Perfect World

Created and published by a Chinese studio bearing the same name, Perfect World is a massively multiplayer game that has attained great popularity there, leading to its release in various other markets. It's described as deeply rooted in Chinese mythology, and as offering extensive character customization possibilities, assorted apparel selections, custom flying mounts, a dynamic skill progression system, and territory wars that foster high-level replay value. Players can adventure as Humans, beast-like Untamed or divine Winged Elves, and as members of the Archer, Barbarian, Blademaster, Cleric, Venomancer and Wizard classes. The English-language international version will enter closed beta in August.

Hunter Class

With World of Warcraft’s first hero class under development for the Wrath of the Lich King expansion, there are many speculations on the possibilities of the next hero class that will make it to the game. The Demon Hunter seems to be one of the most popular choices for the next hero class. Here’s what CM Bornakk has to say.
The Death Knight was chosen as the first hero class because it fits well with the Wrath of the Lich King theme but also because it was a popular figure in Warcraft lore. The Demon Hunter is definitley another one making it a nice choice for the next hero class. In terms of addressing a need however, the Demon Hunter would only seem to add to the several dps classes already in the game. The Death Knight will fill the need for more tanks. From a needs point of view I think it’s better for the next hero class to be a healer. Of course I won’t complain if the Demon hunter eventually makes it. We’ll just have to see how this pans out when the right time comes.

Jade Dynasty

Jade Dynasty is the English-based, North American version of Zhu Xian, one of China’s most popular Free-To-Play games. Based on the extremely popular internet novel, also titled “Zhu Xian,” Jade Dynasty features a unique martial arts style game play wrapped in a huge, evolving game world.

Jade Dynasty offers players a multitude of features and systems not commonly found in free-to-play MMORPGs. Once inside the crisp, clean game world, players begin their quest to uncover the secrets of immortality as they first assume the role of a simple paladin. Players delve into a system where choices between good and evil begin to shape their game play experience as they obtain different skills, items and ultimately, a story that is unique to every player. Among the many great features, the classless character progression system allows players to focus on the skills you desire to create the ultimate warrior.

Perfect World

Our flagship title, Perfect World International has come a long way in just a few short months. The English- based, international version of Perfect World II is now one of the most popular 3D MMORPGs in more than 14 countries worldwide. Since its launch in September 2008, our total users has exceeded 1,000,000 players and in less than five months we increased our original two servers to a total of five, which are currently filled to the brim.

Perfect World has a large range of fun and in-depth gameplay systems not normally found in other MMOs— from the moment you begin for the first time, all the way to the level cap. For starters, PWI has an in-depth character customization system, similar to the level of customization found in AAA console titles. All aspects of the face and body- eyes, cheekbones, lips, torso and more - can be adjusted for the six different races to make the perfect character for every player.

Dota (Warcraft)

On the other hand, Dota (Warcraft) is a strategy game where you’re controlling the character from above. See the difference?

Okay it’s not about the game I’m trying to point out. It’s the character of person whose playing it. From my observation throughout the “Teja ” (it’s a Game tournament at my campus), there a huge contrast between those who’s playing Counter Strike and Dota. The most obvious one is, Malay is playing Counter Strike and Chinese playing Dota.

Demo Time

This recent article on Shacknews discusses the study that recommended publishers release trailers for their games rather than demos. That may wind up being a good choice for console games where cash cows are their biggest and mediocre titles still manage to sell millions of copies, but it's a horrible strategy for the PC. For one, people need to make sure the game runs fine on their computer, a problem console gamers don't have. But beyond that, "emergent gameplay" is a really important thing for PC gamers, and that can only be created if people play - it will work in a demo, but can't be stuffed into a trailer.

Go ahead and release trailers, but if your game is good, we'll really notice it in the demo. If you're making an MMO, even one that's going into stores for $50, get us a trial. You need to pull those people in, and that's a good way to do it.

Devil May Cry

Capcom announced a few days ago that Devil May Cry 4 is getting a PC port this summer. New features are going to include the super-fast Turbo mode and some kind of mode called Legendary Dark Knight that's filled with enemies, and the frame rates will supposedly go at up to 120fps instead of what Capcom says is 30fps that the console versions ran at. Of course, that really depends more on the horsepower inside your PC, doesn't it? And the 360 and PS3 versions ran at well past 30fps, probably around 60, except in cutscenes. Oh well - either way, DMC4 is a solid title, but they didn't mention a fix for the rushed feel of the last half of the game where you have to retrace your steps a bunch of times and fight the same enemies over and over again. Now if they can ensure the controls, configuration options, and DX10 features are all top-notch, then maybe they've got a sale on their hands.

Back to Shadowbane

It's been 5 years since the MMORPG Shadowbane was released, and while the game wound up being a commercial failure, it still has a dedicated fanbase who enjoy PvP-oriented games where you can build your own cities and destroy your enemies'. The tale of the developers along with how publisher Ubisoft has decided to keep the game running is too long for this blog, but it's nice to see a publisher making a game free and then keeping it going anyway.

The developers recently wiped the server for the 5th anniversary and restarted the game, and players have been frantically playing to build cities, keep each other away from the money, and try and gain a foothold so that they can start taking out their rivals' towns. It's a fresh change from other MMORPGs where there are no consequences for losing a PvP battle; here, you can lose your whole livelihood. It sounds brutal, but those who work together best and come up with solid player builds and group makeups do very well. You'd be surprised how hard people fight back when they actually have something to lose in the game. Take that, WoW battlegrounds!

World Of Warcraft

World of Warcraft producer J. Allen Brack recently told Eurogamer that they might at some point do a graphics overhaul for the game. He goes on to say that it hasn't really helped some games in the past (definitely true - Everquest's overhaul alienated players with slower PCs and introduced unpopular new character models) and that they need to be really careful about how they do it. It's likely that the game would likely get higher quality character models and new textures could be painted on everything, like items, characters, dungeons and terrain, but the actual landscape wouldn't very likely change. Then there's the possibility of keeping all the old graphics and models in, and the fact that WoW is already up past 7GB on people's hard drives. While I always thought the game's graphics could have used just a little more oomph in the technology department, half of its appeal comes in its low system requirements. I wouldn't expect a graphical revamp anytime soon.