SEGA has unleashed a new trailer to Phantasy Star Online 2. The sequel to the original console MMORPG is about to receive a new content patch that’ll make every gamer happy. Well, everyone that can currently access the game. The Japanese-language trailer reveals the new Duman (Dewman) race, a new planet and, naturally, a horde of new loot, including the Katana and Bow.

The Episode 2 update will also unlock a second character for all players, the new maptype dubbed Coast, the Braver class type and more mobs to farm. Unconfirmed data mining suggests that new skills have been added alongside a skill tree revamp. The changes will result in skill reset items being distributed to players.

The four-plus-minute trailer is available after the cut with some accompanying screenshots. Western gamers remain holding their breath for their option to join the 2.5+ million players already collecting loot. SEGA revealed no news on the game’s anticipated North American launch at E3 2013, leaving the “delayed” state from mid-March as the most recent status.

Episode 2 will launch on July 17, 2013 for current audiences and introduce additional story elements. Read more…

Oh, heavens. It’s not like SMITE hasn’t been taking up enough of our time. The still-in-closed-beta MOBA from Hi-Rez Studios recently modified the progression process in favor of a game mechanic far more appropriate to a MOBA. Favor earns you basic skins and unlocks gods and now players can farm Worshipers instead of experience.

Announced back in mid May, the change enables players to focus on their favorite gods instead of overall player-based experience. By winning a match with a chosen Demigod, Deity or God players earn Worshipers. Once you hit Level 1 with a specific god you’ll unlock the Golden skin. Alternatively, players can purchase the unique skins with large amounts of Favor or a hefty amount of gems.

As of press, details remain scarce on progression past Level 1.

Hit the jump to learn which gods currently have Golden skins available. And yes, it’s fully expected that each god will have a Golden skin down the road. Read more…

Ubisoft, one of the few major publishers to stave off the genre we all know and love, has announced that it’s joining the fray. A part of the publisher’s cash cow Tom Clancy intellectual property, The Division is an upcoming MMO shooter.

The company went so far as to label the title a “massive online” game. Too bad we weren’t informed exactly how massive it will be. Ubisoft did not reveal how large the battles will be or if the massive game will be part of a persistent world.

Like many of today’s games, the title is to feature no distinct classes and allow for customized character development. Solo play, instanced battles and group content that doesn’t scale are all on the charge. The Division features a post-apocalyptic storyline featuring a contagion, released on the public on purpose, turning the United States to a state of chaos.

One massive caveat. Currently, Ubisoft is keeping the title on platforms charged with shooters, consoles. Hit the previous link for access to the first trailer.

This article has been in my head for ages. Massive multiplayer online games, any subgenre from sandbox to themepark, do not show well at conventions. I’m not one to make blanket statements, but I’m fully confident with this one after traversing the convention circuit for half a decade. MMOFPS combat the notion, but ultimately falter.

Let’s set the stage of your general show and showgoer. There’s an insane amount of visual and audio noise when you hit the floor. There are options left, right, upside down and in every nook. Most of the offerings are visceral experiences that focus on the hook, something in the game that you’ll remember, ideally, when the game approaches release a few months down the road. Perfect for single- or normal multiplayer games.

The most disciplined of showgoers will get to their target games early and camp the line, assuming there is one. Finally, the moment comes where showgoer gets to jump on the open desktop. For most MMOGs the machine is set to offer some combination of: grind a few mobs, kill other showgoers, play with some new abilities or a character class or roam a new area. Before showgoer knows it time is up and the flabbergasted gamer is ushered out the back door. Maybe showgoer had 30 minutes. Probably less than 15 minutes.

Read more…