Free PC Gaming Blog

EA SPORTS UNVEILS FREE DOWNLOADABLE FOOTBALL GAME FOR PC

Football Fans Will Shape EA SPORTS FIFA Online Content During Development Process

GUILDFORD, UK., – 29th January 2010 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today development of a free-to-play*, downloadable game called EA SPORTS™ FIFA Online that will make its most popular and highest rated^ videogame franchise available to football fans with a broadband internet connection and an average spec laptop computer or desk-top personal computer. The free-to-play EA SPORTS FIFA videogame will call on football fans and gamers to help shape features during closed beta testing prior to its English language European open beta release in June 2010.

“Listening to and engaging football fans has been one of the driving forces behind the success of our FIFA franchise and now we are inviting European football fans–in mass numbers and earlier than we ever have before–to help us develop a new football game,” said Executive Producer Kaz Makita. “Fans will determine the features that matter most, and at the end of this process, our goal is to deliver a game for fans looking for a quick football fix at home or at work.”

“There are a large number of football fans who do not want a console gaming experience due to time and other priorities in their personal lives but they still want to be able to play a top-quality football videogame,” explained Makita. “FIFA Online will be designed specifically for them.”

Beginning February 3, football fans across Europe are invited to register to participate in the closed beta development and testing of FIFA Online by visiting http://fifa-online.easports.com. More than 20,000 fans will be involved in the first phase of closed beta testing and then, during open beta in June, hundreds of thousands of fans will test the game, providing feedback directly to the game’s developers through exclusive discussion forums.

EA SPORTS FIFA Online will be released around the world in stages. The English language version will be available to all football fans in June, 2010. Over the next 12 to 24 months FIFA Online will launch in other languages across Europe and then in North America. Non-English speaking football fans will also be able to participate in the development process of these games.

EA SPORTS FIFA Online will offer an authentic football experience with 30 licensed leagues, 500 clubs and more than 15,000 players. During the first closed beta stage beginning February 3, the game will feature a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa tournament mode and a control system that uses the mouse only. At the second stage of closed beta, the game will feature a League Mode that enables fans to manage and compete as their favorite football club, and the ability to play online matches. FIFA Online will enable football fans and gamers to build their favorite club into their dream team by developing or acquiring players, upgrading skills, and getting unique apparel by earning in-game currency to acquire items or through micro-transactions. Additional content will be designed for the game based on feedback by fans.

Register to play at http://fifa-online.easports.com.

Karos Online: Paladin class announced

Seoul, Korea – Friday, January 22nd 2010 – News from NHN Corporation today about the update that Karos Online players have been waiting for: the Paladin is coming to Asmara! The Karos Online forums have been buzzing for weeks about the arrival of the next character class, and NHN has now confirmed that the Paladin will be part of next week’s game update along with a host of bug fixes and improvements to the free-to-play fantasy MMORPG. Karos Online is currently in open beta, and available to download and play now at www.karosgame.com.

Paladins are a female class of Humans with natural toughness and resilience, which makes them strong defenders in close combat. They are formidable warriors, able to wear their opponents down with melee damage while providing healing and protection to allies. As with other classes in Karos Online, a Paladin can specialise into different careers at level 15: she can rally her group with protective buffs as a Defender, or become a Holy Knight radiating powerful defensive auras.

The Paladin joins the previously announced classes of Blader (two-handed melee attacks), Rogue (dual-wielded attacks), Bowmistress (ranged missile attacks), Mystic (ranged magical attacks) and Sorceress (magical attacks and debuffs). More details and features will be unveiled as Karos Online draws closer to commercial launch.

Karos Online - Stunning 3D Action Fantasy MMORPG

Karos Online (http://www.karosgame.com) is a brand new free-to-play fantasy MMORPG developed by Galaxy Gate (lead developers of Laghaim and Last Chaos), to be published in Europe and North America by NHN Corporation. The English version is currently in open beta, with a German version to follow in 2010.

In Karos Online, players take the role of a hero determined to defeat the curse of darkness falling over the world of Asmara and ascend to ultimate glory by becoming the mythical Karos warrior. Through questing, guild clashes and mass PvP, they enter the fight for domination over the world’s vital energy source, Fletta. Fletta provides the basis for the game’s unique and complex alternate progression system; alongside traditional leveling within the game, Fletta energy can be used to increase stats, give buffs, buy resources and enchant items.

With a strong RPG component, wide range of class skills and fantastic visual combat effects, Karos Online offers a rich player experience and an exciting end-game for guilds, including castle sieges and resource control points. There are a variety of dynamic dungeons to explore, with shifting paths and surprises to challenge players as they progress in level. The economy is well-developed, with mining, fishing and crafting elements, and a consignment system for storage.

Karos Online offers rare graphical quality for its small client size, has low minimum requirements, and will be accessible to a vast range of computers. Videos demonstrating graphics and gameplay are now available on the official website at www.karosgame.com, and more features will be revealed as the beta test continues.

Karos Online features

• Breathtaking 3D graphics and combat action effects
• 5 different races and 9 original classes, evolving into 36 different specialized classes
• Dynamic, evolving dungeons with shifting paths and surprises
• Guild wars, territory control and large-scale castle siege battles
• Alternate Fletta level progression system
• Elaborate mining, fishing and crafting system
• Small client size and low minimum PC requirements
• Keyboard and mouse control both available

Tournament-Based MMO Set To Launch First Closed Beta

Seattle, Washington, January 14th, 2010 - Playenvy.com, a service provided by Nvinium Games, Inc., has announced closed beta testing (phase 1) will be held for its tournament-based MMO ‘Dungeon Bandits’ January 22-24. This first beta test of the game will focus on server stability and offer a glimpse at the intense tournament style game play that is hosted within a fun and challenging dungeon environment.

Dungeon Bandits, servicing North America and Australia, features a multitude of highly detailed 3D dungeon maps with a capture-the-treasure scenario that pits teams against each other, while also having them fight their way through dungeon monsters and bosses. The team that successfully thwarts off enemy attacks and brings the treasure out of the dungeon gets the victory and its spoils.

One of Dungeon Bandits’ key features is the ranking system and tournament brackets which allows players to compete head to head in daily tournaments and rewards the top players of the game with various prizes and of course bragging rights. Even players that do not enter the tournaments will still be able to have their rankings tracked and a chance at the being rewarded as an elite player.

Closed beta testing will be launched in multiple, 3 day phases to test various elements of the game. Full service of the game will launch in Mid March after all testing phases have been successfully completed. Players can apply now for access to the beta 1 test on the official Dungeon Bandits site dungeonbandits.playenvy.com. Keys will be limited so get your requests in soon.

Avalon Heroes: Open Beta phase fires up the fans

Munich, Germany, January 15, 2010

The Open Beta phase of the free-to-play online strategy game Avalon Heroes is in full swing, and the gamers are thrilled. As of January 12, all players registered at www.alaplaya.net can throw themselves into breathtaking battles for approximately ten days.

Ambitious testers who secured a copy of the client at www.avalonheroes.alaplaya.net or one of the partnering websites receive a multitude of new contents and features. Six new heroes, the battle mode map “Swamp of the Immortal”, and the third gripping chapter on the side of Oriens and Aeonia in the fantastic scenario mode are now available in the fantasy world.

Moreover, games publisher burda:ic and the Electronic Sports League are going one step further: As soon as January 19, Avalon Heroes will be supported by the ESL, and players get to battle for great prizes in the “ESL Avalon Heroes 2on2 Open Beta Cup”.

For more information, please visit the official teaser website www.avalonheroes.alaplaya.net.

Nexon America opens new Web site for MapleStory themed online card game, iTGC Online

Nexon America launched a revamped Web site for its MapleStory-themed online game, iTGC Online. The updated site contains game information, updates, news, game guides and an introduction video. To access the iTGC Online site go to: http://itcg.nexon.net

iTCG Online is Nexon America’s first free-to-play browser-based game requiring no download. Details of the game’s second beta phase will be announced soon. iTCG Online game play is based on the characters and monsters found in Nexon’s wildly popular massively multiplayer online game, MapleStory.

iTCG Online has also opened a fan page in Facebook where players can connect, view game art and share details of the game with friends. The Facebook page is available now at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/iTCG/248518243426

Evidentailly Dungeons & Dragons Online will become a free to play game and you can sign up to get into the beta now:

TURBINE® ANNOUNCES DUNGEONS & DRAGONS ONLINE®: EBERRON UNLIMITED™
Free Digital Upgrade Introduces Unlimited Free Play and Raises Level Cap; Beta Begins Today

WESTWOOD, MA – June 9, 2009 – Turbine, Inc. announced today the start of the Beta program for Dungeons & Dragons Online®: Eberron Unlimited™ (DDO Unlimited), a free digital upgrade for Dungeons & Dragons Online®: Stormreach™. DDO Unlimited will raise the level cap and add major new content, as well as make the game free to play for everyone. The new DDO Unlimited delivers heart-pounding game play featuring the industry’s best combat system, a massive world with state-of-the-art graphics and gameplay, and a rich set of features that until now could only be found only in premium subscription-based MMOs. Launching later this summer, DDO Unlimited will introduce an innovative new pricing model that allows players to download and play for free, purchasing adventure packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new DDO Store, or to subscribe to get unlimited access to all of the game’s content. Players interested in getting a sneak peak of the new DDO Unlimited can sign up for a chance to participate in the Beta program at http://www.ddo.com.

“Our team has spent years crafting DDO Unlimited into a powerhouse experience featuring cutting-edge graphics, a kick-ass combat system, high level content, and cutting-edge social tools. Today marks a major milestone as we prepare to launch the world’s most exciting free MMO,” said Kate Paiz, Senior Producer.

“Turbine is blazing a new trail with an innovative new pricing structure that will deliver a new era of choice for the growing market of online gamers, and we are very excited to invite players to work with us in the DDO Unlimited Beta program as we redefine how people play and pay for MMOs,” added Fernando Paiz, Executive Producer.

DDO Unlimited delivers the best combat of any MMO and the most heart-pounding action this side of a keyboard, plus a lot more!

Brand New Content & Features – DDO Unlimited will deliver a new class, increase the level cap, introduce new adventure packs including a new 12-player raid, major combat improvements and more!

The Fiercest Combat – DDO Unlimited features an extraordinary and heart stopping combat experience that requires players to fully engage in the battle by relying on their wits and reflexes in real time. No more clicking skills and watching the action from the sideline.

Mind-blowing Visuals – Explore a vast and dangerous online world that features the most advanced graphics in the industry and is stuffed with the legendary monsters, glorious treasures, devious traps, mind-bending puzzles and endless adventures from the world’s best known RPG.

Full-featured MMO – Experience sophisticated systems found only in the best games including auctions, arena death matches (Player versus Player), NPC hirelings, gambling, crafting, and powerful social tools for finding a group, forming a guild or planning an epic raid!

Easier Than Ever! – DDO Unlimited gets you playing in minutes instead of hours, using new proprietary Turbine technology. Creating a new character is incredibly simple with guides and templates that speed you through the process. Features an all-new new player experience that gives gamers their first taste of excitement quickly while teaching them how to play solo or with a group of fellow adventurers.

DDO Unlimited is based on the world-renowned DUNGEONS & DRAGONS® franchise of Wizards of the Coast LLC, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc.® (NYSE: HAS), under license to Infogrames Entertainment S.A.® Published by Atari, Inc.®, DDO has been enthusiastically received by many gaming critics, including The New York Times, PC Gamer, Game Informer and many more. For the latest information, please visit www.ddo.com.

GAMESCAMPUS’ CUE ONLINE NOW IN OPEN BETA

GamesCampus’ New 3D Pool Simulation Offers A Dynamic Wagering System

San Jose, Calif. (May 20, 2009) - San Jose-based online game publisher, GamesCampus.com (www.GamesCampus.com, run by OnNet USA), announced today that Cue Online, its free, item-based realistic online pool simulation game, is now in open beta at http://cueonline.gamescampus.com/.

Cue Online is one of the most realistic online billiards games available anywhere. Players are able to compete with one another in eight-Ball, nine-Ball, 14-1, and snooker billiards games to level their characters up with experience points and Gold (in-game credits which are earned by making successful shots).

With the open beta, Cue Online introduces many new features. The biggest visual change in the game is that players can now choose one of five different avatars. Players will also be impressed by the dynamic wagering system that is newly available in the game. Under the new wagering rules, each time there is a scratch or miscue, the offending player adds Gold to the pot and the winner collects the entire sum!!
With the start of the open beta, players now can use Gold to purchase essential billiard items such as cues, chalk, gloves.

The open beta will last until the game’s official launch date later this summer (exact date TBD).

For more information about Cue Online visit http://cueonline.gamescampus.com/.

Aeria Games Announces Acquisition of DragonSky Closed Beta Signups Now Open

Santa Clara, Calif. (April 24, 2009) - Aeria Games is pleased to announce its newest acquisition DragonSky from SonoV Entertainment, developer of the highly popular Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing game (MMORPG) Shaiya, for release in the United States MMORPG market.

DragonSky is an action-packed MMORPG based on the martial arts of ancient China. Body, mind, and spirit are key elements for success in the constantly evolving world. The Soul of the Dragon and Heart of the Tiger are two factions in a constant battle for supremacy. Explore the vibrant world and delve into the realm versus realm combat, sect wars, an evolving storyline, martial arts dueling, player bounties, crafting, treasure raids, costumes and more!

Set to be released in May 2009, DragonSky will surely challenge the warrior in everyone. DragonSky is Aeria Games’ second acquisition from SonoV Entertainment, the first acquisition being Shaiya, one of the most successful free to play MMORPGs on the market. DragonSky joins the ranks of many other free-to-play MMOs published by Aeria Games including Shaiya, Last Chaos, Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine Online, Hello Kitty Online, and Twelve Sky 2.

Closed Beta signups have already begun! Sign up now at http://dragonsky.aeriagames.com/signup.

GET READY TO TAKE ON THE GREEN AND TEE OFF! NTREEV USA RE-LAUNCHES PANGYA IN NORTH AMERICA

The Open Beta Is Now Live For The Popular Online Casual Golf Game At http://Pangya.ntreev.net/

Irvine, Calif., April 23, 2009 - Ntreev USA, a leading online game developer and publisher, announced today that it has re-launched Pangya, its popular, online casual golf game in North America. The game, previously known as Albatross 18 in the U.S. is now in beta at http://Pangya.ntreev.net/.

The newly launched beta includes full game play content from Pangya’s Season 3. Before summer, Ntreev USA will introduce Season 4 with new characters, locations, all-new customization features and more. Members who previously had accounts for Albatross 18 will be able to transfer their accounts over to Pangya. All accounts setup during this beta phase will transfer over when the game launches commercially next month.

“Pangya has enjoyed worldwide success and popularity, including its tremendous mainstream popularity in the U.S. market,” said Chris Lee, CEO at Ntreev USA. “Pangya offers a unique golf experience that is easy to pick-up-and-play, and appeals to a wide variety of skilled and casual players alike. We are excited that we could bring it back to the North American players who love it.”

Pangya is a casual golf game that takes the difficult rules of golf and transforms it into an easy to pick-up -and-play casual golf experience that a player of any skill level can enjoy. Featuring simple and intuitive controls, Pangya allows anyone who has used Windows to easily play with other gamers and unlike other online games; players in Pangya are friends, not enemies!

In Pangya, players are taken to 14 gorgeous locations where they can choose one of 8 unique playable characters. Pangya offers players an extensive customization experience with thousands of possible combinations of costumes, accessories, equipment, golf clubs, power boosts and more that help them to become a pro out on the green.

Pangya is free for players to download and play, while some items in the game including certain characters, clothing sets, new equipment and accessories will be available to purchase via micro-transaction.

The in-game currency in Pangya, called Pang, allows players to purchase items from the game’s shop that will upgrade a character, provide new inventory and equipment, allows them to send gifts to other players and more. Gamers can earn Pang by finishing a hole at par or better, and by showcasing powerful shots.

The beta for Pangya is now available, with a full commercial launch in May.

For more information about Ntreev USA visit www.ntreev.net. For more information on Pangya, please visit http://Pangya.ntreev.net/.

DUNGEON PARTY : THE WIZARD IN ACTION

After a few months of closed beta testing, Dungeon Party is now ready to open its Beta to the whole World. In order to celebrate this event, Cyanide and Focus Home Interactive are proud to present a new trailer video, focusing on the first of the characters you are able to play in the game: the Wizard. You will discover in this video some of the skills and specialities of this versatile Hero.

Dungeon Party is a free PC online game developed by Cyanide and based on team play. Plunge into a wild heroic-fantasy universe and play against each other in teams of heroes across dungeons filled with deadly traps and monsters to try and collect the treasures they hold. In Dungeon Party you can create and customize your character with different costumes and objects. A holiday-making sorcerer, a thief straight out of a night club, or a gothic hangman…all styles are possible! Each player can equip his character with different objects and weapons before the battle against opponent teams starts.

You’ll have to develop your character through the matches and carefully choose which spells and skills could help the best your team. In order to spice up the game, deadly traps and hunted creatures are scattered throughout the dungeons. These creatures won’t make any difference between the teams and protect their treasures with a lot of zeal. Kill monsters will give you more experience points which allow you to buy faster new spells. Bosses and mini-bosses will be harder to beat but will also give you a greater amount of points and, most of all, will help you to seduce the Chest.