Need an answer to your gaming question? Good! Head on over and check out IGN Answers for all your gaming Q&A; needs. Ask a game related question and get an answer quick.
We are excited in announcing the launching of our latest site, Halo Ring, for the mega-series by Bungie. So please take a moment to drop by and see what is going on over at the Ring. While there be sure to check out the Halo Ring Wiki section for all your needs and maybe add a bit of your knowledge while you are there. There will also be extensive beta coverage with guides, screenshots and editorials. Time to suit up!
We are excited in announcing the launching of our latest site LittleBigPlanet Factory for the ultra-fun series by Sony. So please take a moment to drop by and see what is going on over at the Factory. While there, be sure to check out the LittleBigPlanet Wiki section for all your needs and maybe add a bit of your knowledge while you are there!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 16, 2010 (SOE Press Release) - LucasArts and Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) announced today the release of Threat of the Conqueror, the latest expansion in the successful Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game. Players can aid the Alliance Renegade Squadron as they gather intelligence and locate the Empire's modified Star Destroyer - dubbed the Conqueror - which holds within itself the ability to destroy entire planets, or they can take the side of the Empire's elite storm commandos as they work to crush the Rebels and ensure the maiden voyage of the Empire's newest deadly weapon. No matter what side they choose, ten new story scenarios will pull them into the fight in this pivotal battle between good and evil. This new set also brings the ability to boost gamers' light or dark side deck with all-new special-forces themed cards, as well as all-new Bith and Duros avatar race cards.
The Threat of the Conqueror adds more than 200 new playable cards, including 30 new loot cards, to the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game, bringing the total number of cards in the game to more than 1,800. The new playable cards will feature unique keyword abilities that:
Grant “Intel” labeled units additional bonus powers when they come into play, allowing for more tactical options within a round
Enable stacking “Reinforcement” bonuses which adds the ability to play additional reinforcement units as the length of gameplay increases
In addition, this expansion introduces new cards to the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game, including:
Player-Created Art Cards – The Star Wars Galaxies Galactic Civil War Photo Contest winners are unveiled. One Rebel-themed winner, one Imperial-themed winner and one neutral-themed winner have had their submitted screenshots turned into art cards in Threat of the Conqueror.
New Loot Cards – More than 30 new special-forces themed loot cards will be available, including the AT-PT Walker Vehicle, the Vehicle Garage and the imposing Republic Gunship Vehicle Collectible Item.
The Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game marks the first-ever Star Wars trading card game offered exclusively online. Available to both current and former Star Wars Galaxies subscribers, the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game provides players with an entirely new gameplay experience by combining the challenge of a trading card game with the adventures and community of a massively multiplayer online game. Players can build their own virtual decks to fight in story mode, and participate in epic one-on-one matches, cooperative heroic encounters and official tournaments.
In addition, all Star Wars Galaxies subscribers with current, valid, paid accounts in good standing are automatically eligible to receive five digital trading card booster packs each month included with their paid Star Wars Galaxies subscription at no additional cost, providing a quick and easy way for them to build their decks.
Anyone wishing to try the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game can do so at no charge through a downloadable trial that includes limited access to a tutorial and practice games with a provided virtual starter card deck.
The Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game may be also be accessed from inside Star Wars Galaxies and is available to trial players as part of the Star Wars Galaxies 14-day trial. This trial, offered at no charge for up to two consecutive weeks, also includes all the content of the base game, Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided and its first expansion, Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Lightspeed. Available by download from www.StarWarsGalaxies.com, the 14-day trial gives players a chance to become a part of the Star Wars galaxy, and meet and fight with or against their favorite Star Wars characters as they explore this massive online universe filled with thousands of other Star Wars fans.
More information about the Star Wars Galaxies Trading Card Game and its seventh release, The Threat of the Conqueror, along with the game’s trial can be found at www.StarWarsGalaxies.com/tradingcardgame.
The sounds of celebrating Ewoks fill the air! Join them once again in Tyrena on Corellia, Kaadara on Naboo and the Southern Ewok Village on Endor and earn some sweet new rewards while munching on Camby Berries and celebrating around the Chocolate Fountains. Players can complete special activities to earn Chak Hearts, and trade them in for exclusive new Ewok Festival of Love rewards such as:
A new Ewok Festival of Love painting
A new bouquet of flowers
A wearable halo
Three new sets of wearable wings in pink, blue and gold
Three new badges. Earn the new titles Ambassador of the Festival of Love, Follower of Kyoopid or The Love Broker
The Ewok Festival of Love is happening now! Spread the love and join in the fun until the celebration ends on March 2, 2010.
Help Save Vital Cities from Falling Into Enemy Hands
Beginning today, the Star Wars Galaxies™ Galactic Civil War: Forces Under Siege game update is available for Rebels and Imperials alike. Sony Online Entertainment is also offering eligible former players the opportunity to come back to Star Wars Galaxies for free between February 1 and March 1. With the balance of power in the galaxy at stake, anyone who can tote a blaster or lend support is needed on the front lines! Eligible player accounts will be automatically reactivated – players can simply log in to rejoin the action! For those who choose to re-subscribe before the free period ends, a special in-game painting will be given as a reward.
Come back now to join in massive invasions and build a legacy in the battle raging across the galaxy – where the movies end, your adventure begins!
Poke the 'Read More' below for the rest of the press release, which includes a list of features!
IGN, GameSpy and TeamXbox have rallied the entertainment industry to aid Haiti in its time of need. Today, IGN is broadcasting a 12-hour webathon, beginning at 9am PST and ending at 9pm.
The people of Haiti need your help. You can donate directly to our chosen charity, Habitat for Humanity, or you can jump to the IGN for Haiti eBay page to bid on some amazing auction items. Some notable items include a Life-Size Replica Bayonetta Gun, signed BioShock 2 Splicer Mask, Half-Life Guitar, and over 250 other kick ass items. All proceeds from the auction go directly to Habitat for Humanity to aid the effort in rebuilding Haiti.
Over the course of the 12-hour webathon, IGN editors will be playing a non-stop series of online Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 matches. IGN employees have pledged money for each level earned during our play session. You can find and play with us online all day today. Just look for the "IGN Xbox" gamertag. Help us rack up levels!
Looking to find the hard details for one of the campaign quests in Aion? Or maybe you are seeking the lowdown on your level 50 Archon Tribunus's Sword? Look no further than IGN's Aion Tower website for all your game database needs. The site has just launched a super extensive game database for the MMO title, Aion.
Saying it's extensive might be an understatement. The site goes beyond listing everything you can find in the game. These include: items, recipes, quests, zones, NPCs, skills, maps, and everything else. It goes beyond that by providing 3D viewers, Grind Planer, Stigma Planner, Item comparisons, browser plugins, and so much more. This database is impressive.
We are extremely thrilled to announce the launching of our latest site, Dragonica Online World, for the THQIce's F2P MMO title "Dragonica Online". So take a moment to drop by and see what is going on with the game and its community. While there, be sure to check out the Dragonica Wiki, dig up that elusive bit of info or leave your own tips for other players!
Just wanted to give anyone interested in Star Wars Galaxies a heads up that Steam is currently selling Star Wars Galaxies: The Complete Online Adventure for 50% off through November 26th.
That logs the game and its expansions in at $9.99.
We are extremely thrilled to announce the launching of our latest site, IGN Music Hub, for the upcoming Activision's hugely successful "Hero" games with special attention on the upcoming Guitar Hero 5, DJ Hero and Band Hero. So take a moment to drop by and see what is going on with the up coming games. While there, be sure to check out the Hero Wiki section for all your needs and maybe add a bit of your knowledge while you are there!
We are extremely thrilled to announce the launching of our latest site, Aion Tower, for the upcoming NC Soft's MMO title "Aion". So take a moment to drop by and see what is going on with the up coming game and check out the beta if you can. While there, be sure to check out the Aion Wiki section for all your needs and maybe add a bit of your knowledge while you are there!
Another day, another Ding!, get your MMO Podcast fix with Episode 8 of Ding! This week Ocura, Nextweek and Jube, along with guest GaMeRz talk about Bio Breaks, Aion, World of Warcraft, CrimeCraft, Fallen Earth, Jumpgate Evolution, Champions Online, Final Fantasy XIV, D&D; Online, Age of Conan and more! Download and listen to Ding! Episode 8.
It was a busy podcast this week for Ding! Episode #7, chock full of people with opinions! In addition to the usual cast of characters, Nextweek joined us again, along with special guest "Skunkeen", Community Rep for Neverwinter Nights, Modder, Dungeon Master, Podcaster, and overall freaky dude who needs a change of pants. On the agenda this week:
I think with this final bit 'o E3 love, we can safely say that the event coverage is over? Maybe. Anyway, Peter "Nextweek" Eykemans made his way to E3 2009, where he managed to preview a number of games, talk to a few developers, and film the winner for IGN's "Editor for a Day" contest! Below you will find a list of previews and a final wrap-up from the event.
You've seen the trailers, viewed the screenshots, and if you were lucky enough then you may have even seen some of your favourite upcoming games live and in person at E3 2009. Now it's time to vote on what rocked your world (or didn't rock your world!) in the Voodoo Extreme E3 2009 Reader's Choice Awards. Get in there and support your faves, vote now!
Each month I find myself writing the Producer Note going, “didn’t I just do one of these?” Time flies when trying to bust out thrilling new updates for our player base.
I hope everybody has had the opportunity to jump into at least one of the new battlefields released in Update 10. We’re really proud of these new battlefields and I’m proud of the team for how much hard work they poured into this amazing update. Particular call outs need to be made to Hanse, Loche, and Teesquared for all their extra dedication to this release. We hope that all these new battlefields provide an excellent supplement to the open-world PvP that you’ve enjoyed for years now. I’m personally fond to the capture-the-flag-ish Data Runner battlefield but I’ve always been a big CTF fan since the original Unreal Tournament about a decade ago.
Since my last note we’ve been joined by Draakull, our new Community Relations Manager. Filling Valara’s position has been a long process but I believe that Draakull has an excellent perspective on community and will bring a lot of great stuff to you folks over the coming months. To properly assist Draakull in adjusting to his new position we’ll be promptly hazing, er… throwing him in the deep end at Fan Faire in less than a month. Welcome aboard, Draakull!
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, Dotanuki. That’s all nice but what about the NEW STUFF?”
Up next is Update 11: Empire Day. As mentioned in my last note, we’re bringing back the Empire Day event from last year and bringing it up to the standards set by our past three events by adding a slew of new rewards and interactive content. Here is a quick overview of some of the things you can expect in our next update…
Ceremonies
The ceremonies are back in the same locations as last year; Imperials will be gathering in Theed while Rebels will be assembling in Coronet. The ceremonies themselves have been flushed out with more troops and enhancements and now occur approximately every 15 minutes as opposed to the hourly ceremonies held last year. Vader/Leia will yet again be calling loyal players out of the crowd and presenting them with a brand new badge/title for 2009. Instead of just calling one person out of the crowd, as they did last year, they will be calling three players out at each ceremony. These chosen players must bow before the presenters to receive their reward.
Propaganda
In an effort to draw citizens over to their respective sides, both the Empire and Rebellion need help displaying propaganda posters around Theed and Coronet. Players will be able to help their faction by posting propaganda on unmarked kiosks throughout the cities. Players who do this while flagged as Special Forces will receive an additional token bonus for their deeds each time they participate.
Anti-Propaganda
With both factions vying for attention, neither side can simply hope their posters do the job, they must also tear down the posters put up by the opposing faction. Players can help their faction by tearing down the rival propaganda posted around Theed and Coronet. Again, players who participate while flagged as Special Forces will receive an additional token bonus for their contribution each time they participate.
Entertainer and Crafter-Specific Missions
Both Entertainers and Crafters will have missions specifically designed for them so that they may add their own unique talents to this year’s Empire Day. Entertainers will need to go perform for specific groups of soldiers in six different cantinas across the galaxy while crafters will be asked to contribute to their faction’s cause by raiding certain shuttle crash sites for materials and creating needed items.
Rewards
Several new rewards will be added to the event this year. One item that was alluded to in my last note is the first eight-passenger vehicle available through regular in-game means. This was requested by Cigaran way back in November of last year and it’s been on my list of things to get in the game since that time. After much debate as to what speeder to add, Loche decided to go with the Tantive IV speeder that can already be seen in-game. Players will be able to obtain the one already in-game via Empire Day tokens. They can then deconstruct it, if they so desire, and have an Engineering Trader craft them an improved version with an alternate texture (see below).
Other rewards include and X-wing Pilot Greeter, a TIE Fighter Pilot Greeter (each with custom VO), and Rebel / Imperial house signs.
“Okay Dotanuki, are you willing to tell us what’s coming after Update 11 or are you going to save that for Fan Faire?”
Sure, what the heck. Engineering Traders will be pleased to hear that they will be the primary focus of Update 12. As has been mentioned in the past, this will be the last update to focus primarily on one specific profession. Details are very minimal right now but I can say that we’re looking into your top issues as well as looking into giving you some new droids to craft. Loche and I have wanted to get some new droids out to you guys for a while. The magnaguard has been of particular interest to us. If everything goes as planned, you’ll be receiving some droids that you may not expect, used in some new and inventive ways. The team has come up with really neat functionality for some of the droids. Hopefully we don’t hit any hiccups (fingers crossed).
“Great news! Now what about [insert request name here]?”
All details beyond Update 12 will be revealed at Fan Faire. Actually, I’m finishing up the Fan Faire presentations now and they pretty much reveal the bulk of what we have planned for the remainder of the year; including a couple of major announcements. While I’m sure the cat will leave the bag long before my July Producer Note, I will be happy to answer questions about all that is revealed at Fan Faire at that time.
Finally, in case anybody missed it, we have revealed that the Fan Faire exclusive item this year is the Dianoga Dumpster.
This item functions exactly like the Deluxe Sarlacc Trash Can and is available exclusively to those players who register for Fan Faire. Another in-game item available exclusively to Fan Faire attendees is a miniature escape pod house decoration. This item will only be awarded to players who participate in our LIVE Quest on Saturday, June 27th.
I’m really excited about Fan Faire. We have a bunch of great information to share. I hope everybody is very pleasantly surprised by what we have to reveal.
Welcome to Episode 5 of Ding! An IGN MMO Podcast, E3 2009 edition. This week we had our E3 correspondent, "Nextweek", on hand to talk us through some of the MMO goodness that he saw while at the event. Titles discussed included:
Despite a slow week of MMO related news, the Ding! must go on! Check out the Ding! Episode 4 agenda below, and give the podcast a download. Next week we'll be doing an E3 Edition, and we'll have someone at the event to bring us all of the MMO scoops!
