Domo Invades Free Realms

Sony Online Entertainment, in collaboration with Virtual Greats and Big Tent Entertainment, is bringing Domo to Free Realms! This spontaneous, adventurous and ever-curious iconic character brings his one-word vocabulary to the online virtual world today, as players are now able to explore Free Realms with their very own Domo pet pal.

To show off their love of Domo, players will also be able to purchase several virtual items including Domo hats, backpacks, slippers, and housing blocks in the Free Realms Marketplace.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Coming In September Along With New Free Online Game

Building on the huge ratings win from last spring’s second season finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Cartoon Network announced today it will premiere 22 all-new episodes for season three of the critically acclaimed CG-animated series from creator George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation. The special, one-hour season three premiere event of Star Wars: The Clone Wars airs Friday, September 17, at 9 p.m. (et/pt).

The season two finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars was the highest-rated telecast of the season among all key kid demos—2-11, 6-11, 9-14. The one-hour special also took the #1 spot as the most-watched telecast of the day (May 2) among boys 6-14, and #1 for its timeslot with kids 6-14 versus all television. Star Wars: The Clone Wars is a thrilling, weekly 30-minute “mini-movie” created by the talented artists at Lucasfilm Animation.

Mystery, intrigue and adventure await our heroes with all-new action-packed episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As war continues to rage throughout the galaxy, the dark side grows even stronger and the Jedi Knights are pushed to the breaking point. The lines between good and evil become blurred as secrets are revealed, truths are questioned and alliances are betrayed. Loyalties are tested as new enemies emerge and heroes rise – and fall.

In this transformative new season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, surprises wait at every turn, the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance and the destiny of the “Chosen One” will at long last be uncovered. Thrilling, unpredictable and often humorous, the exciting new adventures of the Star Wars Saga will captivate fans of all ages.

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Fans of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series on Cartoon Network can also look forward to the scheduled online release of Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures video game on September 15th. The ultimate virtual destination for a new generation of Star Wars fans, Clone Wars Adventures is an action-packed virtual world where players can go online to experience fun minigames, daily activities, events, rewards, lively social environments and competition. Clone Wars Adventures lets players duel iconic adversaries with their own custom lightsaber, speed through the galaxy in a custom starfighter, defeat enemies and take down starships.

Clone Wars Adventures is a free-to-play to game, but players who want to take the galactic action to the next level can purchase a monthly Membership subscription for $5.99, while a variety of epic items can also be purchased through Station Cash micro-transactions. The Clone Wars Adventures Galactic Passport is scheduled to be available at thousands of retail locations in North America later this fall and will include a 90 day membership, 500 Station Cash, the ability to unlock the Togruta playable character, a Yoda monitor topper, and more.

EverQuest II: Extended Now Allows You To Play For Free

Sony Online Entertainment has added a new subscription option to Everquest II which allows anyone in the world to play the game for free. Officially called Everquest II: Extended, it has Extended Membership Plans which allow players to choose from four tiers of options for their desired gameplay experience. It is currently in Alpha testing (available to all current players) while the open Beta will occur on or around August 17, 2010.

Those of you who have never had the chance to experience Everquest II, which has had a stable community for more than half a decade, can now check out the game. And it’s not just a ho-hum free experience – it’s actually quite a good offering. As a Bronze (free) member, you’ll have access to the Everquest II: The Shadow Odyssey (base game, five expansion packs and three adventure packs), four playable races, eight playable classes, and a maximum level of 80 (maximum is 90 for paid members). Two player character slots are included and you can go all the way to adept in spell tiers (paid members can read expert and full spell tiers). Unfortunately, you will not be able to access legendary and fabled weapons on the Bronze membership.

It’s important to note that EverQuest II Extended is a completely separate gameplay service from the EverQuest II live subscription service. The server lists are not shared, it has completely separate forums, and if you don’t want to be around the community that plays in the free adventure service, then there is no reason for that to ever occur. However, if you want to go try out Extended, feel free to do so. Active EQII live players can create a new account on EQII Extended for free or copy over a version of an existing EQII live character for $35.

There are other limitations to the game, which you can see here in this chart, along with the other subscription plans (click to enlarge):

EverQuest II (EQ2), based upon the popular game EverQuest, is a fantasy massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) and started in early November of 2004. It features graphics and gameplay vastly updated from its predecessor and has had multiple expansions and subscription options. Within EverQuest II, each player creates a character to interact in the 3-D fictional world of Norrath. Within the game, the character can adventure (complete quests, explore the world, kill monsters and gain treasures and experience) and socialize with other players. The game also has a ‘tradeskill’ system that allows players to create items for in-game use.

Many people around the world have become familiar with these types of games as they have become increasingly popular since the debut of Everquest, the game that many consider to be the true catalyst to popularizing MMORPG games in the USA. However, to play these games you must pay a subscription fee, which is usually around $15 a month. Multiply the average subscription fee by millions of users and suddenly you see that MMORPG games can pull in big revenue, but ever since World of Warcraft hit the scene it has been tough for other companies to be as successful as they were before. World of Warcraft is the most successful MMORPG ever, and touted subscription numbers above 10 million in recent times. WoW has stolen a lot of the spot light from Everquest, which was at one time the major player in the MMO world at the turn of the century.

A recent trend in MMORPG games that have subscriptions is the addition of a free play option – a formula that has proven successful in competiting with World of Warcraft and other games that require paid subscriptions. Economic difficulties are still plaguing many people and players have been shifting interest to games that can offer rich, interactive online experiences for less. Plus, the game companies can offer incentives, or upgrades, to characters in teh game that they can purchase with real money which can eventually cover costs. Plus, someone who plays long enough for free will most likely convert to a higher level subscription, which Sony has tempting with that one-time purchase Silver upgrade.

More information can be found within this FAQ from SOE about Everquest II: Extended.

DC Universe Online Launches Epic Trailer

The future is bleak for the DC Universe…unless you can save it.

Comic-Con 2010 gave us a lot of information on games, movies and comics and a surprise interview (which we will be covering in the next few days).

Among the things released from the biggest comic show on earth, is an epic, cinematic trailer from Sony Online Entertainment that gives the back story of  just how important your role in the DC Universe is.

If you plan on playing this game ask yourself this question — Who Do You Trust?

This trailer is easily better than most of the movies I have seen this year, makes November seem that much further away, and reaffirms my hatred for Black Adam (although he does get a +1 for using  his lightning summon as a weapon).

So what do you think, good, great, overdone? Sound off as usual in the comments.

DC Universe Online Opens Beta

In a press release Sony Online Entertainment has announced beta registration for DC Universe Online.

Along with the beta, preorder information has gone live from the site detailing a PC Collector’s Edition, and a digital download preorder for PC as well. The site has also gone through a redesign, so if you haven’t visited lately, or are new to the title, it’s definitely worth a look.

Press Release:

SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT REVEALS PC COLLECTOR’S EDITION, PRE-ORDER PROGRAMS AND OPENS BETA REGISTRATION FOR DC UNIVERSE^TM ONLINE

WHAT: Sony Online Entertainment (SOE), Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment announced several early-bird initiatives video gamers can get their hands on for their upcoming action MMO game, DC Universe Online:
PC Collector’s Edition
Available for pre-order and at launch, a Collectors Edition of DC Universe Online will be available for PC only, and includes a statue of the Batman, concepted by reknowned comic book artist/executive creative director for the game, Jim Lee. The statue depicts the Dark Knight leaping from a building, ready to rain justice down on evildoers. The Collectors Edition also includes a limited edition Art of DCUO book, which includes 56 pages of the art, information on the making of the game and insight on some of the iconic characters players will encounter, plus a limited edition DC Universe Online: Legends Issue #0 comic, written by Tony Bedard (Green Lantern Corps) and illustrated by Oliver Nome, Michael Lopez and Livio Ramondelli with a variant cover by Jim Lee.
Retailer Pre-Order Programs
Several major retailers will be offering pre-order perks to customers, all of them including the ability to play as one of the DC Universe’s iconic characters, Batman! Players will be able to play as the Dark Knight in an exclusive two-on-two (Player-vs.-Player) combat arena. Some participating retailers will include the limited edition comic with pre-orders, and some participating retailers will include a unique in-game iconic weapon for player characters.
For a list of participating retailers and to pre order the game, click on the Pre-Order button at www.dcuniverseonline.com.
Digital Download Pre-Order
The PC version of DC Universe Online is also available for pre-order via Steam^® and Direct2Drive^® (D2D). Steam customers will receive Bane’s Venom Injector as a pre-order item, while D2D users will get Mr. Freeze’s Zero Grenade.
Beta Registration Opens
Beta registration also opens today! Potential superheroes and villains can now register for a chance to get in the beta and flex their muscles, helping to fine tune the game for launch this November! To register for beta access, visit the game website www.dcuniverseonline.com and click on the beta registration link.
MORE INFO: For a list of participating pre-order retailers, visit the website www.dcuniverseonline.com and click on the Pre Order button.
For beta registration, visit www.dcuniverseonline.com and click on the beta registration link.
To pre-order using Direct2Drive, visit the website at www.direct2drive.com.
For pre ordering via Steam, visit the website at www.steampowered.com.

Swords & Soldiers Coming To PlayStation Network

Sony Online Entertainment and independent videogame developer Ronimo Games announced a collaborative effort to bring Swords & Soldiers, a side-scrolling, real-time strategy game, to the PlayStation Network. Swords & Soldiers is an innovative strategy game featuring lush graphics, smooth controls, strong online integration and fresh gameplay.

Commanding the armies of the burly Vikings, the vicious Aztecs or the cunning Chinese, players create powerful units, cast devastating spells and travel the globe in search of the ultimate trophy.

In Swords & Soldiers, players can acquire resources, assemble armies, thwart enemies and dominate opponents, while earning up to 20 PlayStation Network trophies. As players advance, new modes and minigames will be unlocked. Gameplay is available in single and local and online multiplayer modes. To play online, players can enter Matchmaking Mode at any time. Once a suitable opponent is found, the current gameplay will be paused until the battle is completed. With Matchmaking Mode, there is no waiting to battle and no break in the strategy action.

“Swords & Soldiers is the perfect blend of real-time strategy and bold 2D graphics and will include innovative features,” said Micah Loucks, Senior Producer at SOE. “Collaborating with Ronimo Games is a great opportunity for SOE to continue to bring interesting and unique titles to the PlayStation Network.”

God of War: Ghost of Sparta Wins Game Critics Award

God of War: Ghost of Sparta receives awarded Best Handheld game of E3 2010.

Game Critics has announced it’s awards for E3 2010.

The group made up of 21 independent media outlets ranging USA Today, to MTV awarded God of War: Ghost of Sparta the best handheld title of E3 2010.

Other notable mentions available for PS3 were:

Best Console Game, Best Action Game, and Special Commendation for Graphics

Rage

Best Action Adventure Game

Portal 2

Best Fighting Game

Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds

Best Racing Game

Need for Speed Hot Pursuit

Best Social/Casual Game

Rock Band 3

Best Online Multiplayer

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

No matter your genre of choice, this holiday season is going to keep you busy.

Sony Media Go 1.5 Now Available

Media Go makes it easier than ever to take your media with you wherever you go. Transfer music, photos, and videos from your PC to your Sony or Sony Ericsson portable device, or import from your device to your PC. File conversion is hassle-free: Media Go automatically converts your media to the appropriate format for your device while maintaining the best possible quality. And now, Sony Creative Software has released Media Go 1.5, which has several new features:

• The following additional devices from Sony Ericsson are supported: Xperia X10 mini, Xperia X10 mini pro, E10i, U20i, and Zylo.
• Play videos purchased from the Store as they download.
• Queue multiple items for download, including software updates, podcasts and media purchased from the Store.
• Transfer playlists already on the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system to Media Go.

Click here to download Media Go and save it in a place that is easy to find, such as your PC desktop.

Media Go has not necessarily had the impact on the world that iTunes has accomplished, but the software does seem to be progressing forward nicely. There are features for managing content, audio ripping, adding SensMe data and much more. It also allows you to purchase and play media from the Playstation Store, PlayNow, and other partner stores. So basically its a movie and music store for your PC. Pretty sweet you can watch movies as you download, too.

What would you add to Media Go?

Free Realms Achieves Twelve Million Registered Players

Sony Online Entertainment’s family-friendly virtual world, Free Realms, announced its 12 millionth registered user just after the kick-off of its in-game virtual Summer Camp.

“Our players wanted a summer of fun in Free Realms, so that’s what we’ve provided. With new items, jobs and quests being added to the virtual world, there are more ways than ever to explore Free Realms,” said John Smedley, president of SOE. “Our continued innovation and consistent player engagement have built an incredible forward momentum to take Free Realms into its second year, and beyond.”

Summer Camp, which officially started June 7, is anything but limited to camp activities and is going strong with weekly summer themes, in addition to new items and features that are regularly being added to the game world. Players can grab everything they need for a great day in Seaside with the beach chair, beach umbrella, above ground pool, lifeguard tower and volleyball net, all of which are now available in the Free Realms Marketplace.

In celebration of World Cup Soccer, today the reverse-color Soccer Ball pet is available. The Snowhill Playground is also officially open for adventurers to explore. Players that make it to the top of the fall-away block staircase will find a treasure chest worth 100 coins! Moving platforms, which are housing blocks that move in different directions, Tiger Rides and surfboards will be available soon.

To celebrate Fourth of July weekend, SOE is running a Double Station Cash Weekend where players can purchase Station Cash(TM) cards, excluding Starter Cards, from local retailers, which can be redeemed from Friday, July 2 at 12p.m. PDT to Monday, July 5 at 12a.m. PDT for double their value in Station Cash, which can be used to buy virtual goodies or upgrade to a Membership status in the game. Also, for those who have wanted to see what the buzz is all about, SOE is offering a free trial membership all weekend long. All players will have access to the membership content during the trial period and at the end of the weekend, players will have the option to keep their member status through a variety of multi-month membership payment options.

Free Realms offers an array of quests, activities and minigames to keep players entertained. From ninja fighting to kart racing to raising pets, Free Realms offers a safe, family-friendly environment to connect with old and new friends.

Marvel VS. Capcom 3 Coming Spring 2011

After a 10 year hiatus, Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of two Worlds is moving towards release early next year on PS3.

Initially, there wasn’t much known about the gameplay mechanics or how it would look. We were then treated to a gorgeous CGI trailer showing us what the style of the game would look like:

The Marvel Vs. Capcom series puts the best in the Marvel Universe, squarely against the best in the Capcom universe in a hyperfighting melee style of combat. In a 3 on 3 combat style, players can tag in and out with their team, perform super combos (which are quite impressive to watch) and vicious air combos. The game employs a new X Factor system so if when your down to your last player, you go into a power up mode, and cancel out of whatever your currently doing.

The final roster of characters hasn’t been revealed, but this is what we know thus far:

MARVEL

Wolverine

Iron Man

Captain America

Hulk

Deadpool

CAPCOM

Dante

Felicia

Chris Redfield

Morrigan Aensland

Ryu

No firm date yet beyond Spring 2011.In the meantime Marvel Vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is available on the PlayStation Network to tide us over until release. From what I have been hearing, the fans who stood in line at E3 say it was worth the wait: