Multiplayer RTS Games

Many real-time strategy games now have multiplayer options that allow you to wage war over the Internet. In most cases you are required to gather resources, research new technology, build up an army, and use it to vanquish your enemy. The player limit is typically between 6 and 12. A game's popularity is not the only consideration for inclusion on this list, which based in part on my opinion and your feedback. These are games I would recommend today, so with a few exceptions, it emphasizes recent titles over classics. Feel free to let me know if I've missed something.

Sequels can be risky because some people want unique and innovative changes, while others want the game to stay close to its roots. StarCraft 2 manages to walk that fine line nicely, bringing the franchise into the 21st century graphically and improving the interface while still offering similar core gameplay to the original. The competition on Battle.net is fierce and there are a wealth of multiplayer maps to choose from. Blizzard continues to tweak the faction balance, but you'd have a hard time finding a more finely crafted and beautifully presented RTS game.

View the original article here

Read more »

Online Games of Skill

It's common knowledge that you can gamble online, but games of skill are also becoming a very popular way to put your money where your mouse is. Along with the usual single-player Web games that offer cash prizes, a growing number of sites are now letting users compete for a wager in multiplayer games and tournaments. As enjoyable as a free game of online chess or pool can be, having a little money riding on the outcome can certainly make it more thrilling.

Casual games and traditional board games are the mainstay of this industry, which earns revenue by several means, including both through advertising and competition entry fees. Word games like Bookworm and puzzle games like Bejeweled are quite popular. Arcade, trivia, and card games are also frequently played for a wager or prizes.


Winning Big, Losing Small
Although there is usually no limit to how much you can win, there are often limits to how much you will be allowed to lose in given period of time. Tournament payouts can be quite substantial, but don't expect to make a career out of it, because most games are played over relatively small wagers.

To participate you will need a credit card or a PayPal account. Assuming you come out ahead, this is how you collect your winnings. Some sites start you out with 5 dollars worth of "practice money," which gives you a chance to try out the system without taking any risks. Once you have an account with the site, you can usually still choose to practice or play in free tournaments to hone your skills.


Isn't That Gambling?
The legality of playing online games varies from one region to another. In the U.K. they have adopted a regulatory approach to the online gaming industry rather than passing laws against it. In the U.S. rules governing sweepstakes, contests, and tournaments with entry fees or prizes are determined by each state, not the federal government. For this reason, skill game sites generally do not offer their services to residents of Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland and Tennessee. Some states equate all forms of online gaming for money with gambling.

Online gaming is a relatively new activity, so in many areas the technology is still ahead of the law. Few precedents have been set, and there is ongoing debate about the distinction between games of skill and gambling. For example, some states consider poker a game of chance, while in others it is labelled a game of skill. Consult a local authority if you want to know for sure what the legal status of playing online games for money is in your area.


Fair Play
As you would expect, all the leading sites that allow you to compete for cash have policies in place to discourage cheating and do what they can to enforce these rules. They are constantly watching for players that are using computer scripts or other methods to gain an unfair advantage. At the same time, cheaters are always looking for new ways to abuse the system, so undoubtedly, a certain amount of cheating still goes on. In some cases the game sites have been accused of banning accounts and withholding winnings from alleged cheaters with no evidence. There aren't really any simple solutions to these problems. I recommend playing on a site that you trust and reporting any suspicious activity you come across.

Here is a list of some sites where you can play skill games for money.

• More on Gaming for Money
• Pro Gaming Events
• Real Money Trade in MMOGs

View the original article here

Read more »

Roleplaying and Romance

When you're in an online world with thousands of other players, matters of the heart will inevitably arise, even if the game itself has nothing to do with romance. In any large enough group of people there will be those who are looking for love, those who are celebrating their love together, and those with an interest in expressing themselves in erotic ways. This is a quick look at how romance manifests itself in many massively multiplayer online games.


Meeting Places
On rare occasions, it actually does happen that two people find each other in the game, meet in real life, and go on to live happily ever after. While MMORPG players are predominantly male, there are women that play. I'd guess that on average, it's still well below 20 percent in most games, which is something to think about if you're gal seeking a guy.

Another thing I should point out is that there is nothing stopping men from creating female avatars and vise versa. You can't assume that the foxy Night Elf babe running around Stormwind is actually being played by a female. With a few exceptions, most MMORPGs probably have more men playing female characters than they have women playing female characters. You'll notice this immediately if you start using voice chat in these games.

There are a few other things to keep in mind before you decide to go beyond simply having an in-game freindship. As with any form of remote communication, people are not always who or what they say they are, and some of them have bad intentions. The samee safety concerns apply whether you're meeting through a personals Web site or a MMORPG.


Virtual Marriages
Although in-game weddings were once an exceptional event, they are getting more common all the time. These can be part of gameplay in titles with functions for marriage, such as Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, but quite often they are staged re-enactments of real life ceremonies. Final Fantasy XI has gone to great lengths not only to allow marriage within the game, but to provide clothing and facilities suitable for such an occasion.

While people have taken their vows using instant messenging and video conferencing in legal weddings presided over by the same officials and witnesses required for a standard union, I could find no evidence of any couples getting legally married in a game yet.


Couples Playing Together
Playing along with someone you know in real life can make a game quite a bit more interesting, especially if that person is your significant other. It's long been said that couples who play together stay together, and this may turn out to apply to online games as well. Stories about wives that have been turned on to games by their husbands abound on game forums, and you'll even see a few cases where wives have lured their husbands into the hobby.

The flexible character creation in the City of Heroes/Villains has been a hit with couples, because it allows them to make superhero characters that compliment each other both in skills and appearance. The game now has at least one guild that caters to couples that play, which is something we're sure to see more of in MMORPGs.


Adult-oriented Content
Ever since the invention of Internet chatrooms people have been using them to engage in dialogue of an erotic nature. With the advent of 3D games, finding some way to arrange your avatars that vaguely resembles a sexual position never fails to get a few laughs. It was only a matter of time before games were going to start offering interactive environments that cater to these interests.

Second Life, which features a wide range of user created content, now has everything from wedding gowns to red light districts, complete with characters that ply their trade as prostitutes.

For a still more explicit approach to playing with sexuality, take a look at Sociolotron. The 2D graphics are a little primitive by today's standards, but this game was developed specifically for adults, and uncensored social interaction is a central feature. Characters live out dark sexual fantasies, become drug abusers, land in prison, and even die in this very unusual game. Interestingly, the developer warns against forming real-life relationships through Sociolotron.

Adult-only entertainment using massively multiplayer technology is clearly in its infancy, as is the entire industry in many ways. There are several games that focus on dating and sex currently in development, and it's reasonable to expect some titles to get truly pornographic in the next few years.

View the original article here

Read more »

Review of Wizard 101

You're a young wizard being trained in the ways of magic at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts under the watchful eye of headmaster Ambrose. As you learn to harness mystical powers, you'll be tasked with saving the school from the evil Malistaire Drake. Sound like Harry Potter? Well, it is a lot like Harry Potter, at least up to a point. Wizard101 is an online game for kids that has many of the trappings of an adult MMORPG built around an unusual card-based combat system, and it has been capturing the imagination of people of all ages.

Many elements of larger online RPGs are present in Wizard101. After creating a character you'll find yourself tackling a series of quests in an effort to collect gold, equipment, and of course, the experience points needed to increase your level. The world has public areas, instances, mini-games, and even PvP arenas.

Graphics and Interface
As you would expect, the graphics are cute, colorful, cartoonish, and easy on hardware. Although it's a long way from Harry Potter, the art direction is bang on and the animation is excellent. There are some remarkably elaborate spell effects which are a joy to watch, even if they do get a little repetitive after a while. The GUI is robust yet minimal, giving you just what you need as you need it. The map and navigational aids also fullfill their purpose in a simple and efficient way.

Outside of combat, movement and camera controls closely mimick those of mainstream titles like World of Warcraft or EQ2. The initial download is relatively small and the game streams new areas to you as you encounter them, allowing you to play areas you already have as they download.

Keeping It Clean
Parents will naturally be concerned about the chat system in the game, and several mechanisms are in place to ensure that chat is child safe. The system can be limited entirely to preset phrases, although that can make it a little difficult to communicate. Alternatively, players on your friends list can be granted additional chat priviledges that allow you to speak more freely.

To avoid any shenanigans related to naming characters, names are similarly constructed from presets. Parental controls can be activated on an account so that settings can't be changed and purchases can't be made without your approval.


Combat
Combat is where Wizard101 starts to make major departures from the norm. As you approach an enemy you are snapped into a ring where combatants take turns casting spells at each other by choosing cards from their decks. Character movement is actually suspended during these exchanges. Spells are based on a deck of cards selected beforehand, from which 7 are drawn each round. Players have less than a minute to play a card or they pass their turn, so you're not stuck in limbo if someone leaves their keyboard for half an hour.

There are 7 different types of magic in the game, and your card collection grows along with your character. Although it lacks the depth of something like Magic: The Gathering, it's a well-realized concept that makes a powerful impression right from the start.

Your camera automatically jumps around to give you a good view of the animations that represent your spells, which is a wonderful visual experience. However, as I mentioned earlier, you're going to see them over and over again. They do take a while, especially at the higher levels as the fights grow longer, and I'm sure some people would rather skip them if they could; a minor flaw in this otherwise admirable combat system.

While there are no grouping or guild features in Wizard101, players can freely join engagements underway in the public parts of the world. As more young wizards enter a combat ring, additional enemies also join, up to a limit of 4 on 4. Everyone in a battle gets credit for kills, and rewards are doled out automatically, so there are no disputes over loot. As well, there are now arenas with rankings and rewards in place for those who want to work their magic against other players.


Wisps and Mini-games
Another way in which Wizard101 differs from the average RPG is that health and mana don't regenerate automatically. You have several ways to deal with this. Running around catching wisps while out of combat is one option, although it's not particularly entertaining, especially if there are lots of other players around doing the same thing. If you have potions you're good to go again in an instant. Your health does slowly recover in town, and you can also play mini-games for mana. The various mini-games are reminiscient of casual titles like Bejeweled or Tetris.


Limits on the Free Trial
You can download and play Wizard101 free of charge, and unlike most online game trials, there is no time limit. At around level 10, however, you will find yourself running out of things to do. If you want to explore further, you can purchase a monthly subscription that gives you access to everything, or you can purchase zones in the game one at time as you need them, which is quite unusual. It gives you ample time to decide if you want to spend money on it.

KingsIsle recently launched Dragonspyre, a new high-level area for the game that continues the storyline into an ancient haunted world that was once home to an advanced militant society. More content is always welcome, as dedicated wizards may find themselves progressing through the available zones quite rapidly.


The Bottom Line
Although Wizard101 has a few shortcomings, it's a charming idea that has been beautifully executed and lovingly polished. They've taken a chance with the collectible card inspired combat, but there does seem to be an audience for it, and thanks to a solid tactical element, there are plenty of parents playing along. It's refreshing to see a game that concentrates on doing a few things well, rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Wizard101 is not only a game your entire family might enjoy, it's a title that a lot of games designed for adults could learn something from.

View the original article here

Read more »

WoW Mounts

There are a large number of mounts available in World of Warcraft, and more are added to the game on a regular basis. The total is currently around 200, although that includes different color variations on the same mount model. Mounts speed up travel through the world and are highly coveted possessions within Azeroth. Most of the mounts in World of Warcraft are listed here, but there are likely still some missing, or some that have been discontinued.

A single character can collect many different mounts, and flying mounts were introduced with the Burning Crusade expansion. There are numerous way to acquire a mount; they can be purchased from vendors, earned through PvP, or won as drops from certain bosses, to name a few.


Racial Mounts
The first mount most players purchase is a racial mount, which increases your speed significantly over walking. These become available at level 20 and require the Apprentice riding skill (75). Racial mounts can be purchased at a vendor near the race's capital city. If you want to purchase a mount from a race other than that of your character, you need to reach exalted reputation with that race's faction. At level 40 with Journeyman riding skill (150) characters can purchase an "epic" ground mount which increases their speed even more.

Alliance Apprentice Mounts Elecks
Race: Draenei
Faction: Exodar
Riding Skill: 75

Horses
Race: Human,
Faction: Stormwind
Riding Skill: 75

Mechanostriders
Race: Gnome
Faction: Gnomeregan Exiles
Riding Skill: 75

Saber Cats
Race: Night Elf
Faction: Darnassus
Riding Skill: 75

Rams
Race: Dwarf
Faction: Ironforge
Riding Skill: 75

Horde Apprentice Mounts Hawkstriders
Race: Blood Elf
Faction: Silvermoon
Riding Skill: 75

Kodos
Race: Tauren
Faction: Thunderbluff
Riding Skill: 75

Raptors
Race: Troll
Faction: Darkspear Trolls
Riding Skill: 75

Skeletal Horses
Race: Undead
Faction: Undercity
Riding Skill: 75

Wolves
Race: Orc
Faction: Orgrimmar
Riding Skill: 75

Alliance Journeyman Mounts Swift Elecks
Race: Draenei
Faction: Exodar
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Steed
Race: Human
Faction: Stormwind
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Mechanostriders
Race: Gnome
Faction: Gnomeregan Exiles
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Saber Cats
Race: Night Elf
Faction: Darnassus
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Rams
Race: Dwarf
Faction: Ironforge
Riding Skill: 150

Horde Journeyman Mounts Swift Hawkstriders
Race: Blood Elf
Faction: Silvermoon
Riding Skill: 150

Great Kodos
Race: Tauren
Faction: Thunderbluff
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Raptors
Race: Troll
Faction: Darkspear Trolls
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Skeletal Horses
Race: Undead
Faction: Undercity
Riding Skill: 150

Swift Wolves
Race: Orc
Faction: Orgrimmar
Riding Skill: 150




Gallery of Racial Mounts
Class Mounts
Some classes in World of Warcraft can obtain a special mount by completing quests that become available at certain levels. With the release of Wrath of the Lich King, alternatives to the more complicated quests have been offered, and several have been made easier.

Warhorse
Class: Paladin (Alliance)
Riding Skill: 75

Charger
Class: Paladin (Alliance)
Riding Skill: 150

Thalassian Warhorse
Class: Paladin (Horde)
Riding Skill: 75

Thalassian Charger
Class: Paladin (Horde)
Riding Skill: 150

Exarch's Elekk
Class: Paladin, Race Draenei,
Riding Skill: 75

Great Exarch's Elekk
Class: Paladin, Race Draenei,
Riding Skill: 150

Felsteed
Class: Warlock
Riding Skill: 75

Dreadsteed
Class: Warlock,
Riding Skill: 150

Deathcharger
Class: Death Knight
Riding Skill: 150

Winged Steed of the Ebon Blade
Class: Death Knight, Flying Mount,
Riding Skill: 225


Gallery of Class Mounts
More Mounts
1. Racial and Class Mounts
2. Reputation and Quest Mounts
3. Flying Mounts
4. PvP Mounts
5. World Event and Special Mounts

View the original article here

Read more »

Wrath of the Lich King FAQ

Now that the Wrath of the Lich King expansion for World of Warcraft is live, many people are wondering what it has to offer and where to get started. Here are some answers for those who want to get the most out of the new content for this ever-popular MMORPG.


Can I purchase and/or download Wrath of the Lich King online?
Yes, you can now upgrade your account and download the game client on the official site.


What are the system requirements for Wrath of the Lich King?
PC System Requirements
Minimum
- Windows XP (Service Pack 3), Windows Vista (Service Pack 1)
- Intel Pentium 4 1.3 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 1500+
- 512 MB RAM (1 GB for Vista users)
- 3D graphics processor with Hardware Transform and Lighting with 32 MB VRAM (Such as an ATI Radeon 7200 or Nvidia GeForce 2 class card or better)
- DirectX-compatible sound card or motherboard sound capability
Recommended
- Dual-core processor, such as the Intel Pentium D or AMD Athlon 64 X2
- 1 GB RAM (2 GB for Vista users)
- 3D graphics processor with Vertex and Pixel Shader capability with 128 MB VRAM (Such as an ATI Radeon X1600 or Nvidia GeForce 7600 GT class card or better)

Mac System Requirements
Minimum
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer
- PowerPC G5 1.6 GHz or Intel Core Duo processor
- 1 GB RAM
- 3D graphics processor with Hardware Transform and Lighting with 64 MB VRAM (Such as an ATI Radeon 9600 or Nvidia GeForce Ti 4600 class card or better)
Recommended
- Intel 1.8GHz processor or better
- 2 GB RAM
- 3D graphics processor with Vertex and Pixel Shader capability with 128 MB VRAM (Such as an ATI Radeon X1600 or Nvidia 7600 class card or better)
You need The Burning Crusade expansion as well.


What is the new level cap?
The new level cap is 80, up from 70 in The Burning Crusade. Talent trees for all classes have been extended, and professions now go up to 450.


How do I get to Northrend?
Alliance players travel to Northrend on ships that leave from Menethil Harbor and Stormwind Harbor. The Menethil ship takes you to Howling Fjord and the Stormwind ship takes you to Borean Tundra.
Horde players catch a zepplin just outside of Orgrimmar for Borean Tundra, or outside of Undercity for the Howling Fjord.


What is a Death Knight?
Death Knights are the game's first "Hero Class." You must have another character over level 55 to create a Death Knight. Rather than starting at level 1, Death Knights start at level 55. Death Knights do not replace existing characters and they are available to both factions. Unlike other classes in the game, you can only create one Death Knight per realm.


What Dungeon instances are available in Northrend?
Utgarde Keep in Howling Fjord: L69-72
The Nexus in Borean Tundra: L70-72
Azjol-Nerub in Dragonblight: L70-74
Ahn'kahet in Dragonblight: L73-76
Drak'Tharon Keep in Grizzly Hills: L74-77
The Violet Hold in Dalaran: L75-77
Gundrak in Zul'drak: L76-79
Halls of Stone in Storm Peaks: L77-79
The Oculus in Borean Tundra: L77-80
Halls of Lightning in Storm Peaks: L78-80
Utgarde Pinnacle in Howling Fjord: L78-80
Caverns of Time - Stratholme: L78-80


What Raid instances are available in Northrend?
Naxxramas in Dragonblight
Vault of Archavon in Wintergrasp
The Obsidian Sanctum in Dragonblight
The Nexus: The Eye of Eternity in Borean Tundra


Where is the city of Dalaran?
Dalaran is in the western part of Crystalsong Forest, floating in the sky.


How do I get to Dalaran?
At level 74 you will find quest givers in major Northrend towns that will send you to Dalaran for free. The only way to get there before 74 is by being ported or summoned. Mages can undertake a quest at level 71 to learn Teleport: Dalaran.


Where can I find a map of Northrend?
There's an interactive Flash map of the continent on the World of Warcraft site.


When do I get to use my flying mount in Northrend?
When you reach level 77 you can buy the cold weather flying ability in Dalaran for 1000 gold.


Are there class trainers in Northrend?
Only for Mages, who can train in Dalaran.


Where can I train my professions past 375 in Northrend?
Alliance profession trainers are in Valiance Keep (Borean Tundra), Valgarde (Howling Fjord), and Dalaran.
Horde trainers can be found in Warsong Hold (Borean Tundra), Vengeance Landing (Howling Fjord) and Dalaran.


Is there an Auction House in Northrend?
No, you have to travel back to the original cities.


Does Dalaran have city portals?
Yes, Dalaran has portals to every major city including Shattrath. There is also a portal to Caverns of Time.


What new Battlegrounds are there in the expansion?
There is one new Battleground called Strand of the Ancients. It's a 15 vs. 15 match in which the sides alternate between attacking and defending a keep.


Where can I plan my new talent build?
The talent calculator on the World of Warcraft site has updated talent trees for all the classes including Death Knight.

Have fun in Northrend!

View the original article here

Read more »

Castle Empire Closed Beta

Browser-based strategy games seem to be growing in popularity, and Ubisoft is getting in on the action with Castle Empire. The game lets you build a medieval kingdom, explore, and go to battle with neighboring kingdoms. Developed by the team responsible for the Settlers series, Castle Empire uses a similar art style, and it goes by the name The Settles Online in Europe. The game will be free-to-play when it launches.

View the original article here

Read more »

More Diablo 3 Details Emerge

Blizzard has been revealing new information about Diablo 3 that have fans buzzing, particularly over the proposed real money auction house and the requirement of a constant Internet connection. The auction will operate alongside a game currency auction, and will allow player-to-player trades for real money, with Blizzard taking a cut of the proceeds. They have no plans to sell items directly to players through the auction at this point, although they are considering making some cosmetic items available. Only a handful of games have tried something like this, and it could really go over well with a game of this stature.

The need for a constant connection to Battle.net, even when playing alone, is still a deal-breaker for some people. Blizzard's reasoning for this is that they want you to be able to use the same characters in both single-player and multiplayer, which means trying to ensure that all characters are legitimate. I'm a little surprised they didn't opt to let people create offline characters that could only be used offline, akin to what they did with StarCraft 2 offline mode.

View the original article here

Read more »

Bodycount - Hands-on Preview

It can be really disheartening when you try your level best only to be slapped in the face with the news that you simply aren’t good enough. In Bodycount, Codemaster’s latest first-person shooter, that was ever apparent as we ended our first ever mass slaughter of hundreds of local militia by earning a measly Grade “D” in the end of level rankings. Needless to say, this didn’t feel reward enough considering our confident gung-ho approach and willingness to tackle some ferocious A.I. head on. There is, however, a good lesson to be learned from our mistaken view that Bodycount is a game that merely involves aiming, firing and running like you've got a stick of dynamite down your pants. Consequently, you soon learn that the over-powering urge to roar like a lion and run-and-gun your way through a pack of heavily-armed goons leads inevitably to disappointment come the end of level score.

The chaos that unfolds in Bodycount actually tricks you into panicking, creating an overwhelming sense of urgency that grips you as you dash through a storm of bullets and leap over tossed grenades and through falling debris. Stop to take a breath for one moment though and you quickly realise that there's a lot more strategy involved than first meets the eye, especially if you harbour any dreams of becoming a grade “A” killing machine. Judging from our initial hands-on time with Bodycount, it does appear that it is just as much about taking up good positioning, or tossing down a mine in the right place to take out half-a-dozen unsuspecting enemies, as it is pure, unadulterated, gun-in-hand FPS action. The scoring system triggers that competitive gamer inside and when you're aiming for top of the leaderboard, Codie’s shooter becomes just as much about skill as it does wanton destruction and chaos.
           

There's so much more to Bodycount than just bringing buildings crumbling to the ground with a well-placed grenade, or knocking enemies 10-feet back with a blast from your shotgun -- it’s also about gaining multipliers, collecting orbs and racking up skill-shots. Though there's little time to think before the next wave of enemies descends, success is also down to how well you use the innovative new cover system to your advantage as you attempt to take out some very smart A.I that changes its behaviour swiftly based on your actions. Yes, causing mayhem is a lot of fun, but Bodycount also looks to be far more tactically challenging than we first gave it credit for; and this cover system actually becomes an integral part of the gameplay.
By introducing a fresh new take on the “lean-and-peek” cover system now adopted in many first-person shooters Codemasters has taken a big risk with Bodycount, but if our initial look at three of the game’s preview levels is anything to go by it may well just pay off. In some ways this new cover mechanic reminds us of the original Rainbow Six games on consoles, where you could camp just to the right-hand side of a window so that you couldn’t be seen and then lean and peek to the left every few seconds or so to take down anyone stupid enough to rush across an open courtyard. The risk of someone running up behind you was always there, but you were unlikely to get hit from in front unless you peeked for too long.
              
In essence, the cover system in Bodycount does work rather like that, rooting you to the spot and allowing you to peek left, right and over objects without sticking to your cover spot. It differs in two main areas though which makes it feel markedly different to anything before. As you press the left trigger you zoom into the action which gives you more accuracy and precision over your shots, but you're also rooted to the spot so become instantly more vulnerable.

View the original article here

Read more »

MapleStory end its Chaos update series with new content

MapleStory has finished the Chaos series, and Nexon has presented Age of Triumph, a huge update that brings new content exclusively to those players who traverse Maple World on Global MapleStory servers.

Age of Triumph is a new update that bring to the players an entirely new story line called the Silent Crusade. This full length quest for players level 37-110 introduces a battle force that specializes in eliminating Master Monsters, a faction of enemies never before seen in MapleStory.

Throughout their journey through the Silent Crusade, players will be introduced to new NPCs that will aid them along their quest, including one character that will grab the hearts of players seeking a new romance. The Silent Crusade will be narrated through colorful, action-packed in-game cutscenes and through tandem battles with NPCs.

Age of Triumph will also introduce the new Capture the Flag mode, a new game type added to MapleStory's PVP mode. Three to six players in two teams will fight for their opponents' flag, and the first team to do so three times is declared the winner. Item drops, including speed ups, power ups, HP recoveries and more will aid players throughout the battle, along with additional points and medals for players that exhibit the actions of a true strategist.



View the original article here

Read more »

Latest Room Escape Game From Abroy: Beneath Oval Cabinet

After Da Vinci Mystery, here is Beneath Oval Cabinet, the latest Room Escape game from Abroy.

“This time you are trapped under the oval cabinet.

It is said that there might be some angry ghost so make your way out as fast as you can!”

Have fun!

View the original article here

Read more »

Battle Stance – Human Campaign A Real-Time Strategy Game

After invading the Land of Men, the orcs have settled all across it.

Stand up against their armies and face them in battlefield, in Battle Stance – Human Campaign, a real time strategy game.

Build up an army by killing orcs and freeing our people held hostage.

Have fun!

View the original article here

Read more »

The Online FPS Crossfire arrives to Europe

The Online FPS Crossfire arrives to Europe
SG Interactive, has revealed that Crossfire Europe, a free online FPS, in coming to Europe very soon, with a Closed Beta Test scheduled to begin on  Aug. 31, 2011.

Crossfire is a popular online game, setting an  impressive record of 2.8 million concurrent users across the world.

In Crossfire Europe, players join mercenary teams fighting  for dominance in a world overrun by terrorists and dominated by massive  corporations. With deeply competitive gameplay fueled by rankings,  leaderboards and clans, as well as plenty of diverse maps and modes, Crossfire Europe takes death match action to the next level.

"Crossfire's success in international markets is  unprecedented," said Chris Lee, CEO of SG Interactive. "We're looking  forward to seeing the bullets fly as we bring the game to European  players."
Crossfire Europe stands out from the competition with its varied, unique game modes,  such as "Ghost Mode," where one team must silently take down the other  armed only with knives and stealth cloaking.

"Crossfire continues its relentless march worldwide," said  Herald Kwon, CEO of SmileGate. "If European gamers have any doubt at all  about whether or not they should try Crossfire Europe, they should just look to the millions of players worldwide who are already enthusiastic about the game!"



View the original article here

Read more »

Boulder Crash: A Flash Remake By Mirko Ruto

Back to the Emerald Mines!

Boulder Crash is a Flash remake by Mirko Ruto of the classic arcade puzzle game Boulder Dash.

Use the arrow keys to move, space for action and ESC to abort or pause.

Have fun!

View the original article here

Read more »

Experimental Shooter

Experimental Shooter is a puzzle shooter from Vitalii Zlotskii that features 21 levels of different gameplay.

“Each level has a very unique set of rules and goals. But you will have to figure out the rules and goals on your own!

Hint: The level name gives a hint for what the level is about and how to solve it.”

Have fun!

View the original article here

Read more »

Black Prophecy: Launch Time

Gamigo has announced the North American launch of free-to-play sci fi space combat MMO BLACK PROPHECY.

The “Successful” Open Beta has concluded and now is the time to fly into the universe Germany’s Reakktor Media has created. Burnt out on EVE? Sad you’ll never play JUMPGATE 2? This may be right up your space alley.

Black Prophecy - she's a looker.

“Black Prophecy is the first Sci-Fi Space MMOG that dares the step towards action-oriented gameplay from a third-person and first person perspective. Begin your journey into space and experience fast-paced real-time action as a fighter pilot in countless hazardous missions and epic battles. Jump into your cockpit and engage the enemy threat solo, or join powerful clans and fight alongside fellow comrades-in-arms.”

View the original article here

Read more »

HILG – Eitini

Eitini is another Room Escape game from HILG, the author of P-Diver, C Sensor 2, Roof Escape 2, JROOM, Camel Eye, Favorite, Anonymous, Alloy and many more games.

Click the yellow button in the bottom left corner of the game window to switch between Japanese and English.

Have fun!

View the original article here

Read more »

Rat of Hamelin 4: Latest Minoto's Point' n' Click Adventure

Fans of Minoto, rejoice: Rat of Hamelin 4, the latest Minoto’s Point’n’Click Adventure game is live!

If you enjoy this game, don’t forget to check out Rat of Hamelin 3, 2, 1, The Pied Pier of Hamelin, The Blue Bird,  A Dog of Flanders, Ikkyusan, God of Poverty, Kintarou, The Wizard of Oz 4, 3, 2, 1, The Boy Who Cried Wolf and many more by the same author!

Have fun!

View the original article here

Read more »

Growl! Beastlord Class Arriving for EverQuest II

At the recent SOE Fan Faire in Las Vegas Sony unveiled the new Beastlord class planned for EVERQUEST II. The new class will likely arrive hand-in-hand with the “Age of Discovery” expansion due this fall. You can already play a Beastlord in the original EVERQUEST where some players find it an overpowered mix of Shaman and Brawler with an angry pet in tow. Sounds cool!

Beastlord class on the way for EverQuest II this fall. That's a big puppy!

Check out the official site and EQ Wire for lots of juicy, additional news.

View the original article here

Read more »