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| Issue #71 |
From the Ground Up
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March 29, 2007 |
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Since the release of World of Warcraft's expansion, this column bit the dust. For a while, it seemed like this column would make its return multiple times, but each time something different happened. After touring GDC and seeing how much larger the MMO universe is getting, this column is needed more than ever.
Where to begin the rebuild? It's going to take some time to achieve the balance of what goes in a column, and what goes on index. Right now, minor version updates and special events will be here, with the larger announcements, like expansions, being posted on index. I'll see how it goes.
And so, welcome to the long-delayed revival.
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Sony Online Entertainment posted the changes placed yesterday for their flagship title: EverQuest II. Here are a few key changes:
- Dungeon Revamp, Deathfist Citadel
- Designed for level 38-42 adventurers, this base of operations for the evil Deathfist Orcs gets a springtime facelift, with new quests, completely new population (including named and boss NPCs), improved quest rewards and recipes for the new and much-coveted Blood Iron armor.
- Swords of Destiny--Knights in the Round
- The Acadechism is the starting point for chapter 2 of this new quest line (level range 64-69). Players will brave the mysteries and dangers of the Acadechism, the Tower of Vhalen and the Ruins of Valmarr to unearth the secret of the enchanted blade Soulfire.
- New Butcherblock Quests and A New Profession Hat
- For the level 25-35 crowd, several new quests have been added to Butcherblock Mountains, complete with new rewards and loot.
- A new macro system lets you dress in a hurry for parties or raids.
- A new profession hat has also been added for the Conjuror.
SOE also hints that there will be a special event on April 1, but won't give any details. We'll just have to see what they have planned.
For complete details on all the enhancements in Game Update 33, check EQ2's Community.
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NCsoft and Planetwide Media announced the launch of City of Heroes and City of Villains Comic Book Creator Contest. The contest based upon user-generated content will officially run from March 27, 2007 through 11:59 CDT April 27, 2007. Participants will be able to enter by submitting a four to eight-page comic book entry, utilizing featured super-powered hero and villain characters from their online game play, along with a collection of City of Heroes and City of Villains images, icons, symbols and artwork, created by the Planetwide Media's Comic Book Creator software.
A panel of celebrity judges will judge the contest submissions, and will include: legendary comic book writer - Marv Wolfman, esteemed comic book artist - David Nakayama and City of Heroes Lead Game Designer - Matt "Positron" Miller.
For complete details and contest rules, visit the Comic Book Creator Contest page.
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MUtizens Prepare! K2 Network, Inc. announced that Cry Wolf, a downloadable expansion pack for Global MU Online will be available starting next week to gamers in Europe, North America, and South America. This expansion is loaded with new content and premium gameplay, and marks the first anniversary of Global MU Online's commercial launch. It also kicks off a 30-day countdown to the Cry Wolf Event on April 27, 2007.
In Cry Wolf, premium players will explore Aida and the Fortress of Cry Wolf, two new maps for the game. In the land of Aida, which will be the first map to release, players can adventure and quest their way to level 380 and prepare for the Fortress of Cry Wolf. In the Cry Wolf map, allied armies of humans and elves will defend the Fortress against the evil forces of Kundun and their tyrannical leader, Balgass.
"The release of new content is a fantastic way to celebrate the first anniversary of Global MU Online," said producer Ricardo Mendoza. "Through the introduction of new exploration areas, quests and characters, players will begin an epic new adventure in the already massive universe of Global MU Online. We look forward to feedback from our dedicated community about the game's exciting expansion."
In addition to new maps and the Fortress of Cry Wolf Event, the expansion offers many other thrilling features: the ability to build and ride the powerful wolf: Fenrir, unique weapons and armor sets for each class; and never before seen monsters and NPCs including Werewolves, Witch Queens, Death Trees and Dark Elves. All of the above will add hundreds of hours of gameplay for MUtizens, the players of Global MU Online.
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Each week I will post new content added to as many MMORPG websites as I can find throughout the week. It's a daunting task, but RPGs are a challenge, so covering them shouldn't be any different. For this week, I'll start small. I need to gain more experience first.
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Not a bad start. April's Fools is coming up. Is your favorite MMORPG having an event? Let me know about it. I know it's not a big deal for a lot of companies, but if there are enough events, I'll post a special update.
See you then,
Mikel Tidwell
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