ISSUE 3www.mo-times.comFebruary 2009MICA (P) 149/06/2008

MULTIPLAYER ONLINE TIMES

Ragnarok Online EP XII

Star Craft II Beta

FIFA Online 2 -Launch and Press

Conference Review

INSIDE

NEWS Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

March 2009....beware of the DEMON from hell Long ago, the Mage Knight Thanatos battled and sealed away the greater demon, Satan Morroc. Legend has it that the fallout from the battle destroyed the south eastern part of the Rune-Midgard Kingdom, creating what is now known as the Sograt Desert. In order to protect the seal and keep the demon locked away, the people of Rune-Midgard constructed a castle above the seal. Before long, buildings and tents were built around the castle, and this new-founded city took the name of the demon and was called “Morroc”.

However, one thousand years have now passed, and Satan Morroc has awakened once again! His release caused great damage to the city of Morroc, and the Midgard continent once again faces an unprecedented crisis.

RO Episode 12 is a major leap for the game, including many new regions, a renewal of the game’s PVP features, the new ‘Memorial Dungeon’ instancing system, and a wide variety of new equipment.

New Features of Game1. The World Map SystemPressing ctrl ~ will open a world map that shows your location and the location of your partymates

2. The Battle GroundsThe Battlegrounds is a PVP scenario that can be accessed from most of the popular towns.

3. Item Socketing version 2 With the increase in danger of the world

how to add card slots to even more items than previously available.

4. New MonstersSatan MorrocThe terror of the past, reawakened to destroy Morroc and next the world.Entire armies have been slain in his wake, only the strongest most fearless dare challenge him when he is at full power. Defeating Satan Morocc only weakens him; find him out in the abyss that is the Dimensional Gorge to put him to rest temporarily.

Great Demon BaphometThe ancient power of Baphomet is sealed beneath the Monk`s Abbey. But the seals that bind Baphomet from coming full strength back into the world are waning. A group of brave adventurers are needed to reseal Baphomet again. Taking on Baphomet in his shrine is a monumental task, much stronger than the weakened Baphomet.

Naght SeigerThe true Ruler of the Memorial Tower, holding nothing but distain for those trying to ascend to battle him. To truly conquer the tower and claim your victory spoils you must conquer Naght Sieger.

5. New CardsAgav: MATK +5%, DEF -10, and Max SP +100 if wearer is a Mage class character.

Byorgue: ATK +10% and MATK +10% if the wearer is a Rogue or Stalker

Banshee: Max SP +100 and Max HP -100 if the wearer is a Mage class character. Increases damage of Soul Strike, Napalm Beat, and Napalm Vulcan by 20%

Isilla: INT +2, Each magic attack has a chance of reducing Cast Time by 50% and +30 Flee for 5 seconds

Flame Skull: Increases tolerance to Stun, Curse, Darkness, and Stone Curse statuses by 30%. Inflicts the Stun, Curse, Darkness, or Stone Curse statuses on enemies inflicting short range physical attacks on the wearer

Atroce: ATK +25. Has a chance of increasing Attack Speed by 100% with each physical attack for 5 seconds

For more information about Ragnarok Online EP XII, kindly visit www.gameflier.com.my

RAGNAROK ONLINE EP XII: MOROCC: THE AWAKENING

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NEWS Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

According to French publisherUbisoft, we’ll be seeing the nextgeneration of consoles within 3years in 2012. In an interviewwith gamesindustry.biz, UbisoftCEO Yves Guillemot stated “So,we have now enough to help usto grow the company for not onlynext year but to get ready for thecoming of the next generationconsoles that are probably goingto happen in 2011, 2012.”

CarneyVale: Showtime recently made itsway into the international lime-light andwas nominated for the Seumas McNallyGrand Prize at the 2009 IndependentGames Festival. Along with CarneyVale:Showtime, four other independentlydeveloped games are in contention forthe grand prize. As of now, audiencevoting for the festival has ended but thewinners have yet to be announced.

Created right here in this region by theSingapore-MIT Gambit Game Lab,CarneyVale: Showtime places you in theshoes of Slinky, a circus acrobat. Thegame involves leading Slinky through aseries of increasingly dangerous andcomplex arenas as he collects balloonsand stars. Standing in Slinky’s way are amyriad of obstacles and hazards thathe’ll have to avoid.

CarneyVale: Showtime also includes amap editor, allowing users to create evenmore content for themselves and othersto enjoy. If you are interested in trying outthe game, both the trial version and thefull version of the game are currentlyavailable via Xbox Live CommunityGames.

Hellgate: London which was scheduled to stop operating on the 30th of January has beenrescued from the brink of debt by HanbitSoft. HanbitSoft stated that it would continuemaintaining the game using a free-to-play model. Prior to this, HanbitSoft was in charge ofHellgate: London’s operation in Korea.

Earlier on, Namco-Bandai made a decision to terminate the game’s servers due to poorperformance of the game. Apparently though, HanbitSoft feels that it will be able to revivethe game using its free-to-play model of service.

HanbitSoft said that it owns the IP, engines and source code and will maintain Hellgate:London for its global community. Information regarding how this will affect Hellgate: Londonservers in South East Asia has yet to be released though, it would be safe to assume that itwill follow HanbitSoft’s free-to-play model.

If Guillemot’s predictions are correct,it will mean that this generation ofconsoles will have one of the longestproduct life cycles. The Playstationconsoles (PS1 and PS2) each had alifespan of approximately 5 yearsbefore seeing a new generationreleased. Guillemot’s predictionhowever puts the Xbox 360’slifespan at 7 years, which is notsurprising given the currenteconomic situation and lack ofconsumer demand for a newgeneration of consoles.

On a side note, Ubisoft has statedthat following the success of itsShaun White’s Snowboarding game,it has decided to acquire new sportsproperties to further its product linewithin the genre.

Blizzard has always been known forbeing tight-lipped regarding their gamesin development but recent posts byBlizzard employees on the Battle.netforums have announced several ways forfans to get their hands on beta keys.While the posts revealed the means of

any start date for the StarCraft II beta.

There have been many rumours as towhen the beta will begin with somepredicting a start date as recent asMarch. We have absolutely no idea when

willing to sell my soul to get a piece of theaction.

The predecessor to StarCraft II, the originalStarCraft, has sold over 9.5 million unitsworldwide and played a major part in thestart of the Korean cyber gamingphenomenon. StarCraft II will have some

store shelves later this year. We havenothing but great expectations fromBlizzard.

CARNEYVALE: SHOWTIME

STARCRAFT II BETA

HANBITSOFT TO THE RESCUE

UBISOFT EXPECTS NEXTGENERATION IN 2012

MAIN FEATURE Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

RUSH, RUSH, RUSHOn the surface, when Asiasoft unveiled Sudden Attack to us in December, it seemed like just another Counter-Strikeclone. And to be fair, to a large extent, it is. But beyond the basic counter-

there’s quite a bit more.

For starters, Sudden Attack is free to play, with a micro-transaction system in place. Players can pick up the game which comes with a small basic weapons pack. All players get it and the guns there are, while weak, effective forever.

The micro-transaction system is what Sudden Attack hopes will set it apart from other free FPS titles out there. Called PP, this currency can be earned in

ridiculously crack shot, able to take down tons of enemies and win consistently. You’ll be awarded quite a sum of PP in that way – though the team on hand to

be tweaked.

The second, of course, is to cough up some cash. This gives players a large amount of PP to spend as they please in the in-game store.

GUNS FOR SALEBut what’s all the PP for? Plenty. One criticism of Counter-Strike and other titles is that there’re only so many guns going around. Sooner or later, you’ll get used to seeing players using the AWP or other

stale.

Sudden Attackincluding time-based restraints on everything – ranging from guns to better

the in-game store already had a robust set of weapons, ranging from the familiar Desert Eagles to others we’re barely familiar with. Players pay an amount of PP, and that “unlocks” the gun for use for a day.

Asiasoft was quick to point out that it’s not a one-use pony. Players will be getting their bang for their buck. Cheaper guns don’t translate to weaker than worthless – they still have the same amount of killing power, but different tradeoffs. Obviously, bigger guns cost more too, but as Aaron and I found out, every gun still has their strengths and drawbacks that differ greatly from what Counter-Strike fans may be used to.

Particularly diligent players who prefer one type of gun above all others can spend a larger amount of PP, including a “bulk buy” discount, to purchase a weapon or character for several days, giving them the

suddenly drop out once the timer is gone.

There’s also a hint that if you pick up an enemy’s gun, you can use that gun beyond the match for a short period of time – if you win. Think of it as a sort of congratulations for whacking him off.

Things the game does to keep players

shooting include point penalties and

we were playing on gave winners and losers a set amount of PP, while those who raged and quit out had a small amount deducted from them.

fault with this (Who wants to be penalized for having their Internet suddenly cut?) we think the idea bears some merit as in it focuses players to think about whether they have enough time on hand to complete a match. And for the kids who can’t resist sneaking on to play even two minutes, it could prove a worthy detriment (Hey, even we know the effects of gaming addiction after all) if they know their hard earned cash is going to go poof.

SNIPER, SNIPER PANTS OF FIREWhile we were checking the game out, it seemed pretty heartening to us that there was more to Sudden Attack than just the in-game store though. Already, the system is well in place, with streamlined lobbies reminiscent of Gunbound, a friends

mates, and even a memo page for jotting down quick notes.

There’s also a nice and large variety of maps and modes for players to play on, which is always a good sign. There’s basic deathmatch, bomb defusal, intelligence, property defense, and just for the heck of

With that many modes, we were a little

worried at the number of maps shipping. Predictably, deathmatch and bomb defusal were the ones with the most maps ready to go, but there’re over 26 maps alone for

hope for the 8v8 multiplayer that the game touts.

Some of the maps we played on, such as Warehouse and Emble Lab, looked pretty polished up. While they’re a far cry from Source-engine quality ala Counter-Strike,they do a respectable job on any half-decent PC. It won’t be winning awards, but the HUD was clean, there wasn’t any clipping, and character models looked of decent quality. There was even a small mini-map to display the location of allies.

PERSONAL GLORY, PERSONAL FAMEPersonal stats, always good for glory hounds, will also be tracked across games. It’s more than just for show however. Some items or character types – which may boast more health, run speed or armor, can’t be used no matter how much cash you have. You’ll need to play hard and level up in order to earn the ability to use them.

Tossed into the mix for good measure is a small checkbox with the words “quick respawns”. Like a true FPS, the game quickly lets players get back into the game instead of sitting around waiting for the round to end if they’re unlucky. Unfortunately, that came with an

The world really needs to move on from Counter-Strike. Yes, it’s fun, yes, it looks pretty in the new Source engine, and yes, we’re bored stiff of the game turning into sniper wars.

(Keep in mind a lot of this is still pre-closed beta stuff, so some of it is bound to change.)

ENTER SUDDEN ATTACK

immediate drawback that was only too apparent on smaller maps like Warehouse.

That problem is spawn camping. When players respawn, there’s a three second invulnerability timer, but after that, you’re fair game. It was far too easy in the quick matches that we played to box in the enemy, and then proceed to sit back and kill

shots in, as long as we had a constant supply of ammo and allies, the other team wasn’t getting out.

When we asked about this issue, the developers were quick to point out that

maps were designed expressly with the idea of situations such as these. It becomes

contrasted this with other modes such as intelligence, where a tighter defense would have all the advantages in holding on to the briefcase, or bomb defusal, which sees both sides moving into a central position. We can

preparing to enter closed beta in early January, with an open beta in late January and an expected launch date sometime in February. Keep an eye out if you’re looking for a new free FPS to while the time away. - Neubronner Eugene

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MAIN FEATURE Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

THE WS AND THE SINGLE H

When in doubt, ask a series of questions to determine if it’s worth the time. Here’s what we asked ourselves when we looked at Sudden Attack, so you guys get an insight into the lives of a gaming journalist as he writes.

WHOYou, and up to 15 others playing in semi-realistic, but fast and furious gunplay that melds together the realistic guns of the world with the run and gun of other shooters.

WHATWhat’s so good about it? Well, it’s free. Can’t beat that. And while it’s not the most eye-popping in terms of graphics, it handles on almost any computer worth its salt with the

requires a graphics card).

WHYMicro-transactions mean the developers get to tweak and control things to suit the general player populace. Too many people buying

the AWP? No problem, just up the price on it. Instantly, only those die-hards who want to afford it, or those with the skills to do so will own it. Everyone else has to go bugger off back to the rest of the guns. Supply and demand will mean the game doesn’t stalemate into an AWP-fest.

HOWEverything players do will be tracked by server stats. So, if there’s a sudden spike in, say the MP4 machine gun. Developers will have access to a wealth of information that they can then use to give players better responses. Think the MP4 got a boost and is now too overpowered? Stats will tell all.

WHENThe game will be entering closed beta early in January, with open beta to follow later in the month. Look out for it then.

“THE MICRO-TRANSACTION SYSTEM IS WHAT SUDDEN ATTACK HOPES WILL SET IT APART FROM OTHER FREE FPS TITLES OUT THERE.”

POPULAR GAMES & EVENTS Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

FIFA ONLINE 2LAUNCH AND PRESS CONFERENCE REVIEWIAHgames, providers of major online titles such as Emil Chronicle Online and Dragonica has worked with its Malaysian counterpart MyCNX Holdings (M) Sdn

was held on the 23rd of January at MOL iCafe in Berjaya Times Square. The event was held in conjunction with the launching of the “Kick N’ Win Contest” where gamers stood the chance to win RM 1,000 daily until March 18th by playing the game. FIFA Online 2’s launch was open to the public and goodie bags were given out to people who attended the event. Inside the goodie bags were FIFA styled posters and stationary celebrating the launch of the game and a free copy of FIFA Online 2 on CD. A copy of the game can be downloaded from

www.EAsportsFIFAonline2.com for those unfortunate enough not to attend.

The event began with speeches from Christopher Ng (General Manager of EA)

IAHGames) and YBhg Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun (Chairman of MyCNX Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd) where various aspects of the game’s game play, overall marketing strategy and its plans for the future were explained to the crowd.

The speeches were concluded with YBhg Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun sharing a few jokes with the crowd in which he drew to a close by giving out a special mention to Ganesh Kumar Bangah, CEO of MOL.com for his contribution in making the project a successful one.

Awards were given out to the speakers and

YBhg Datuk Dr Mohamed Arif Nun shooting a ball into an open net, in which he missed (hopefully this is not a testament of things to come for the game) but he made up for it with a stylish rendition of Cristiano Ronaldo styled stepovers to score from 3 feet out into an open net. As his shot hit the back of the net the crowd went wild with applause, this was followed by a display of paper-

A trailer of FIFA 2009 was shown at the launch, showing off crisp graphics with realistic motion captured movements from polygons modeled after popular players such as Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and Chelsea’s Didier Drogba.

FIFA Online 2 is free to play for everyone;

parts (FIFA 2009) and only requires a computer that meets the game

working Internet connection for users to begin playing. All that users are required to do is to set up an account with FIFA Online 2 and then they are ready to go. One aspect of the game that sets it apart from

purchase experience points, specialized jerseys for a team and the like for a fee with the use of “points” or “credits” which can be purchased from MOL.com through

networks such as 7-11.

The response of the crowd was positive during the event and a member of the

crowd summed up the feeling of anticipation from the crowd perfectly when he said to me “why so long one they talk”.

FIFA Online 2’s launch concluded with the speakers and representatives from IAHgames, MyCNX and Mol.com having a Q&A session with the media.

As for everyone else who attended the event, it was kick off time on FIFA Online 2!

SHAIYA, LIGHT AND DARKNESSThe Elves possess longer lifetime than Human beings, Vile creatures, and the Deatheaters. With its unique and longer lifetime, these elves are all devoted to the goddess, Shaiya through their prayers to the goddess. These prayers are all held on a holy ground called Jeurner where they dwell for their eternal development of tribes and civilizations, where the holy Clorons have been responsible to protect the holy ground. With envy of the wealth of Jeurner, the jealous foreign Nemesis, Etain has invaded the sacred land and stopped the residents from worshiping the goddess. To their greatest sorrow, the Elves with the Clorons have allied with Human beings to confront the cruel invasion of Etain and its Union of Fury.

TALES OF 2 DRAGONS CLORON As a way of life, the Vile has been living in agony from illness. They are thirsty and thus they crave for blood through explicit lust and desire. Although they possess a beautiful outlook, some incurable disease has unfortunately, hosted them. To stop the torment and misery, they carried out immoral experiments on Human beings, Elves, and even the Deatheaters, which these experiment fails constantly.

As a result of various experiments, Fantasma, a brand new species of dragon was formed out of the skeletons of many innocent lives. Before Fantasma turned into a skeletal dragon, it used to possess a shinny glittering outlook, in silver colour, so-called the Platinum Dragon. However, the Vile creatures exploited them and transformed it into undead specimens.

These vicious deeds of the Vile creatures have triggered the anger of Fantasma. Moaning for its saddened fate, the rage of Fantasma slaughtered the Vile species and cursed them into undead creatures with no mercy. Since then, the Vile creatures and Fantasma lived miserably with loathe and hatred deep in the laboratory.

FANTASMA

Visit http://shaiya.runup.com.my/ for more info on Shaiya, Light and Darkness

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Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

TRY THIS! Multiplayer Online Times - February, 2009

STEPSLooking to break free from your monotonous life? Follow the STEPS, embark a journey of beats and rhythms, let the music move your body, and jive your way to the hall of fame and glory!

Dance Party -- The hottest dance party in town

Feast your eyes with stunning 3D visual graphics, experience the vibrant dance scenes, and show your dazzling moves to the world! Join your friends and see who’s the grooviest dancer, or even rent a ballroom where you make your own rules, and see it become the hottest and the coolest dance club in town!

Make-up System -- The coolest make-up system

Want to be as as sexy as the Pussycat Dolls, as funky as Avril Lavigne or even as cool as the Click Five? With the STEPS make-up system, you can customize your character to the minute details, from the height, hairstyle, eyeliners, eye shadows, lip gloss, or even put on the trendiest color lenses.

up with fashion trends and create your own color

you can be a master magician of color, change the color of your clothes, shoes, accessories, contact lens, skins or even cosmetics. There are more than 16 million choices of color for you to choose, there

create.

Innovative Gaming Modes -- Play cool, play tricks and have fun!

Impress your friends with the special

defeat your opponents with various tools in the Prank Mode, and show your love to your partner in the romantic Fervour Mode.

Pet Partner -- Alone? Have a pet or a fairy to dance with you

Feel lonely? Then have your pets dancing together with you! Feel down? Your pet will be your source of encouragement. Let your pet be your faithful companion in the world of STEPS.

Private Club -- Accumulates popularity with special Privileges

you can design and decorate your personal space. Choose the designs that you like, from simple to elegant. Create your unique room and have a groovy party

there!

Dress Up System-- Change your look anytime

Change your appearance in a split second! With a single press on your keyboard, you

the best any time, any where.

DIY Moves--Collect and edit your dance moves

Feel like jamming your own style? No problem! With the DIY moves, you can unleash your dancing talent, create your own style and break free from the usual movements!

Fortune Ranking--Be the richest person in the game

So you think you can’t dance as well as your other buddies? No worry! You still have other ways to achieve your fame and fortune in STEPS. With a bit of hard work, you will stand a chance to be the richest person, get yourself listed in the Fortune Ramking.

Virtual community – Dance while enjoy friendships and the pleasure of shopping

Get connected, get to know more friends! STEPS is not just about dancing, it’s about life! Take a walk on the street, the mall, the ocean park, or chill out in a coffee house with your friends. In the world of STEPS,

STEPS is published by Cubinet Interactive Sdn. Bhd. Launch date will be announced later at the website http://www.cubizone.com

Cheong Choi Ngor (Selangor) Ngou Chee Mun (Kuala Lumpur) Wong Chong Wui (Perak) Wong See Seong(Selangor) Lee Yong Yuan (Selangor) See Shee Chuan (Selangor) Wong Kim Bong (Selangor) Tan Kong Ang (Selangor) Chong Chung Foong (Selangor) Lee Kevin (Kuala Lumpur) Foong Wai San (Kuala Lumpur)

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Closing Date: 13th March 2009

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Just circle your answer to the question above and mail it back to 3 Kingdom, MOL AccessPortal Berhad Lot 07-03, Level 7, Berjaya Times Square, No 1, Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

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Closing date: 20th March 2009

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