New World is a buy-to-play open world MMORPG set on the supernatural island of Aeternum. The game differentiates itself from other MMOs with its unique classless progression system and deep crafting and resource gathering systems. Choose from one of 3 factions and fight for control over valuable territory on the island of Aeternum.
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Publisher: Amazon Games Playerbase: High Type: Buy-To-Play MMORPG PvP: Faction Territory Control, Duels, Open World (Flagged) Release Date: September 28, 2021 Pros: +Classless skill system. +Deep crafting and resource gathering systems. +Satisfying action combat. +Progression feels rewarding. Cons: -Repetitive quest design. -Servers only support 2,000 players. -Limited end game content.
It's starting to look like Amazon finally has a gaming hit on their hands with the successful launch of New World. While we don't know if players will stick around once they hit end game, New World hit 913,634 concurrent players this last weekend and that figure continues to grow. While the future of New World remains unknown, it's easily the biggest MMO launch of the last decade. No other MMORPG launched in recent memory has come close to these figures.
It's obvious the market is desperate for a new MMO to play and time will tell if New World has any staying power, but for now the game is doing remarkably well. I've been playing quite a bit myself and while the core gameplay loop feels repetitive, I find myself being drawn to the game. I currently have a little over 20 hours in New World and am still having fun with it. I do wonder though if there's any real late game in New World besides faction PvP as the game has been radically redesigned late in development from a more hardcore full loot PvP survival game to a more traditional MMO with optional PvP.
The latest update to miHoYo's hit mobile RPG Genshin Impact is launched on October 13th. The update, titled 'Into the Perilous Labyrinth of Fog', brings with it the final of Izanuma's 6 major islands, which brings a whole new map for players to explore along with a new playable character - Thoma. Alloy, the character from Horizon: Zero Dawn, will also be available on all platforms including Playstation, PC, and mobile starting with the launch of this update.
Tsurumi Island, the last major island of Inazuma, is finally open to Travelers with Version 2.2. The island is shrouded in dense fog, and players may easily get lost and encounter unprecedented challenges while exploring this area. The Rifthounds and the Rifthound Whelps are dangerous stealthy beasts lurking in the fog, waiting to launch a sneak attack. When an attack hits a character, all party members will be affected by the "Corrosion" status and continually lose HP regardless if they're shielded or not. In addition, Tsurumi Island appears to be the focus of recent research by a scholar from Sumeru. In the "Shadow of the Ancients" event, players have to accomplish investigation commissions across Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma to defeat an "Anomalous Model Ruin Grader" that seems to be constantly drawing power from an unknown source of energy to regenerate itself.
Besides the new map and character, version 2.2 also introduces a new series of seasonal events, gameplay optimizations, DualSense controller support, and more.
Learn more about the 2.2 Update in the official update video below:
Version 2.2 Special Program｜Genshin Impact
In other Genshin Impact news, the company partnered with gaming peripheral brand Razer for a Genshin Impact themed DeathAdder mouse, Razer Iskur X gaming chair, and a Goliathus Speed mouse mat.
The Cycle is moving on to the next phase of development as developer Yager officially kicks off closed beta testing for the upcoming session-based PvEvP first-person shooter. The current build will feature the fully-rebuilt Crescent Falls map as well as more loot variety and improvements to weapon modding, crafting, and player housing.
Extensive gameplay changes have also been made since the game’s closed alpha to add “strategic depth” as both co-op and PvP players will now be forced to decide how much they’re willing to risk for the mission.
“The Cycle: Frontier is a free-to-play, high-stakes, PvPvE FPS. The goal is to complete missions on a deserted planet while defending yourself from hostile creatures and armed opponents. But beware: resources and mission objectives can only be kept if you leave the planet alive. Whether playing solo, in a squad with friends, or making alliances with strangers, The Cycle: Frontier offers the ultimate competitive multiplayer and survival combat experience for everyone.”
Closed beta signups are still open on the official site, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. As previously announced, the free-to-play version of the game will be taken offline on October 13th and only the closed beta version will be running until the game’s official launch, which has now been moved to sometime in 2022.
Head over to The Cycle Steam page for more info. There’s also a pair of new trailers below to get you hyped up.
