Browser based MMO market leader Bigpoint has just released some delicious news on Battlestar Galactica Online.  Strap on your Cylon helmets and prepare yourself for what might possibly be the best free to play browser game out there.  After some waiting, Bigpoint has finally decided to follow up on their original Battlestar trailer (that revealed almost nothing) with some new info that discusses how the game-play is going to work, what kind of customization the player is going to receive, how missions are going to be structured, and the purpose of experience and ranks.  Now just because Battlestar Galactica Online (BGO) is a browser game does not mean you should turn your back quite yet.

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Though we had learned that DC Universe Online was to be hitting sometime in November of this year, we had not yet heard an official DCUO release date. Now we have, and it’s November 2nd, 2010, for both the PC and PS3. It was announced at Comic-Con after the “Who Do You Trust?” CG trailer, along with the news that the PS3 version will not require PlayStation Plus to play. This is a welcome relief, as the idea of requiring layered subscriptions is something that some fans might have been concerned about.

Finally, a little bit of teaser information was leaked by game director Chris Cao, regarding players joining the Green Lantern Corps. Apparently, much like the original Jedi system in Star Wars Galaxies, this will be affect only a very small number of players, as the developers don’t want thousands of Green Lanterns running around, and will be a “very special thing.” That’s all the information regarding the apparently cross-promotional Green Lantern theme with next years film that we’re getting for now.

This month, Turbine’s Asheron’s Call is keeping the pace with modern MMOs by putting out several skill, item, and quest updates. Notable additions include a revamped Monthly “Kill Task”, a shiny new armor set, and a veritable laundry list of updated quest rewards.

July has proven to be a busy month for Turbine. In addition to the aforementioned content patches, Asheron’s Call played host to in-game event, simply titled, “July Event”. A handful of vibrant screenshots were posted, though I am still unsure as to what people were doing… Regardless, the event was more than just an in-game forest romp; game lore was also written to accompany the celebration. Not many games do this as much as they should, and creating additional storylines to go along with existing fiction is a great way to flesh out a game universe.

From “Filling in the Blanks”:

Asheron had spent weeks in his sanctuary, working on ways to both stabilize Portalspace and to isolate the threat that had attacked his earlier efforts at freeing the small pocket of his people Claude had directed him to.  A small army of Emissaries and Golems swarmed through the sanctuary, rushing the construction of the three devices he’d need to make more permanent corrections to the destabilized area in Portalspace.

Information on the July Event, including screenshots and fiction, can be found here.

With City of Heroes: Going Rogue just around the corner, Cryptic studios has generously provided the good old fashioned CoH fans with some juicy info on two new zones in City of Heroes that will be featured in the game’s upcoming expansion.  This new info gives the players a look into the back story and current situation of each of these new zones.  Each zone differs from one another, the first zone entitled Nova Praetoria takes place in a city type setting, and the second entitled The Underground sets itself in subway tunnels and underground passages.

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Its a good time to be a mapler.

Nexon recently released the new Dual Blade class for their side scrolling MMO; Maple Story.  This new class is a sub-class to the original thief profession that adds even more deadly skills to the thief’s arsenal.

In order to celebrate the launch of this new class, Nexon has organized a string of in game events for the players to experience and enjoy.  Nexon has also taken the liberty of putting select merchandise on sale in the cash shop, making players feel free to pimp out their new Dual Blade character.  Nexon is also going to be hosting some general summer time fun events where everyone has the chance to win some free stuff for your avatars!  Last and certainly not least is the release of new epic weapons that are available through a new “potential” system.

For a complete run down of the class, plus a skill list click here.

What’s new over at Sony Online Entertainment’s Free Realms? Not too much, though new items and activities are always a welcome addition to any party. While Free Realms is an MMO geared towards a younger audience, any age level can enjoy what this game has to offer, given the initial interest. I mean, who doesn’t want a monkey?

Yes indeed, monkeys are now available as pets, with some great character models, to boot. Also, a surprisingly docile-looking Sabertooth Tiger mount is being added to the game for your riding pleasure. Further, Rio Cloudjumper, a popular NPC located in Sanctuary, has returned with some daily activities to offer you and your friends. Lastly, some wind socks, a “slop bowl” item, and other updates are being added to the Free Realms Coin Shop. Here is the official post.

…How did I ever make due without a wind sock?…

Nowadays, when gamers hear the name “Funcom”, the trumpeting horns of Hyboria’s armies can be heard approaching over the next ridge. Sexualized barbarism & bloodshed rest on the tip of our tongues, and in the seat of our minds, for we are undoubtedly thinking of Age of Conan. That’s fair enough, as Funcom’s newest MMO has been heavily publicized since it’s release, easily overshadowing the uniquely realized (though dated) world of Anarchy Online.

Senior Designer Brad L. McAtee has written up a short post on the official website to assure us that, despite the general “loneliness” of his office (July is vacation month), a few dedicated employees are still punched in and crunching away on Anarchy Online’s newest features. “Newest features?” you scoff, as you raise an eyebrow. I don’t blame you. The game has been slow to update since a significant portion of Funcom’s resources have been funneled off to AoC in the last year or two. Nonetheless, Brad, or “Kintaii”, has some big plans for the next update, including new head models, Keeper nano changes, and world additions.

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Can’t make BlizzCon this year? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Fortunately, Blizzard has your back. With the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket you get 50+ hours of expanded live, HD coverage over 4 Internet channels. Added to this, there’s a BlizzCon 2010-exclusive World of Warcraft in-game item, access to exclusive BlizzCon merchandise, complete coverage of panel discussions, tournaments, and game-related announcements, plus exclusive interviews and epic closing ceremonies and Enhanced video on demand and DVR functionality.

The BlizzCon Virtual Ticket is $39.95 and offers all the above centered around BlizzCon which takes place October 22-23.

For more information on this Blizzard deal, head on over to the BlizzCon Virtual Ticket FAQ.

Pirates of the Burning Sea recently announced that its Power & Prestige Expansion will be released on August 24^th.

The beta testing phase is wrapping up and the Burning Sea team has been very pleased with the results, saying, “We’re very grateful for all the useful suggestions and insights our beta testers have given us, and we’re excited to release Power & Prestige with all the polish it deserves. To that end, we have decided to spend some extra time polishing the final build, and we’ve also decided to sneak in a few additions based on feedback from our beta test.”

These new goodies include: a Career Awards exchange shop, Junk Buyer exchange shops and a client-side preference for auto-face target in AvCom.

For a full list of all the new features coming to Pirates of the Burning Sea Power & Prestige Expansion, click here.

The open beta is still available to join if you want to get a crack at the new features before it goes live. Click here for more details.

Turbine recently announced that they will be expanding the player base of Dungeon and Dragons Online by reaching across the seas to start their European DDO service.

Starting August 20th, European players will be able to make their accounts and download the English client of the game.  DDO will remain free to play for all players, while still keeping their pay to upgrade system.  As a thank you to all the patient European DDO fans, Turbine will be giving you all five-thousand free Turbine points to be spent in the online store.  Things such as extra character slots and premium content can be purchased using your Turbine points.  In addition to the free points, all DDO players will receive free character transfers that will become available at a later date.  Turbine will keep you updated as to when this will happen.

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