Free PC Gaming Blog

Metin2’s latest patch released yesterday includes new character models, class balances and tweaks, and hardware upgrades to accommodate a growing user base. Also, there have been numerous updated for in game couples.

Here’s the press release:

Metin2’s Latest Update Includes New Character Classes, a Vastly Increased Server Capacity, and Items Designed for Couples

Toronto, Ontario/Canada - October 30, 2007 - Metin2’s long-awaited patch includes new character models for male Assassins/Mages and for female Warriors/Suras. In order to accommodate an increased player base, Metin2 has also doubled their server capacity by introducing new channels for users to play on. As a part of Metin2’s marketing strategy, new products and services have been phased-in to allow paying users to receive value-added benefits that enhance their gaming experience.

*Metin2 trailer: http://www.metin2.us/trailers.html

After extensive testing and review, the latest patch from Metin2 is now available for public download and use. The major features included in this patch reflect the wishes of players which were gathered from discussion on Metin2’s Development Forums. Players will now be able to select male and female models for all available classes. In addition to this, we have re-balanced the classes to improve game-play both in ‘Player vs. Player’ and ‘Player vs. Monster’ environments.

Less popular classes that were not well suited to solo adventuring have been tweaked to allow greater flexibility when fighting enemies alone or in groups. Every class may now stand on its own and will also provide unique party-based benefits that will encourage players to band together in their battling through the challenges Metin2 has to offer.

The existing server infrastructure has been upgraded to meet the demands of an increasing player population. With these updates Metin2 has added 2 new channels (CH 3 & CH 4) that feature more monsters, maps, and combat zones. Players will now be able to communicate freely between channels, thus improving trade and social activities for all players of Metin2.

The ‘Item Mall’ section of Metin2 that allows paying users to receive special in-game bonuses has been revamped. After reviewing user buying habits, G4Box has introduced classic items at a discounted rate as well as introducing new items that required this latest patch to be effective. Player marriages have become popular due to the game-related extras available to them. A ‘Couples Shop’ has been implemented to allow paying users to enhance their gaming experience when playing together with their spouses. Wedding Rings allow couples to teleport to each other, Harmony Necklaces fortify health and defense, while Love Bracelets increase experience gained when playing together.

"New character content and changes to our server hardware will allow even more players from around the world to enjoy North America’s premiere free-to-play MMORPG," said Howard He, CEO of G4Box Inc. "This release is just the tip of the iceberg, as it showcases the lengths to which our company will go to provide continuous service and improvement in order to meet the needs of our players."

For additional information regarding Metin2’s patch notes, game information, or downloads, contact Howard He or visit www.metin2.us.

The new free to play Pirates of the Caribbean MMO from Disney was opened up to the public today. Create your own Pirate, sail your own ship, engage in battle on the open sea, and embark on quests for adventure and buried treasure! The world of Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones is now yours to conquer… Happy Halloween!

Here’s the press release:

DISNEY’S PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN ONLINE SETS SAIL

Highly Anticipated Free-to-Play Massively Multiplayer Online Game Launches for PC and Mac Platforms

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – October 31, 2007 – Disney Online today announced that Pirates of the Caribbean Online (www.PiratesOnline.com), an immersive massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) and virtual world inspired by the popular film franchise, has launched for the PC and Mac platforms. Pirates of the Caribbean Online allows thousands of players to fully experience the adventures made famous in the films and explore beyond these boundaries in a quest to become the most legendary pirate on the high seas.

“The launch of Pirates of the Caribbean Online opens up an entirely new world of pirate adventures to thousands of fans who can now play alongside their favorite characters in a fully-immersive environment that builds on and goes beyond the epic stories created in the films,” said Paul Yanover, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Disney Online. "We believe the game’s focus on action and adventure, combined with many customization options will appeal to a broad audience of both gamers and fans of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as they set out on their own course to live the legend.”

In Pirates of the Caribbean Online, players create and customize their own pirate, captain their own ship, and assemble a crew of their fellow rogues in an effort to become the Caribbean’s most legendary Pirate. Along the way, players will interact with characters made popular by the films, like Jack Sparrow, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, and will also encounter a host of new characters and enemies unique to the game. To become the most notorious pirate, players must forge alliances, hunt for buried treasure, battle evil undead forces, and use cunning and strategy to outwit their foes.

Game features include:

• Create your own Pirate character – Players choose from over a million combinations to fully customize their own Pirate (body type, face, hair, clothing, names, etc.).

• Set sail on your own Pirate ship - Captain your own ship then recruit a crew of fellow players to set sail for the adventure of a lifetime.

• Quest for adventure and treasure – Embark on ship and land-based missions to locate buried treasure. Explore lush jungles, volcanic caves, and vast tropical islands but beware of traps, ambushes, and double-crosses which are an every day occurrence when keeping company with Pirates.

• Use advanced weaponry – Players engage in epic battles using a variety of weapons such as cutlasses, grenades, pistols and cannons and can unlock more powerful weapons as they improve their reputation as a fighter to be reckoned with.

• Become a legend – Master a variety of skills, including sword fighting, card playing, and treasure hunting to become the most notorious pirate in the world.

• Work your Voodoo Magic – Voodoo magic is used to heal, travel and cast curses on enemies.

• Get some Booty – Earn extra loot by competing in parlor games such as poker and blackjack.

• Build a notorious crew or guild – Players band together with others for expanded adventures and added power, forming a crew for quick battles or joining a guild for longer-term strategy.

• Grow your wealth with money and rare items – Hunt for buried treasure including gold, precious gems and mysterious artifacts.

The successful Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, including Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), has grossed close to $2.7 billion at the worldwide box office.

Pirates of the Caribbean Online, developed and published by Disney Online, is rated E10+ and features lower PC and Mac system requirements than most other games in this genre, allowing for easier access to a broader audience of players.

Players can download the game directly and access additional information at the game’s Web site, www.PiratesOnline.com. A portion of the game is available for free and players can get unlimited access for a monthly subscription fee. At launch, Disney Online is offering new players subscriptions to Unlimited Access for a first-month fee of $4.95 and continuing with a $9.95 fee for following months.

About Disney Online
Disney Online (www.disney.com), a division of the Walt Disney Internet Group, produces the number one kids’ entertainment and family community destination on the World Wide Web. Launched in 1996, Disney.com is the online gateway to all of the company’s Disney-branded entertainment initiatives, providing comprehensive access to, and information about Disney movies, travel, television, games, mobile, music, shopping and live events. Disney.com also features Disney XD, a highly interactive broadband experience, that lets Disney.com guests create their own customized online channel with games, videos, music, and chat - all of which can be enjoyed simultaneously in an immersive environment.

In addition, Disney Online develops and publishes a range of online products and services including Disney’s Toontown Online, Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online, Disney Game Downloads, Disney Game Kingdom Online, Disney Connection and Hot Shot Business.

If you have enjoyed Marble Blast or Super Monkey Ball, then you’ll probably dig Marble Arena, a new free game from Brightside Entertainment. One of the big differences with this game over the others mentioned is that you have other marbles out to get you. You can also play your friends online to battle it out.

Here’s the press release from Brightside Entertainment:

Brightside Entertainment Releases Marble Arena

Barlad, Romania, October 29, 2007 – Independent game developers Brightside Entertainment have announced the release of a new family friendly, single player and multiplayer game for PC and Mac, called “Marble Arena”.

The goal of the game is to control your marble in order to get close to bright and colorful stars placed around the level and then let your zapper do the talking. The more stars you zap, the more points you get. Each level has a certain amount of points you need to get in order to complete it. The more points you gather the bigger you grow, and the harder you are to be pushed around by physics contraptions that you’ll encounter such as jumppads, air vents and vortexes. The downside to this is that your own weight will slow your jumping down, making some places unreachable after growing too much.

You’ll have to navigate through a total of 44 levels, ranging from really easy to really hard, up and down slippery slopes, mastering the laws of physics. You’ll fight your way through AI controlled marbles and send them flying into each other and towards their doom. Make them collide with each other to increase their energy and then convert that energy into points by making them explode.

To complete levels you must master rolling around various types of surfaces such as ice, glass, water, sand and tarmac. Each surface makes your marble act differently, and while some surfaces you’ll like and want to travel on, others you’ll want to avoid as much as possible. Powerups you’ll find along the levels will improve your stats for a limited period of time while special materials will change your marble into something totally different altogether.

If you can prove you have what it takes and finish a level before a certain time limit you will be rewarded with upgrade points which you can then use to improve your marble. Using these you’ll be able to customize your maximum speed, jump force, overall grip and the size of your marble at any point in the game. You will also be able to buy other skins from the wide selection the game has to offer.

The game offers a built-in editor, that will allow you to easily create your own custom levels. You’ll be able to design the course of your dreams, make it quite difficult if you want, and then dare your friends to complete it if they have what it takes. You can also post them on the official website and share them with the world. Plenty of help and tutorials await those interested in this aspect of the game.

Show everybody how good you are at this by posting your scores and stats directly from the game and compete for the first 25 positions that are featured on the on-line hall of fame.

The multiplayer mode allows you to play with your friends on each and every single map in the game, even custom ones that you created or downloaded from the website. In multiplayer games the goal is to win as many rounds as possible. To win a round you have to gather a certain amount of points, the same way you do in single player mode. The more you gather, the more you grow and the more of a menace you are to your competitors because you’ll be able to push them a lot harder than they’ll be able to push you. To spice up the game, you can add a virtually unlimited number of AI controlled marbles which can make for a very intense game even with few human players.

For more information, discussions, screenshots, videos and to download Marble Arena please visit the official website :
http://www.Marble-Arena.com

One of the best things about online games (especially free ones!) is the fact that there is new content constantly being developed. This is especially cool when the online content reflects real world holidays. I already mentioned in a previous post that MapleStory had added Halloween content. I just learned that DragonFable is also getting into the spooky spirit with Mogloween!

Here’s the info from DragonFable:

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble, Fire Burn and Myx Bubble! Four beautiful witches and one sinister cauldron bent on world domination… what could possibly go wrong?

This year DragonFable explores the origin of one of AdventureQuests favorite holidays, Mogloween! This cross-over event introduces the Cauldron sisters who are trying to take of the world… of candy making! Their specialty is something that will definitely drive all the moglins crazy.

This years event culminates in a huge titan battle! Make sure to talk to Twilly in Falconreach and get your own dragon and start on the journey to become a full DragonLord!

NEW RELEASES:
* Trick or Treat!
* Visit with Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble!
* Upgrade the Harvest Weapons!
* Get all twelve Masks!
* Get more candy with each mask unlocked!
* CAAAAAANDY!

COMING SOON:
* Special Holiday Pumpkin King Armor!
* Fight the ebil mastermind!
* Prepare your dragons for a holiday Titan Battle!

Rising Force Online better known as RF Online has been re-launched as a free to play game. I haven’t tried this one yet, here’s the desciption of the game from Codemasters Online:

RF Online is an epic mix of traditional fantasy MMOG and unique futuristic sci-fi action to bring an entirely new and original take on the existing MMORPG genre. Set in a deep space galaxy known as Novus, take your pick from three all-powerful warring factions leading your character into the final battle for total control over the entire galaxy. Choose from either the Bellato Union, taking control of individual robot battle units like never seen before within any MMOG, Holy Alliance Cora, the mystical and fantasy-orientated race utilizing the power of magic, and finally the mighty Accretia Empire, a futuristic alien race intent on spreading destruction across the entire sector with their advanced weaponry systems.

Sounds decent enough… now that’s it’s 100% free I’m going to have to give it a try.

Here’s the press release:

Codemasters Online announce popular MMORPG RF Online is now available for free download with no monthly subscriptions across Europe and North America.

Codemasters Online is pleased to announce that RF Online is now a completely free-to-play MMORPG with the full game now available for download with no monthly subscription required.

RF Online is an epic mix of traditional fantasy and futuristic Sci-Fi set in the deep space galaxy of Novus where three races compete in an ultimate struggle for power and resource. Celebrating the games re-launch, new players can now also experience the all-new free expansion, Episode II: Pioneers of Novus available for free to all players of the game.

“RF Online is a great game with a strong community and by making the game free-to-play we’re inviting absolutely everyone to come and enjoy this unique Sci-Fantasy online RPG,” commented Kyle Rowley, Community Manager, Codemasters Online.

Following the recent hugely successful re-launch of ArchLord as a free-to-play game growing the games player base by 700%, Codemasters Online are looking forward to attracting a surge of new interest in this amazing MMORPG.

“Moving RF Online to free-to-play game marks yet another milestone for Codemasters Online and the wider industry. We have proven with ArchLord that has been downloaded over 1 million times the potential success that can be experienced and we are pleased to be in a position to re-launch RF Online using a similar model. We invite players from around the world to download the game for free and join us in Novus,” commented Ed Relf, Director of Marketing, Codemasters Online.

For more information or to download the full free game of RF Online please visit www.rf-onlinegame.com.

I posted on this a while back, but I wanted to remind everyone to check out the Game Giveaway of the day at game.giveawayoftheday.com. I’ve been seeing a lot cooler and higher quality games available to download from them for free lately. I’m posting their “Game Ticker” below that should display the latest game available. Remember, the games are only available for free for 24hrs… after that you need to purchase them. So check back daily to see what’s available!

It doesn’t get much better in the free to play PC game arena then a good first person shooter at no cost… and one of the most well known and widely downloaded free full version first person shooters is Alien Arena. First available in October of 2004, the wonderful people at COR Entertainment and Red Planet Arena have now release the newest version with many changes including new arenas, more game play options, new weapons, and an optimized graphics engine to name just a few of them. If you’re an Unreal Tournament or Quake 3 fan, you need to go download this game now. For the Linux guys in the crowd, there’s a version for you too!

Check out the video clips:

And this is the description directly from the Red Planet Arena site:

Do you like fast paced deathmatch?  How about rich, colorful, arcadelike atmospheres?  How about…retro Sci Fi?  Then you’re going to love what Alien Arena 2007 has in store for you!  This game combines some of the very best aspects of such games as Quake III and Unreal Tournament and wraps them up with a retro alien theme, while adding tons of original ideas to make the game quite unique. 

AA2K7 is the latest version of a freeware online deathmatch game that was first introduced to the public in October, 2004.  Since that initial release, nearly every aspect of the game has been revamped, in fact, all of the content and code from the November 2005 release of Alien Arena 2006 has been redone as well.  It’s like an entirely new game, and it may shock people just how much it has improved in less than a year’s time.   With over 30 levels, seven modes of play, loads of mutators, built-in bots, 11 player characters, 9 weapons(with alt-fire modes), the game has an endless supply of replayability.  With so many new features, AA2K7 is nearly an entirely new game when held in comparison to it’s predecessor.  With the trials and tribulations of software development, endless hours of playing, gathering feedback, COR Entertainment has been able to not only fine tune and perfect it’s flagship game, but add completely new dimensions to it. 

Using the CRX engine, which is based on the Id GPL source code, AA2K7 now includes modern effects such as real time vertex lighting and shadows, lensflares, light blooms, reflective water, textured particles, stainmaps, 32 bit color,  shaders, fog, and much more.  Built into the game is a easy to use server browser which allows the user to query information about each server.  CRX features rewards systems, as well as colored player names, winner podiums, and weapons stats.  The best thing about the CRX engine however, is it’s netcode and speed.  Even on a modest system, you will get excellent framerates, and movement is still extremely smooth and fast, even on high ping servers. 

Bot AI has been improved with each release, and for AA2K7, a number of improvements and enhancements have been made.  These bots are among the most human acting bots in any game, and also some of the toughest if you choose them to be.  They are fully configurable using an external editor, and skill levels can be set in game. 

Alien Arena is a fast paced, furious frag fest with arenas ranging from the small, to the massive.  With a large built-in player base, it’s never hard to find a good match going on, at any hour of the day.  The community is friendly, as well as prolific.  Dozens of maps, models, and various accessories have been created by community members to add on to the game experience. 

Alien Arena features team based gameplay as well, such as Team Core Assualtl, a mode in which players must work together to disable their enemy team’s central metal spider.  Don’t forget about the Team Deathmatch, Cattle Prod, Capture the Flag, Deathball, and All Out Assault mode(in which players can enter vehicles) either.  For the 1v1 players, Alien Arena now features a duel mode!

What are you waiting for?  Find out why this is being called "The Ultimate Freeware Deathmatch Game"!

Nexon’s free to play MMO MapleStory is making new in-game Halloween content available including new areas, events, characters, and a new pet. Check out the press release:

MAPLESTORY CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN WITH HAUNTED HOUSE AND OTHER SPOOKY UPDATES

Nexon America expands Masteria with Phantom Forest and welcomes Headless Horseman to MapleWorld

Los Angeles, CA – October 10, 2007 – Nexon America Inc., the U.S. division of Asia’s leading online games company Nexon Group, celebrates the upcoming Halloween holiday with oodles of new goodies to its smash hit, MapleStory. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game will expand the new continent of Masteria with the Phantom Forest and a new haunted house, The Prendergast Mansion. This month also offers the debut of a new pet, the game’s first user-inspired weapon, new Halloween items, several themed events and a new boss. This healthy update supplies plenty of reasons for players to learn why MapleStory is one of the most popular games in the world.

Advanced Maplers will get a chance to find and battle the Headless Horseman, hidden somewhere in the Phantom Forest. At the Prendergast Mansion, Maplers can take part in a linear story while fighting previously unseen monsters, and finding a variety of new items. Players looking for a new pet will be pleasantly surprised to meet the Jr. Reaper, a new companion to frighten friends in MapleStory. Players will also want to collect candles in-game and trade them for a free Pumpkin Basket. The Web site will also host Halloween events for players to receive Nexon Cash.

Maplers will also have plenty of fun in the Halloween-themed section of the Nexon Cash Shop. There will be sale items and new items, including the Jr. Reaper, and players also get the chance to purchase the first user-inspired weapon, the Flame Tongue.

The Nexon Cash Shop will also feature a Character Name Change item, which allows players to actually change the name of their character in the game. Name changes won’t affect marriages or friends’ lists and will be completed during every server check and/or patch.

Anyone interested in exploring the magical worlds of MapleStory to face the Headless Horseman, visit a haunted house, befriend the Jr. Reaper or collect Halloween candy can start their adventure by downloading the game for free at http://maplestory.nexon.net.

About Nexon America

Nexon America Inc. is the North American publishing arm of Nexon Group, a pioneer of interactive entertainment software and the world’s leader in massively multiplayer online games. Based in Los Angeles, Nexon America was founded in 2005 to bring the best of online entertainment to the North American audience. The company’s growing library of titles includes the world famous franchise MapleStory, the new online multiplayer dance game, Audition and the upcoming online racing sensation KartRider. The foundation of all Nexon America titles is the Item Selling business model, in which users access the full game for free and can later opt to pay for game enhancements.

The Free game client for Talisman, a new fantasy MMO, is now available. Here’s a news blurb from the site:

Open Test Starts!!

10/9/2007 10:06:00 PM

We are pleasure to announce that the open test of Talisman Online starts!

In open test, the level upper limit is 45. Players can do all the quests below level 45. And there are 4 independent scenarios for your team. You can setup a guild when you reach level 30, and can get a great mount tiger by doing quest.

Yeah~ So many interesting things in the game, it’s waiting for you to explore the fantasy world by yourself.

Enjoy it~~

Teamwork to Survival, Talisman to Victory!

And here’s a description of the game from the Talisman site:

Talisman Online is a free 3D multiplayer online role-playing game.  It happened in an ancient fantasy world, people take adventure to enhance their magic skill to protect the peace of the world.  But some omens showing the Evils are revived, so it’s the time for you to defeat the Evils. 
You can read the story details here: Game Story

In the world of Talisman Online, you can select 5 professions in role-play, they are: Wizard (a powerful long-distance magic attack master), Monk (a tenacious Buddha warrior), Fairy (a helpful healing and cursing magic master), Assassin (a rapid high-damage fighter), Tamer (a deft hunter having animal friends’ power).
You can read the 5 professions intro here: 5 Professions

All these professions have lots of different equipments.  The most important item is the Talisman, it can give you the ability to cast magnificent magic skills.  Players adventure in the myth world to level up.  You can collect and upgrade equipments, learn magic, make friends, build battle team, and even set up your own guild.  On your adventure way, there are hundreds of quests.  And independent scenarios are always challengeable.
You can read the Talisman intro here: Talisman

 

KartRider: Catch My Drift is a MMO racing game coming from South Korea that seems to be very much like Mario Cart. It’s totally free to play with the option to spend some dough for extras like different types of cars and spray paint.

The games graphics are a cell-shaded cartoon look giving it a style of it’s own. The controls are simple, so it’s easy to jump in and play.

You can play as an individual or team up with a buddy in races and events with up to 8 players.

There’s a cool ranking and licensing mode that is dependant on your skill and how long you’ve been playing the game. As you increase your race points, you will be able to increase your "glove color" and obtain new licenses giving you access to new game rooms.