Free PC Gaming Blog

STAR TREKTM ONLINE FREE-TO-PLAY IN 2011

Star Trek Online to Accommodate All Players. Closed Beta Begins Soon.

Los Gatos, CA (September 6, 2011) - Star Trek Online, the acclaimed sci-fi MMORPG, developed by Cryptic Studios, Inc. (”Cryptic Studios”), will be free-to-play in 2011. Players will be able to download and enjoy the game as they like at no cost.

A features matrix, FAQ, overview and various forums can be found on the official Star Trek Online website to better explain the nature of free-to-play to new and existing users.

To learn more about Star Trek Online free-to-play, please visit: http://www.startrekonline.com/f2p ;

“In addition to seeking out new life and exploring strange new civilizations, part of our continuing mission for Star Trek Online is to expand and improve,” said Jack Emmert, CEO, Cryptic Studios. “Transitioning to a free-to-play model is a natural way to share all we’ve built with a broader community of players and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Later this year, when Star Trek Online free-to-play launches, anyone can download and play the game for free without purchasing a retail copy or subscription. All players will be able to take advantage of Star Trek Online’s many features for free, from customizing avatars, crews and the very ships they command, to exploring a galaxy filled with intrigue and danger.

Players will also be able to access additional features a la carte through a virtual goods store. Current players can become Gold Members by continuing to subscribe to the game for $14.99 a month. New players can also upgrade to Gold status for a set price of $14.99 per month. The differences between paying Gold Members and free Silver Players can be found at: http://www.startrekonline.com/f2p ;

Star Trek Online free-to-play allows players to get into the game and engage the Star Trek universe in a number of ways:

The Universe is Your Only Limit - Play as much as you like for as long as you like at no cost. No subscription is required, nor is payment of any kind required.

Episodic Gameplay - Experience new weekly episodes that feature story-based gameplay and put your captain’s ability to command to the ultimate test.

Your Captain, Your Crew, Your Destiny - Become a captain, seek out new life and new civilizations and encounter hostile beings as you advance to maximum level for free.

Familiar Places, New Experiences - Travel to Starfleet Academy, Deep Space Nine, The First City of Qo’noS and many other iconic locations and notable worlds from the beloved Star Trek universe.

Engage and Explore Your Way - A web and in-game virtual goods store provides players the option of purchasing gameplay upgrades or additional premium content as they like, when they like.

Taking place in the year 2409, Star Trek Online boasts extraordinary features and lets fans both new and old experience unparalleled adventures within the Star Trek universe. Players have the opportunity to become high-ranking Starfleet officers and participate in missions structured like episodes that take them into the depths of space, across exotic planets and inside other starships. All players are invited to explore strange new worlds and encounter new life in a vast, ever expanding universe!

Star Trek Online is a licensed product from CBS Consumer Products and developed by Cryptic Studios, Inc. For more information, please visit: www.startrekonline.com ;

TM & © 2011 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.

GAMESCAMPUS BLAZES INTO A FANTASY WORLD WITH SCARLET LEGACY

The New Action MMORPG With A Simple & Quick Fighting System Blends Art and Magic

Sunnyvale, Calif. (April 28, 2011) - - Leading online game publisher, GamesCampus.com (www.GamesCampus.com) and award-winning developer InterServ, announced today the newest addition to the growing Games Campus portal of quality titles with the upcoming addition of Scarlet Legacy. This vibrant and addictive new action MMORPG immerses players into a fantasy world where their quest is to save Princess Scarlet in a seamless and striking blend of eastern style mythos. To learn more about Scarlet Legacy and to read the latest news leading up to its Summer 2011 release, players can visit www.ScarletLegacy.com

Scarlet Legacy is a massively dynamic and addicting MMORPG that takes players through a journey of thousands of quests to save Princess Scarlet while utilizing the most effortless in-game mechanic on the market today! No more having to spend hours deciphering complex control combinations, players can just jump straight into the fray alongside their friends and enjoy.

“It is very exciting to bring gamers such a great spin on Eastern magic and mayhem,” said Kevin Kim, CEO at Games Campus. “Scarlet Legacy is a whole new take on the fantasy MMO genre and we’ll be looking forward to seeing how much gamers love our blend of game play, quests, equipment, and more.”

The game features an in-game engine that allows for a effortless system. This action MMORPG also boasts innovative technology that will allow players to spend more time questing, rather than just running aimlessly. The new “Auto-Pilot” fighting system allows players to have complete MMORPG-style control with a non-targeting combat system, giving the freedom of true control-driven and action-oriented game play.

“We are very happy to be working with Games Campus to bring Scarlet Legacy to the North American audience. Using InterServ’s latest proprietary 3D MMORPG engine which boasts the highest quality graphics and network efficiency, the development of Scarlet Legacy has been a labor of love,” said Sheree Tsao,CEO of InterServ. “We pledge to work closely with Games Campus to fine-tune our title to the needs and desires of North American players, and believe the game will be a great success with the strong support shown by Games Campus for their other titles.”

For more information about GamesCampus.com or Scarlet Legacy, please visit www.GamesCampus.com or www.ScarletLegacy.com

THREE KINGDOMS BRAWLER COMING TO PC THIS SPRING FROM THE9 INTERACTIVE , INC.

San Jose, Calif. – February 25, 2011 - The9 Interactive, Inc., an interactive entertainment publisher, today announced their first title, Three Kingdoms Brawler, will be released this Spring as a free-to-play action MMO for Windows PC.

Three Kingdoms Brawler takes the classic side-scrolling arcade beat-em-up and updates it for a new generation of online gamers. Inspired by the events and battles of the Three Kingdoms era in China, players take control of legendary warriors fighting to determine the future of the country. By choosing their guiding spirit and hero class, players can customize their fighting experience to their own personal skills. As they progress they will upgrade their combo moves, armor, and weapons, becoming even more powerful and able to face the challenges ahead. The fight cannot be won alone, however. By joining and fighting together, the heroes will be able to face ever increasing odds and emerge victorious.

Joining together in factions and guilds, players have a vast world to explore and conquer. A robust crafting system allows players to create unique weapons and armor that enhance their personalized combat skills. The online marketplace and auction house allows players to buy and sell their creations with thousands of players. With thousands of different weapon, skill, and armor combinations, each player will have their own unique experience tailored to their personal choices.

Player vs. player combat adds a new twist to the action, with players competing for victory against each other in arena combat. Players can prove they are the mightiest warrior by defeating all their opponents or teaming up in tag-team matches. Leaderboards and in-game honorary titles will show the world who has the most skill.

For more information or to register for an upcoming Beta, please visit www.threekingdomsbrawler.com

ATLUS ONLINE TAKES F2P MMORPG FANS TO NEW FRONTIERS WITH MASSIVE 600-PLAYER WARZONES AND STRATEGIC REAL-TIME COMBAT INPANDORA SAGA, LAUNCHING Q1 2011

IRVINE, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20, 2010 - Atlus Online, a premiere destination for online entertainment, in collaboration with RossoIndex, is proud to reveal Pandora Saga™, a free-to-play MMORPG set in a fantasy world embroiled in a sweeping, player-driven war, coming to North America in early 2011. Pandora Saga boasts battles of breathtaking scope-up to 600 players may simultaneously engage in weekly realm-versus-realm combat to extend their nation’s influence. With an emphasis on fast-paced, strategy-laced real-time battles, Pandora Saga aims to set a new standard for free-to-play massively online roleplaying experiences.

“Our goal with Pandora Saga is nothing less than raising gamers’ expectations for what a free-to-play MMORPG can be,” stated Producer Justin Guthrie of Atlus Online. “Impressive scope and real-time combat involve and engage the player, bringing the back story and turmoil of the game world to life, while the various character and battle-related customization options give gamers a greater sense of ownership. Players must consider their angle of attack and properly manage siege weaponry found in many of the game world’s contested zones in order to achieve dominance.”

Pandora Saga is slated to bring its exciting real-time combat and vast PvP wars to Atlus Online’s interactive portal in early 2011, joining the steampunk MMORPG Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent™, one of the most engaging, community-driven options on the market. A closed beta for Pandora Saga is scheduled to begin in December.

Visit the official site (http://pandorasaga.atlusonline.com/) and register to receive updates about Pandora Saga and the upcoming betas!

About Pandora Saga
There exists a Great Empire with an ultimate weapon of terrible power. The people of this land, divided into three warring nations, have come to call this force “Pandora.” Each faction-the Kingdom of St. Pfelstein, Varik Confederation, and the Latugan Empire-seeks Pandora for themselves, for it is written that Pandora’s wielder will rule the world. So it is amidst this battle for supremacy, with an entire realm devouring itself from greed for power, that you awaken. Bereft of memory, you will choose a side and lend your strength to their defense lest the war for control of Pandora brings the walls of your nation crumbling down…

Key Features
War of tremendous scale-With an emphasis on PvP action and a variety of immense theatres of war upon which to wage battle, some of Pandora Saga’s greatest conflicts can host as many as 600 combatants.
Real-time, strategy-laced combat-Breaking from genre traditions, attacks occur in real-time based on user inputs. Bonuses based on player tactics, such as the direction from which an enemy is attacked, can be exercised by either combatant, making for exceptionally tense PvP encounters.
A world full of meaningful choices-Ally with one of three major nations, join a guild (or create your own), and explore a variety of deep customization options. Combat-related choices, such as managing defensive strong points across the game world’s many vast battlefields and one’s preference for how to enter battle (on horseback, for example), highlight Pandora Saga’s fast, action-packed battles.?

About Atlus Online
Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., renowned for its proud tradition of publishing exceptional role-playing games with strong niche appeal. Atlus Online’s flagship title, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, a unique steampunk free-to-play MMORPG, complements the existing library of critically-acclaimed Atlus video games, including: Demon’s Souls, 3D Dot Game Heroes, Odin Sphere, the Trauma Center series, and the award-winning Shin Megami Tensei series. More information can be found at www.atlusonline.com.

GAMESCAMPUS’ MMORTS, SOUL MASTER, TO ENTER OPEN BETA AUGUST 12

Starting Tomorrow Players Can Enjoy The One-Of-A-Kind MMORTS With MMORPG-Style Character Control

Sunnyvale, Calif. (August 11, 2010) - Leading online game publisher, GamesCampus.com (www.GamesCampus.com), today announced that its genre-bending, free-to-play MMORTS, Soul Master will enter open beta tomorrow, Thursday, August 12. Developed by NPluto, Soul Master is an addictive new game that takes the innovation behind customizable “Hero” units in the RTS genre to a whole new level by allowing players to have complete MMORPG-style control over their characters. Players can set up an account and play the game by visiting http://Soul Master.GamesCampus.com

“While many MMO’s claim to blend genres into a new and unique gameplay experience, Soul Master actually delivers on that promise,” said Uyen Uyen Ton Nu, Head of Marketing for GamesCampus. “With easy to learn controls and well-balanced gameplay, Soul Master offers a truly unique
and incredibly addictive MMO experience.”

Soul Master features a unique combat system that allows players to create structures, progress through technology trees and produce and command units-all while developing a persistent character of their own. With resource-driven RTS combat, Soul Master allows players to create defensive towers, barricades, resource harvesting structures, and unit production facilities while progressing through simplified, traditional RTS tech-trees that let players focus on strategic, active gameplay in both Team and Free-for-All PvP. Players will find the game’s PVP highly competitive and a variety of strategies will be necessary for each player to utilize their own strengths in order to win. Players enter the game’s battle lobby and can join teams of up to
6 people and enter Team Vs. Team games or Free For All matches playing against either human opponents or AI controlled characters.

Soul Master includes rich item customization systems that enable players to acquire unique stat and skill bonuses both for their personalized avatars, as well as their RTS buildings, production capabilities, and controlled units. In addition to the robust PvP content, Soul Master features a wide range of PVE scenario modes such as defending objectives, escort missions, co-op challenges, boss raids, and AI RTS battles.

For more information on the game and to follow the latest updates, visit http://Soul Master.GamesCampus.com.

Legendary Champions Approaches Closed Beta with New Website Launch

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – August 4, 2010 – Aeria Games, a leading publisher of interactive entertainment, today unveiled an all-new website for Legendary Champions, the latest free-to-play MMORPG to join the company’s catalogue. Visitors to the new site will be able to get an early look at Aeria’s latest title through videos and screenshots, and will also be able to sign up for the Closed Beta Test (CBT), scheduled to begin later this month. The new website is now online at http://legendarychampions.aeriagames.com.

Legendary Champions is a fantasy MMORPG which draws from many sources of culture to create a vast world filled with epic characters. The game challenges players to adventure through a vast fantasy world and compete in DotA-style and player-versus-player (PvP) battlegrounds, with the ability to transform into over 60 larger-than-life heroes, including Dracula, Beowulf, Mulan, King Arthur, and more.

For more information, screenshots and video, or to sign up for CB, visit http://legendarychampions.aeriagames.com.

GAMESCAMPUS RELEASES NEW SCREENS FOR ITS UPCOMING ONLINE WWII FLIGHT COMBAT SIMULATOR, HEROES IN THE SKY

Sunnyvale, Calif. (May 14, 2010) - Leading online game publisher, GamesCampus.com (www.GamesCampus.com), today today released new screens for its upcoming MMOTPS, (Massively Multiplayer Online Third Person Shooter) WWII flight combat simulator, Heroes in the Sky. The fast-paced aerial combat game, scheduled to launch mid summer 2010, will hold a closed beta test in early June. For more information on the game and to follow the latest updates, visit http://HIS.GamesCampus.com.

Heroes in the Sky is an intense airborne MMOTPS that combines high impact PVE and fast paced PVP as it chronicles the events from the beginning to the end of World War II. PVP combat is taken to a new level as players must not only worry about the basic dangers from the front, behind, and sides, but also from above and below. Heroes in the Sky is dog fighting at its finest; cannon fires, machine gun blasts, missiles, and bombs flood the skies as up to 16 players shoot it out for air superiority! If that isn’t enough, players will soar across the sky with WWII war planes, and if they’re lucky with modern planes too! Cities to bomb, boats to sink, blimps to burst, and fighters to be torn asunder - all this and more unfold as players compete to become the top Ace in Heroes in the Sky.

The upcoming free-to-play game will feature fast paced aerial combat that embodies the intense danger akin to WWII dogfights. In Occupational War Game Mode, players will recreate critical battles of the European and Pacific front complete with WWII and modern planes to help their side take control as they experience epic battles across the history of WWII from both sides! Players will find an easy-to-use upgrade system to help tweak planes and become the ultimate airborne marauder along with additional modifications that will allow players to, not only jam the electronics of their opponent, but also let them keep their own engines cool during boosts. Additionally, players can use Avatars to mask their actual aircraft while gaining additional bonuses and appearing in some of history’s most famous aircraft.
Heroes in the Sky will give players a chance to relive history as they fly dozens of planes from WWII- both experimental and battle hardened
- that can be customized to meet their own creative standards.

Burn in Uld! Mythos’ Pyromancer Takes Form Amid the Flames

Dungeon-Crawler MMO Begins Build-Up to US Launch

SAN FRANCISCO - April 12, 2010

Redbana, the US MMO publisher, today released brand new screenshots and information on the Pyromancer character class, one of the character types that will be playable when the eagerly anticipated dungeon-crawler MMO Mythos launches later this year. In a buildup to the upcoming beta test, Redbana will be steadily offering new art and information about Mythos. The first reveal pertains to the Pyromancer, a unique mage character whose power hinges on the use of devastating fire sorcery.

Mythos’ most incendiary character, the Pyromancer is a powerful magic user who unleashes fire-based spells to burn their enemies. Players will be able to choose from several character races and classes for a customizable fantasy experience. The online action-RPG will enter a beta test soon and looks forward to a commercial launch this year.

Fans of Mythos can now sign up for the official newsletter in order to get the latest information and be in position to get a spot in the beta test.

Visit the official Mythos website for more information: http://www.mythos.com/

About Mythos
Mythos is an online action RPG set in the land of Uld, a fantasy world arisen from the ashes of a dark and terrible war. Inhabited by a variety of races from humans to gremlins, the massively multiplayer environment is filled with unique gaming experiences suited for both solo and group-minded players. Players will embark on epic quests and explore dungeons in search of riches and the secrets of Uld. With a straightforward interface and isometric perspective, Mythos will appeal to both the casual and dedicated gamer. For more information, visit http://www.mythos.com/

Beach Volleyball Online Starts Closed Beta Testing on April 15th

Omniverse Games will begin Closed Beta testing its 3D Sports MMO “Beach Volleyball Online” in advance of a scheduled May release. Fans from around the globe will get their first look at this highly anticipated virtual world.

Portsmouth, NH April 14, 2010 – Omniverse Games, together with developer Radiance Digital Entertainment, has announced the start of a closed beta testing period for Beach Volleyball Online (www.bvogame.com). This free-to-play sports oriented virtual world offers something for all types of massively multiplayer online (MMO) gamers.

“Beach Volleyball Online combines the action, playability, and precision of console games with the character development, exploration, and community aspects usually associated with MMOs” explains Jonathan Seidenfeld, CEO of Omniverse Games. Advanced artificial intelligence together with the outstanding in-game graphics create a sense of immersion and realism not often encountered among free-to-play MMOs.

Set in a lush beachside environment, Beach Volleyball Online is an exquisite 3D world that incorporates the intense competition and tactics of beach volleyball while providing players with numerous activities, areas to explore, and a friendly community of players from all over the globe. Players can customize their avatars in thousands of ways while developing their characters and making new friends.

Beach Volleyball Online is one of the few true sports MMOs available today. It features a large persistent world that allows for character development – players can improve their skills and increase attributes by gaining experience both on and off the volleyball court. Beach Volleyball Online also incorporates many elements of traditional MMO gameplay such as classes, crafting, level progression, and the ability to gain new skills.

The staff at developer Radiance Digital Entertainment, have a history working in the console sports area, including CEO Monte Singman, who was a lead programmer for the original John Madden Football published by Electronic Arts. Radiance also has a deep knowledge of Asian MMOs, and by combining these two strengths were able to create Beach Volleyball Online, which has been over three years in development.

Keys to enter the Closed Beta test are available now from the official Beach Volleyball Online website at http://www.bvogame.com .

GAMESCAMPUS ANNOUNCES NEW GENRE-BENDING MMORTS, SOUL MASTER

Upcoming Massively Multiplayer Online Real Time Strategy Game Takes The RTS Genre To A New Level With Complete MMORPG-Style Control Over Characters

Sunnyvale, Calif. (March 18, 2010) - Leading online game publisher, GamesCampus.com (www.GamesCampus.com), today announced its new genre-bending, free-to-play MMORTS, Soul Master. Developed by NPluto, Soul Master is an addictive new game that takes the innovation behind customizable “Hero” units in the RTS genre to a whole new level by allowing players to have complete MMORPG-style control over their characters. The game will enter Closed Beta Testing in June of this year. For more information on the game and to follow the latest updates, visit http://SoulMaster.GamesCampus.com.

“Soul Master is unlike anything else currently out there and definitely what players have been waiting for,” said David Chang, EVP of Marketing and Business Development for GamesCampus. “We spotted an opportunity to bring this truly unique and fun MMORTS online experience to our GamesCampus.com players and we took it!”

Soul Master will feature a unique combat system that will allow players to create structures, progress through technology trees and produce and command units-all while developing a persistent character of their own. With resource-driven RTS combat, Soul Master allows players to create defensive towers, barricades, resource harvesting structures, and unit production facilities while progressing through simplified, traditional RTS tech-trees that let players focus on strategic, active gameplay in both Team and Free-for-All PvP.

Soul Master includes rich item customization systems that enable players to acquire unique stat and skill bonuses both for their personalized avatars, as well as their RTS buildings, production capabilities, and controlled units. In addition to the robust PvP content, Soul Master features a wide range of PVE scenario modes such as defending objectives, escort missions, co-op challenges, boss raids, and AI RTS battles.

With fast paced combat that combines the high-speed action of a character vs. character brawler- and the tactical elements of a squad-based RTS - Soul Master sets out to take the very best of both worlds and merge them into a genre unto itself.

For more information on the game and to follow the latest updates,
visit http://SoulMaster.GamesCampus.com