Tag: Spacetime Studios »

Uh-oh. Looks like my productivity is going to take a sharp drop in the next few days, as I load up Arcane Legends' new expansion, Kraken Isles, which Spacetime Studios claims is full of "mythical pirate peril" to the popular and free mobile MMO, also available on Android and the Chrome Web store.

Features Include:
Level cap raised 5 levels to 26
New Kraken Isles adventure areas
Travel by ship
Added pirate Aegir foes and bosses
Pirate themed armor and weapons to collect
New Mythic and Arcane rarity items - the most powerful ever!
Season 3 of the Leaderboards
Pets now available in Player vs. Player combat
Additional Achievements
New pets to collect, including the Toucan and Monkey

Pocket Legends was the first cross-platform MMO release from Spacetime Studios, and it has grown over time to support a massive user base and an ever-growing list of core-MMO features, including player-vs-player, high level caps, and a deep playing strategy that takes into account stats, weapons, and armor builds across multiple characters and classes.

Today, Spacetime Studios announced two entirely new character classes, the Rhino and the Fox, to round out a five-class roster of character types available for high-level, core MMO play within the Pocket Legends universe.

First up is the Vixen Ranger, a female ranger class represented by a Fox. This is an up close, melee character who uses cunning, poisons, and bandage abilities to get in, poison enemies in the face, and evade damage while jumping away. This character class uses dual daggers, uses leather armor, and has some ranged abilities thrown in along with some great area of effect abilities, said Julianna Scruggs, a lead designer on Pocket Legends.

The other new class is the Paladin class, the Rhino. This is the healing tank character class, represented by a Rhino animal. MMO players will recognize this classic build, using hammers and plate armor as well as a variety of magic and tanking spells like taunt, charge, heal, resurrection, guardian and others. There's a cute bird that sits on top of the Rhino that can be enabled, clearing the character of any bad effects from opponents.

With the three other Legends-branded games, it's a wonder why Spacetime Studios is supporting the oldest one in the bunch, when Arcane Legends, especially, is doing so incredibly well. Chief Visionary Officer Cinco Barnes says that it's a labor of love. Plus, he says, the community playing Pocket Legends is massive. "The Pocket Legends user-base is increasing," he told 148Apps in a phone interview. "There are still unique things in mobile online gaming happening here - being able to create specific builds for character classes, along with a community of players who are expert at building strong, unique characters. This is hard core, under-the-hood MMO game play."

Spacetime Studios takes its player community very seriously. They listen to feedback constantly, tweaking game play and game features in response to that very same community dialogue. "We work a lot with the public," said Scruggs, "and with our forum members. We have an open relationship with our players--feedback is at a very refined level of discussion."

In addition to the two new classes, the Pocket Legends update will include a ton of other extras, listed below.

New Elite Bossfights - Battle a level 76 Red Dragon, and discover a secret elite boss hiding in the Underworld
New Heroic Dungeon - The Dragonet of Fire Forest just got meaner in the new heroic difficulty "Forgotten Forest"
New 3 vs. 3 Capture the Flag PVP map - Fight for flags and glory in the Burning Flats
New Skill Ranks - All character classes have more advancement options with the addition of two new skill ranks for all abilities
Free Respec Weekend – Free skill and attribute respec for all classes this weekend only, in celebration of the new classes as well as ability ranks
New Items - Discover all new items to power up your hero
New Low Level Drops - Better weapons and shields for lower leveled characters
Return of Winterfest - Pocket Legends’ holiday celebration returns with new vanity drops and store items

It's truly a delight to see a studio spending this much time and attention on a game that came out in 2010, a veritable ancient game by iOS and App Store standards. The new character classes, gameplay tweaks, and other MMO-style holiday updates really show the team's commitment to creating--and maintaining--a first class, core MMO experience on mobile devices.

When we previewed Dark Legends at the Games Developer Conference last February, we noted the new social-game mechanics, like Energy needing to be recharged to continue the progress in-game, as something that fans might not appreciate.

"With every new Legends title we try to push the bar as far as we can for mobile multiplayer gaming. Sometimes innovations are hits, and sometimes they are misses," said Spacetime Studios founder and CEO, Gary Gattis. "We have a very close relationship with a very passionate audience and they told us the way we integrated Energy into the 3d gameplay was definitely a miss."

It turns out that we were right, as the vocal fan base of Spacetime Studios' third game in their Legends franchise has spoken up. Kudos to the developer, however, as they've decided to respond to fans and remove the mechanics that fans didn't like.

"Luckily we have a very powerful engine that allows us to rapidly iterate major systems," continued Gattis. "In response to the player feedback; Energy will no longer be a gate, instead we'll introduce a host of new systems that will hopefully work much better and be more rewarding."

Those new systems include Allies and Minions, as detailed below. Kudos to Spacetime Studios for being responsive to their fanbase, something many companies might not even consider, nor be able to accomplish in such a quick timeline. The update is planned to go live this coming Tuesday, so make sure you keep an eye peeled. And don't try to go get it today, just sayin.

From the devs:

Changes to Energy Mechanics:
• 3D missions no longer require energy to initiate.
• Campaigns will now display a recommended minimum level to convey the difficulty level to players.

Allies (New!):
• Players will now use energy to send Allies on jobs.
• Allies are NPCs that the player unlocks when playing through a campaign. These Allies will assist the
player by performing jobs for them.
• Players must decide what type of job they want their ally to perform. Each ally has 3 different
jobs they can undertake.
• Each of the jobs has a different amount of time associated with it, but the same energy cost.
• The more time a job takes the better the reward.
• If players do not pick up a job within a certain period of time after it is ready they will lose part
of their reward.
• When Allies perform jobs with the longest timers, players will receive an item plus a chance to get new
legendary weapons.

Minions (New!):
• Players will receive their first minion. Minions are tied to players and live in their lair. This minion
will offer players a daily reward of cash and xp. If a player successfully collects their daily reward for 5 consecutive days they will earn a new, random, wearable item.

Other Changes:
• Minor changes to storyline of 3D missions

So those folks over at Spacetime Studios, they’re alright. After releasing two more than a little successful iOS MMOs (Pocket Legends, Star Legends), they’ve gone and put out a third. But what’s left after anthropomorphic woodland creatures and space-faring explorers? Vampires, natch.

Taking a page or two from the modern day vampire handbook, Dark Legends puts players in control of a young (as in recently turned) vampire simply trying to survive in a world that knows they exist and wants them gone. It takes a slightly different approach to the player’s interactions with the world this time around. Some missions put the player in direct control of their character as they cut a bloody swath through their enemies while others simply take real time to complete automatically at the cost of a little energy. Both provide experience and the like, of course. As expected, avatars can be customized with a number of special weapons and clothing items, as well as proudly displayed to others when playing together in a group or with guild mates.

Dark Legends is lurking on the App Store right now. Joining the ranks of the Undead is completely free, too. Typical micro-transactions and in-app-purchases are available those who want to show their support with money or pick up a few vanity items, though.

Spacetime Studios' long-awaited new MMO, Dark Legends, has finally released on Android and Google Chrome. Spacetime claims that this is the first simultaneous cross-platform launch of an MMORPG; while their previous games were all playable cross-platform via iOS, Android, and Chrome, this is the first title to launch with support for multiple platforms.

I spoke recently with Cinco Barnes at Spacetime Studios, and he remarked on how this entry in the series is designed to have a different appeal than other games in the series. This is designed to be more like classical vampire legends versus 'modern' vampires like the Twilight series. Vampires are designed to be powerful, and their attacks are meant to have a brutality to them. The game overall is designed to appeal to an older audience, with buckets of blood, darker environments, and vampires that aren't afraid to show some skin.

The game uses a new structure, with story events that can be viewed to advance the story and collect rewards. The combat missions are still there, and it's of course possible to play both online and solo in these missions. New outfits can be bought, other players can be interacted with in the game's overworld, and there's also player-vs-player combat available through this overworld.

Combat has been modified to add charge attacks, which deal extra damage; it's possible to even charge up special attacks for extra effects. Note that special attacks draw from the same blood meter as health does. However, it's also possible to feed on enemies' blood, refilling that meter.

The game is available now on Google Play for Android, and from the Chrome Web Store. The iOS version is expected to release after a two-week exclusivity period with Google, but player accounts will transfer between platforms by logging into the same account; it currently works between the Chrome and Android versions, just as it worked with Pocket Legends and Star Legends.

As a bonus to our loyal readers, stay tuned to @148Apps, @AndroidRundown, and our 148Apps and Android Rundown Facebook pages for info on a contest to get an exclusive in-game weapon.

Clear the calendar and kiss those loved ones goodbye, celebrated iOS MMO Pocket Legends is turning 2 years-old. But this isn't any old birthday party, no sir. Spacetime Studios is doing it backwards by giving gifts to the party-goers, not the guest of honor.

What this means is that the developer has made all premium areas free to access. Now anyone can quest, loot grind, or pointlessly emote in each of the six exclusive zones (Sandstone Caves, Skeller's Return, Croc Feud, Frozen Nightmares, Shadow Caves, and Wyldwood). Those who've dropped some cash to access these areas already have no need to fret. All players who have paid to unlock these environments will be getting a special in-game vanity helm (the Frozen Crown of Gratitude) to lord over all those plebeians who didn't show their support monetarily. Similarly, everyone will be able to purchase a special 2012 Anniversary hat during the event which can bestow tiny clones of itself atop the heads of those who wave to the original wearer.

Star Legends users haven't been forgotten either. Bird, Elf, and Bear "Bobble Head" masks will be available throughout the week-long celebration. Anyone curious to see what all the fuss is about, get back to a game they might have been absent from for a while, or might just be between marathon sessions can check out both MMOs for absolutely free. Just act fast if oddball hats are a priority. The festivities will only last through the end of next week.

It's a little bit dark, it's a little bit sexy, it's the first teaser trailer for the upcoming MMORPG, Dark Legends. This MMMORPG (mobile massively multiplayer online role playing game - you heard it here first, folks --Ed.) centers on secret factions of vampires, werewolves, demons, and the humans trying to exterminate these undead threats. The player plays a recently awakened vampire under the direction of the vampire that turned them in a fight for survival against the human mobs that have recently been alerted to the existence of the undead.

The trailer doesn't reveal much in the way of gameplay, but it does set a certain tone for the upcoming game. Dark Legends is being developed by Spacetime Studios, who also developed the critically acclaimed MMOs Star Legends and Pocket Legends. Dark Legends is set for release sometime in the first quarter of this year for iOS, Android, and Chrome. Take a look at the teaser trailer below to get an idea of what's in store.

Spacetime Studios is celebrating their win this year in the 2011 Best App Ever awards for Best MMO Game for Star Legends, a top pick here as well. In fact, both the iOS and the Android version took the top spot in this category. It also doesn't hurt that Spacetime's other MMO, Pocket Legends, won Best Multiplayer Game in the Android category, as well.

To get the word out, they're offering players an entry to win a Chromebook as well as a chance to win a pile of platinum (in game currency) just for logging in to the game. In addition, they're taking half off the price of Premium Starter Characters in the MMO, and giving away a commemorative Best Antenna Ever Vanity Helmet for their avatar.

The contest and the associated deals will run from February 1st through the 8th, so get in there while you can, and find out what all the buzz is about. New players as well as old will be entered into the contests automatically, so what have you got to lose?

[gallery]

Remember how Spacetime Studios announced Dark Legends, and how we had zero information to go on except the title and some imagination? Well things are different now. Or rather, we know a bit more about it.

Dark Legends is set in a world ripe with conflict. The existence of vampires has only recently been acknowledged and the vast majority of humanity is rather... displeased upon hearing the news. This isn't one of those "trying to find a peaceful coexistence" kind of scenarios; the non-vampire population is aiming to wipe out the blood-sucking "menace." It's kind of like True Blood, only if the majority of the human population was as quick to judge as that weirdo church/cult.

Players take control of a newly raised child of the night as they attempt to survive in this hostile new world and unravel its mysteries. And when I say "unravel its mysteries," I mean exactly that. Dark Legends will be much more story-focused than Spacetime's previous offerings, allowing players a more personal look into the narrative along with some Quick-Time Events during some cutscenes. That's not to say that the combat hasn't been tweaked as well. Fighting is definitely action-oriented, giving players some new abilities such as draining enemies (a given) and charge attacks.

Dark Legends is still missing a concrete release date, but it's penned for the "first quarter of 2012." So soon. Soon-ish, anyway. It's also going to be available for Android, Google Chrome and (of course) iOS users right from the get-go.

With not one but two popular MMORPGs under their belt already, one would think that Spacetime Studios might be interested in taking a little break. Nope. DroidGamers have discovered that, rather than simply being content with resounding success they've decided it's time to make yet another one. It's planned for mobile devices, it's going to be "... a bit of a departure from the formula that Pocket Legends established," and its called Dark Legends.

I wish I had more info to share about it, but after checking the initial forum announcement, their official Facebook page and the completely unhelpful teaser site (I know, what else could I expect from a teaser site?) I've come up with zip. Well okay, that's not entirely true. It's fair to assume that it'll probably have a somewhat darker theme than either of the developer's previous titles. It's also looking like Spacetime will be refining their Massively Multiplayer craft even further, and given the leap in quality from Pocket Legends to Star Legends it's certainly something to be excited about.

148apps will no doubt be keeping an eye out for further developments. In the meantime, I'd advise being patient. Or possibly keeping busy with one (or both) of those other mobile MMOs while waiting. Patiently.

[Via DroidGamers]

I have two very notable things to mention here. First thing: Spacetime Studios, as previously indicated up there in rather large letters, has indeed released their two popular free-to-play iPhone/iPad MMORPGs on Chrome. I'm of course referring to Pocket Legends (desktop client found here) and Star Legends (client is this-a-way). iOS, Android, Mac, PC - they're up there for pretty much anyone to play now. And they're still as free as they ever were. This is no doubt an interesting bit of news for non mobile device-owning MMO enthusiasts, but there's a little more to the story. Hence the "Makes Gaming History" bit.

Second thing: What makes this even more awesome and worthy of the H-word is that either game can be played cross-platform with each and every device they're available for, thanks in no small part to the incorporation of Google's Chrome Native Client (NaCl) with the Spacetime Engine. What all this means is that someone on an iPhone can play simultaneously with others who are using an Android phone, tablet or home computer. It's all handled by one lone global server. Not only is this extremely cool, it also opens up all manner of possibilities for the future. At least I hope it does.

Color me impressed. Of course, this is just one guy's opinion. I'm curious to see what the rest of the community (148apps and beyond) makes of all this.

Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles is a mobile MMORPG from Spacetime Studios that may be technically the game that has had the longest development cycle in mobile gaming. Though the game was originally meant for traditional computer platforms, it got stuck in development hell and was only recently unearthed after the launch of last year's Pocket Legends. This game uses a similar backbone, supporting play between users of different platforms, including iOS and Android players.

Star Legends' story has players taking on various missions for several corporations aboard the Blackstar spaceship. Players choose from three classes: the hulking Commando, the skill-based Engineer, and the Operative that primarily targets single enemies. The combat system involves an auto-firing weapon, and skills that the player can map on the main screen. Star Legends is free to play, with Platinum available for purchase that can be used to obtain additional money, items, and enhancements. Star Legends is thankfully built for mobile gaming; it is very easy to just log in and go to a mission, with players joining as they may. The game also offers options for friends lists and Guild management for deeper and more organized play sessions. Still, this is a game that can be played very casually on a whim for short play sessions. Don't be afraid to leave the house!

However, Star Legends' cross-platform gameplay is perhaps its greatest strength; players can load up any client that the game runs on, be it an iOS device or an Android device, phone or tablet, using their same character and platinum when logged in to the same Spacetime Studios account. This platform agnosticism is perhaps the most impressive part of Star Legends; the game just works, no matter what system.

This is a free to play game; while not spending money is certainly an option, Star Legends is not afraid to give advantages to those who do spend money. By spending money, players can easily earn additional experience, boost their stats, and even get better items at the very beginning. This may put some people off right away, though nothing is necessary. Combat can be very finnicky at times, especially targeting special abilities. If the enemy targeted when an ability is used suddenly dies, the next enemy isn't targeted, leading much ability usage to go to waste. While mashing the attack button to lock on works as well, it just doesn't feel as clean. It is possible at times for enemies to overwhelm players to the point where it is impossible to respawn without enemies instantly killing the player. This is supremely annoying, to say the least. The game seems to have limited amounts of gameplay past level 25, though it is likely that Spacetime Studios will add more in the way of content as time goes on, especially as they supported Pocket Legends long after release.

Star Legends is as much a feat of technical impressiveness as it also successful as a casual MMORPG experience. This is a genre that is teeming with potential, but thanks in part to games just wanting to directly copy World of Warcraft, has become stale, and overly demanding of players. Getting more of a short-burst gameplay experience, and feeling like I don't need to be overly committed to a game is rather refreshing.

In a forum post today on their website, Spacetime Studios "Admin and Community Guy" Sam Hayne confirmed that their highly anticipated title, Star Legends (formerly known as Blackstar), has been submitted to Apple as of July 11, and that the companies are working together to get it live on the App Store.

Hayne went so far as to imply that the Apple submission is what is holding the game from release, saying, "As you know, we always launch simultaneously to all of our channels (Apple App Store, Android Marketplace, GetJar)."

We couldn't be more excited, and have been so since the announcement of the game in February, and our own hands-on time with it at GDC 2011.

Assuming the name change brings this game in line with the Pocket Legends brand, we're sure this new sci fi themed MMO will be as much or more of a hit than its predecessor, with the pedigree the team brings to the table - the team worked on the original PC-based Blackstar from NCSoft before that project was shut down and Spacetime studios re-acquired the rights to the engine and the intellectual property.

Stay tuned here for details as they emerge - we've got our eye on this one.