Arcen Games is excited to pass along new information and details surrounding A Valley Without Wind, the game of infinite procedurally-generated 2D sidescrolling and so much more. The title has reached a sizable milestone, wrapping up series one of the beta patch releases. During the period the game saw 40 individual updates over 43 days, with 640 distinct changes made in all. Check out all the beta series one statistics for a full picture of what's been added since the game's public arrival six weeks back. Special thanks goes out to AVWW's community for all the feedback and help to get us to this point.
The conclusion of the beta's first phase is marked by the release of an all new Intro Mission for the game. The goal of the mission is to give new players a linear way to get acclimated with the game before they ever encounter the world map, take on broader decisions, etc. It offers a more traditional intro for any sort of platformer, with players starting out with no ability to do anything except run and jump, and rapidly gaining new abilities that have to be used immediately. The new addition should allow players to be more comfortable navigating around the world in the side view, become familiar with how buildings, surface areas, and undergrounds all work, and have the confidence to head out onto the world map on their own.
In other news, AVWW has been entered into IGF 2012, along with the upcoming Indie Games Challenge. We're very excited to be competing in both, and wish the best of luck to all those who entered. Also, we're heading to MineCon! We'll be in Las Vegas November 18th and 19th to exhibit at Mojang's event, and are extremely excited to have a chance to share our game with some 4,500 attendees. Those who are making the trek are encouraged to stop by for a hands-on session, enter our game giveaways, and participate in some other fun stuff we're still currently cooking up.
The full version of A Valley Without Wind is available for pre-order at 50% off the launch price during early beta, with customers gaining instant access to the latest available build and all subsequent releases. An updated demo--complete with the aforementioned intro mission--is out now for download, and a huge batch of screenshots showing off what's new have been released as well.
AVWW is currently in beta and as such is still very much in development. The game continues to evolve, with new content and improvements added nearly every weekday as it progresses toward official launch in 2012. Follow the game and its updates/discussions on Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter.
About Arcen Games
Arcen Games entered the PC indie scene in 2009 with their cult classic AI War: Fleet Command, which was named the 40th best-reviewed PC game of the year by MetaCritic. Their second year was a busy one, seeing the release of The Zenith Remnant, the first full expansion for AI War; Tidalis, an innovative block-based puzzle with casual appeal and hardcore depth; and Children of Neinzul, a micro-expansion for AI War with all profits benefiting the Child's Play charity, of which Arcen is a platinum sponsor.
AI War's third and largest expansion Light of the Spire marked Arcen's first release of 2011, and now the company has shifted its focus and excitement to the development of A Valley Without Wind. Originally a one-man shop, Arcen Games has grown to have half a dozen part-time or fulltime contributors to its various titles. For all the latest news, media coverage, and some of our other musings, follow us on our developer and individual game pages on Facebook or on Twitter: @ArcenGames.
Showing posts with label Screenshots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Screenshots. Show all posts
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Zenith Remnant Now Available For Preorder!
Arcen Games is pleased to announce that The Zenith
Remnant, the first expansion to its popular space RTS AI War, is now
available for preorder. This expansion is still in the early stages of
development, but we're making the alpha/beta versions available to
anyone on a trial basis, and in full for anyone who preorders, so that
our community can be involved with feedback and ideas as development
progresses. This sort of open development process has been so
successful for our 2.0 version that we just couldn't cut our community
out of even the earliest stages of our expansion.
 Spokes Map |  Tree Map |
What Is Planned For The Final Release?
To some extent, exactly what is planned is a bit uncertain, and for a
very good reason -- we plan
to rely on community feedback and discussion to help us build the
product as we go. That said, there
are a lot of very specific ideas that are now on the schedule for
implementation:
This is
the list
of planned features, and you're free to comment on any of them at any
time.
As you can see, we actually
have over 80% of the planned features somewhat finalized, but then again
nothing is finalized until we
go live. If players hate a feature, or a better one surfaces before we
get started on one idea, then
we're going to adjust our plans accordingly -- that's the uncertainty
mentioned above.
In a broad sense, here's what will definitely be in the expansion:
* 80 to 100 new ships, including:
* At least 12 new ship classes with a variety of abilities.
* At least 6 massive "Golem" ships.
* At least 5 new "capturables" other than Golems.
* Several new ships for allowing players expanded ways to control
fleets.
* At least 4 new map styles.
* At least 12 new AI Types.
* A new, neutral minor faction in the galaxy: the Zenith Aliens
(NPCs).
* 30-40 minutes of new in-game music tracks.
* At least two universal new AI ship subsystems (like Astro Trains).
Three Upcoming Golems (Shown Actual Size In Window)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
AI War 2.0 (Achievements, Leaderboards, Steam and Direct2Drive!)
Arcen Games is very pleased to announce the release of AI War: Fleet
Command version 2.0, which marks the culmination of our long-running
post-release overhaul. To see just how epic this journey has been, take
a look at this: AI
War 2.0 vs. 1.0, A Retrospective. The cumulative post-release
notes, included near the end, are literally novella-length (46,573
words). That's how much has changed in the since our initial release.
You can download a trial
version of the game, as well as purchase a license key to
unlock the full version. If you already have the game or demo
installed, just hit "Check For Updates" inside the game to get the
latest patch.
AI War Comes To Steam and Direct2Drive!
Direct2Drive and Steam join Impulse and GamersGate in offering AI War--
be sure to check them out! The Steam version includes online
leaderboards and Steam achievements (other versions are all local-only
for those features). If you've previously purchased your copy of AI War
from another platform and would like to activate it on Steam to get
those features, you will be able to do so in
the near future. In celebration of the release of 2.0, AI War is
also going to be 25% off at Steam through Oct. 27th -- and look
for similar sales at other partners very soon.
Many Updates:
- New local high scoreboards for everyone, and online high
scoreboards through Steam.
- 129 Achievements, which can be logged locally and/or through
Steam.
- Player ships can now be assigned preferred target types, which
greatly increases tactical control.
- A number of co-op-related interface improvements: see allied
resources, more informative gifting lists, etc.
- Several new visual effects: smoke trails and sparking for damaged
ships, etc.
- Much improved (or entirely replaced) graphics for over 50
different ships.
- Ships now accelerate and decelerate when moving, making them much
more graceful.
- New Collision Priorities make placement of larger/fixed ships in a
group of smaller mobile ships much easier.
- Players can now select multiple AI Modifiers at once in the lobby.
Turrets have been rebalanced and made more distinct and interesting.
- Custom planet name lists can now be used for those who don't like
the random names.
- Networking improvmeents.
- Many other bugfixes and balance tweaks.
The above list is just a sampling of what has changed since 1.301,
however, so be sure to check out the full release notes to see
everything. And remember, to see everything since 1.0, see this: AI War 2.0 vs. 1.0, A
Retrospective.
As an added note, if you are a player who is is unable to
install patches for whatever reason (this is usually a windows issue),
you can download the patch files through the following link: http://www.arcengames.com/share/AIWar1000To2000.zip
Then
unzip it into your game folder (usually C:\Program Files\Arcen Games\AI
War\ unless you specified something else). Please make sure that your
unzip process keeps the folder structure from the zip file, rather than
just unpacking all of the files into the base target directory. This is
a cumulative update, so as long as you have at least version 1.000 of
the game installed, this will update you to the latest version (2.000)
without any issues.
This update now available for Impulse
customers.
For existing GamersGate customers, you can always
upgrade your copy from the "Check For Updates" link in the game just
like customers from our direct site can. The latest version of the
installer will also be coming to GamersGate, but that will affect new
customers only.
Command version 2.0, which marks the culmination of our long-running
post-release overhaul. To see just how epic this journey has been, take
a look at this: AI
War 2.0 vs. 1.0, A Retrospective. The cumulative post-release
notes, included near the end, are literally novella-length (46,573
words). That's how much has changed in the since our initial release.
You can download a trial
version of the game, as well as purchase a license key to
unlock the full version. If you already have the game or demo
installed, just hit "Check For Updates" inside the game to get the
latest patch.
 Achievements |  High Scores |
AI War Comes To Steam and Direct2Drive!
Direct2Drive and Steam join Impulse and GamersGate in offering AI War--
be sure to check them out! The Steam version includes online
leaderboards and Steam achievements (other versions are all local-only
for those features). If you've previously purchased your copy of AI War
from another platform and would like to activate it on Steam to get
those features, you will be able to do so in
the near future. In celebration of the release of 2.0, AI War is
also going to be 25% off at Steam through Oct. 27th -- and look
for similar sales at other partners very soon.
Many Updates:
- New local high scoreboards for everyone, and online high
scoreboards through Steam.
- 129 Achievements, which can be logged locally and/or through
Steam.
- Player ships can now be assigned preferred target types, which
greatly increases tactical control.
- A number of co-op-related interface improvements: see allied
resources, more informative gifting lists, etc.
- Several new visual effects: smoke trails and sparking for damaged
ships, etc.
- Much improved (or entirely replaced) graphics for over 50
different ships.
- Ships now accelerate and decelerate when moving, making them much
more graceful.
- New Collision Priorities make placement of larger/fixed ships in a
group of smaller mobile ships much easier.
- Players can now select multiple AI Modifiers at once in the lobby.
Turrets have been rebalanced and made more distinct and interesting.
- Custom planet name lists can now be used for those who don't like
the random names.
- Networking improvmeents.
- Many other bugfixes and balance tweaks.
The above list is just a sampling of what has changed since 1.301,
however, so be sure to check out the full release notes to see
everything. And remember, to see everything since 1.0, see this: AI War 2.0 vs. 1.0, A
Retrospective.
As an added note, if you are a player who is is unable to
install patches for whatever reason (this is usually a windows issue),
you can download the patch files through the following link: http://www.arcengames.com/share/AIWar1000To2000.zip
Then
unzip it into your game folder (usually C:\Program Files\Arcen Games\AI
War\ unless you specified something else). Please make sure that your
unzip process keeps the folder structure from the zip file, rather than
just unpacking all of the files into the base target directory. This is
a cumulative update, so as long as you have at least version 1.000 of
the game installed, this will update you to the latest version (2.000)
without any issues.
This update now available for Impulse
customers.
For existing GamersGate customers, you can always
upgrade your copy from the "Check For Updates" link in the game just
like customers from our direct site can. The latest version of the
installer will also be coming to GamersGate, but that will affect new
customers only.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sho Online
Site: http://shoonline.neofun.com
Free To Play MMORPG
Sho Online is a cool, 3D MMORPG in traditional Chinese style by Lizard Interactive. This game totally fascinates with its graphics, gameplay and idea. When I first start to play it I spent six hours without even realizing it.
Story and gameplay
In the world of Sho Online two dynasties are fighting each other. Players can choose only one of them for all their characters.
Yin is one of the countries from the conflict. I can’t tell the Chinese story well, all this names are too strange for me. The main part is that Yin is the older dynasty with initial location – Jo-ga Castle.
Zhou is the other country. It became the new power of the continent. Its initial location is the Castle Seo-ki.
All characters, NPC and monsters in Sho Online belong to a fraction. There are seven fractions – Yin, Zhou, Yo-koi, Ark-kui, Ark-soo, Yinbiyin, Ka-kuk. Characters have a relation stats window showing the relation with all the fractions. The relations change according to who you choose to kill. There are bonuses if a character is in good relation with a fraction.
War
The game is based on the war between Yin and Zhou. The war starts with the assassination of the enemy governor general NPC. Players fight in a mass pvp for the glory of their dynasty.
Characters
Sho Online has three starting character types – assassin, warrior and soolsa.
Assassins rely mainly on speed and agility. They use daggers and bows for fighting and they can advance as archers or dagger masters at level ten.
Warriors rely on their physical strength. Their weapons are spears and axes. At level ten they can choose to become Adamantors or Demon Knights.
Soolsa are equivalent of mages in other mmorpgs. They use fans and staffs. At level 10 Soolsa can change its profession to Dark Soolsa or Taoistic Priest. Dark Soolsa are damage dealers with powerful magic attack and curses.Taoistic Priests can also attack enemies with magic but they are also healers and buffers. Both Soolsa professions can create monsters.
Free To Play MMORPG
Sho Online is a cool, 3D MMORPG in traditional Chinese style by Lizard Interactive. This game totally fascinates with its graphics, gameplay and idea. When I first start to play it I spent six hours without even realizing it.
Story and gameplay
In the world of Sho Online two dynasties are fighting each other. Players can choose only one of them for all their characters.
Yin is one of the countries from the conflict. I can’t tell the Chinese story well, all this names are too strange for me. The main part is that Yin is the older dynasty with initial location – Jo-ga Castle.
Zhou is the other country. It became the new power of the continent. Its initial location is the Castle Seo-ki.
All characters, NPC and monsters in Sho Online belong to a fraction. There are seven fractions – Yin, Zhou, Yo-koi, Ark-kui, Ark-soo, Yinbiyin, Ka-kuk. Characters have a relation stats window showing the relation with all the fractions. The relations change according to who you choose to kill. There are bonuses if a character is in good relation with a fraction.
War
The game is based on the war between Yin and Zhou. The war starts with the assassination of the enemy governor general NPC. Players fight in a mass pvp for the glory of their dynasty.
Characters
Sho Online has three starting character types – assassin, warrior and soolsa.
Assassins rely mainly on speed and agility. They use daggers and bows for fighting and they can advance as archers or dagger masters at level ten.
Warriors rely on their physical strength. Their weapons are spears and axes. At level ten they can choose to become Adamantors or Demon Knights.
Soolsa are equivalent of mages in other mmorpgs. They use fans and staffs. At level 10 Soolsa can change its profession to Dark Soolsa or Taoistic Priest. Dark Soolsa are damage dealers with powerful magic attack and curses.Taoistic Priests can also attack enemies with magic but they are also healers and buffers. Both Soolsa professions can create monsters.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Talisman Online
Site: http://www.talismanonline.com/
Free to Play
Talisman Online is a 3D, free to play, fantasy MMORPG. Players can choose from five character types. They are Wizard, Monk, Assassin, Tamer and Fairy.
Wizard - he feature high attacking ability and weak anti-attacking. His main attribute is Intelligence.
Monk - he have the strongest ability of anti-attacking. His main attribute is Strength.
Assassin - he is a high damage attacker, but with weak defense. His main attribute is Dexterity.
Fairy - she is the healer character.
Tamer - the best solo character. Her main attribute is Intelligence.
Specific game features:
Talisman - the talisman is a special tool for strengthen character's power. It has many different skills. Talismans can be enhanced to obtain higher level skills.
Talisman Online have large number of quests. Also interesting part of the gameplay are the scenarios. A scenario is a specific quest for obtaining rare and valuable talismans and equipment, that takes place in an independent scene, separated from the other areas, unique for each player or party.
What I don't like in Talisman Online is the specific angle of the camera, but it is not so bad. Also some people think that its interface and gameplay are very alike WOW.
Free to Play
Talisman Online is a 3D, free to play, fantasy MMORPG. Players can choose from five character types. They are Wizard, Monk, Assassin, Tamer and Fairy.
Wizard - he feature high attacking ability and weak anti-attacking. His main attribute is Intelligence.
Monk - he have the strongest ability of anti-attacking. His main attribute is Strength.
Assassin - he is a high damage attacker, but with weak defense. His main attribute is Dexterity.
Fairy - she is the healer character.
Tamer - the best solo character. Her main attribute is Intelligence.
Specific game features:
Talisman - the talisman is a special tool for strengthen character's power. It has many different skills. Talismans can be enhanced to obtain higher level skills.
Talisman Online have large number of quests. Also interesting part of the gameplay are the scenarios. A scenario is a specific quest for obtaining rare and valuable talismans and equipment, that takes place in an independent scene, separated from the other areas, unique for each player or party.
What I don't like in Talisman Online is the specific angle of the camera, but it is not so bad. Also some people think that its interface and gameplay are very alike WOW.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
With Your Destiny (WYD) - Episode II : ADVENT OF GODS
Site: http://www.wydglobal.com/
Free-to-Play
With Your Destiny(WYD) is a fantasy 3D MMORPG. The first impression is that of an another Diablo 2 style game, but it is not a bad feeling.
Classes
Transknight - male soldier, uses knives, claws, swords, axes, and hammers. He has area of effect skills.
Beastmaster - he can take werewolf form, summon beasts and use melee weapons.
Foema - female mages.
Hunters - female with powerful weapon(archer), they are best PK characters.
Max level in WYD is 400, but the leveling up is very fast. Also there is in game auto combat/cast/pots system. I find that very useful, lately most of the MMORPG producers want to make players work harder and harder to get some fun/items/kills with the idea to spend more time in game. I don't like to work hard in games, I am there to have fun. So in this concept WYD is very good - all the hard work for leveling up is done by the bot, I just play from time to time in a dungeon or when I feel to.
Some features I like are the mounts(animals to ride), summons, also it looks like there are a lot in game events.
Screenshots
Free-to-Play
With Your Destiny(WYD) is a fantasy 3D MMORPG. The first impression is that of an another Diablo 2 style game, but it is not a bad feeling.
Classes
Transknight - male soldier, uses knives, claws, swords, axes, and hammers. He has area of effect skills.
Beastmaster - he can take werewolf form, summon beasts and use melee weapons.
Foema - female mages.
Hunters - female with powerful weapon(archer), they are best PK characters.
Max level in WYD is 400, but the leveling up is very fast. Also there is in game auto combat/cast/pots system. I find that very useful, lately most of the MMORPG producers want to make players work harder and harder to get some fun/items/kills with the idea to spend more time in game. I don't like to work hard in games, I am there to have fun. So in this concept WYD is very good - all the hard work for leveling up is done by the bot, I just play from time to time in a dungeon or when I feel to.
Some features I like are the mounts(animals to ride), summons, also it looks like there are a lot in game events.
Screenshots
Sunday, January 6, 2008
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