Kyle Horner
Vancouver, WA - http://
"Let slip the dogs of war." And then, I blogged.
Mandalorians smack down the Jedi in SWTOR's new timeline update
Star Wars: The Old Republic
The nomadic Mandalorians are strikingly unique and much like the Jedi and Sith in that sense they're not an actual species; yet war is their singular goal in life. Their mantra is that strength is not merely good, it is great, it brings honor through battle. Thus, it's no surprise that Mandalorians are generally opposed to the Jedi and get along better with the power hungry Sith. At this point, the Republic Trooper's coutnerpart is pretty obvious. That powerful Jedi army doesn't seem so intimidating against legions of Sith, Bounty Hunters and bred-for-war Mandies, now does it?
We highly recommend you check out the timeline video. It's not only informative, but quite entertaining if you've got even the slightest amount of interest in Star Wars: The Old Republic.
New Fallen Earth trailer is mean, lean and low on steam
It's almost like the marketing team wasn't aware of the videos and information released to this point, which showed a slower, more laid back MMO. Sure, you shoot things and there's lots of mature, post-apocalyptic content, but it seems like this trailer is aimed at creating a false assumption with players wanting a fast, twitchy run-and-gun, simple MMO that Fallen Earth just isn't.
We think the game could definitely find its audience, which is why this trailer seems incredibly counter-productive. Being genuine is supremely important. Players who figure out you aren't will resent it, and those who don't will become embittered after purchasing something with false expectations. Catch the full -- yet short -- video after the break.
Twitter added to Champions Online, social butterflies rejoice
Champions Online
Cryptic
You're inside a rather challenging instance, only moments away from the big fight. Your party is getting ready, resting up, etc and so you take a moment to hammer out a short message to your friends on Twitter. "Oh man, about to take on my Nemesis, Big Bad Boss Man, wish us luck!" you say, netting you a few encouraging replies. Then you engage and the ensuing carnage is nigh legendary. The party just takes a serious beating and is torn limb from heroic limb by your Nemesis. You decide to share this with the world, only to see your buddies instantly share their empathetic thoughts on your embarrassing defeat.
We think it's got some substantially fun possibilities. Plus, if Cryptic can work in Twitter support to their games, what else could they do? Facebook seems like the next step, but there's also Pandora and Last.FM support to consider, too.
Aion launch party contest details revealed
NCsoft
Pretty cool, right? We're sure that many of you would kill to get a chance to play Aion at all, let alone be entered into this contest. So make sure you get to at least level 3 if you're playing this weekend. You may as well if you're already going to play at all, right? And if you really want that beta key now -- but haven't had the luck to nab one -- preorder customers are given access to every beta event. You can find the page for preordering yourself a copy right here.
Five action packed Champions Online screens
Champions Online
Cryptic
If you're curious about all of these powers, Cryptic's been doing quite a few mini-guides discussing each of the groups like energy or martial powers. Something tells us that these screens are only making those of you not in beta all the more impatient, but since open beta is literally two months away now, at least you won't have to wait much longer.
Massively's DDO Unlimited developer tour
Turbine
I was lucky enough to be given a developer tour of the Dungeons and Dragons Online Unlimited beta last Friday, and had a thoroughly good time. The DDO Store is a streamlined and snappy experience. The store doesn't simply attempt to shove its wares onto the unsuspecting player. Instead, it attempts -- and largely succeeds -- in being a helpful, generally friendly addition to the game.
The Digital Continuum: Week two of vacationing in Vana'diel
It probably helps that I'm listening to podcasts and chilling on my bed/floor as I play. Having a wireless controller really frees up my ability to move around while playing an MMO. Sure, there are nice things about getting your groove going on the PC, but you can't prop up some pillows and kick back while killing some Clippers.
Now that I mention it, I killed so many Clippers this week that I could make a mountain of crab cake and live atop it as a king wearing a crown of crab claws.
Champions Online open beta coming in August
Champions Online
Cryptic
We know many of you have been waiting to hear this news. With the game launching in September, it was only a question of whether or not a beta would happen -- August was mostly a foregone conclusion. Still, now that it's officially coming you can toss up your hats (or whatever article of clothing you would like to remove and hurl into the air) and celebrate. Beta's only a couple months away... just a couple more months.
[via 1up; Thanks, Kinnetik!]
_thumbnail.jpg "Aion Beta: Asmodian Ascension Quest")
