious invaders threatening to eliminate mankind.

Continue reading Scarlet Blade Starts Configuration Beta Test in Taiwan.