Group Buying and Online Games

Curiosity led me to a recent blog post on group buying. But why can't I find group deals on online game card credits? Anyone?

DOTA 6.67b AI Map v2c Ready for Download

A new DOTA Allstars AI Map is finally out and ready for download. The newest version is DOTA 6.67b AI Map v2c.

To download DOTA 6.67b AI Map v2c, click here: http://www.playdota.com/forums/245353/dota-ai-harreke/

Change log:

6.67b v2c (06/16/2010) fixed by PleaseBugMeNot & Phaselock
================================================== =========

1. Fixed the actual skill when Puck`s trying to use Dream Coil with scepter (last fix just added Dream coil to the scepter`s spells dream team).
2. Track`s buff was not visible when in range of tracked enemy
3. Track`s visual on enemy head was not disappearing after Track`s 30 sec end
4. Fixed Soul Steal channeling text in the tooltip
5. Added passive icon for Strygwyr's Thirst
6. Added passive icon for Plague
7. Fixed a rare Mac issue with shared Soul Ring
8. Fixed casting distance exploits with Skewer
9. Changed Soul Ring icon / added the new icon to the map
10. Nerubian Weaver: Added Hardened passive skill icon of the swarm bugs (BTNHardenedSkin.blp)
11. Nerubian Assasin: Added Missile Speed of Carrion Scarabs (undeadunitfunc)
12. Nerubian Assasin: Impale damage reduced from 80/160/230/300 to 80/140/200/260(6.67)
13. Game-wide sound gets muted when Global Silence is used (173422)
14. Fixed memory leak (6.67c) in Silence trigger. (tnx PhaseLock)
15. Curse of the Silent now displays a buff indicator
16. Bristleback - Warpath maximum stacks increased from 4 to 5
17. Fixed error in Broodmother`s item build - she was staying with Wraith and RoR at late end game. Now buys HoT and Linken`s Sphere
18. Fixed the prices of some recipes/items for the AI:
- Manta Style Recipe increased from 500 to 600
- Dagon Recipe decreased from 1350 to 1300
- Sange Recipe decreased from 800 to 750
- Yasha Recipe decreased from 800 to 750
19. Added some new items in Pugna`s item build (now he buys scepter... what a smart guy)
20. Fixed Mekansm not healing Visage's Familiars

Enjoy!

New Rappelz Philippines Blog

I've been getting a lot of hits on my blog since I've posted some articles on Rappelz Philippines that I decided to open up a new blog dedicated to the game. The new Rappelz Philippines Blog can be found at http://rappelzphilippines.blogspot.com

Rappelz Philippines After CBT

appelz

With the success of Rappelz Philippines on its recent Closed Beta Test (CBT) Launch many Rappelz players have been asking what will happen next. Well, like any other Philippine online games under CBT expect for EagleGame to delete your Rappelz character(s) when Open Beta version is released. Yes, you heard it right. Your character will be deleted from Rappelz' Philippinne server. Don't fret though. This is a necessary procedure in order to ensure that enhancements to be incorporated by Rappelz developers to the game will not be in conflict with the current attributes of CBT characters. This will also eliminate bugs and will certainly make our gaming experience more enjoyable and convenient to us players. This will most likely happen on August 6 of this year.

Now for the good news. Although your Rappelz character is deleted, Rappelz players who are able to attain level 20 before the Open Beta Test (OBT) is entitled to keep their character's name and friends list. They are also entitled for free items on the OBT launching and will be carried over to the Official Game launching in the near future.

The next version, Rappelz Epic 7: Lost is due to launch on October of this year.

Screenshots from Rapplez Philippines

I've just tried out playing the new MMORPG game Rappelz. Well, what can I say? I really enjoyed it. The storyline is quite good and the quality of the graphics is really impressive. Actually, I quite remember Lineage from the setting at first but after playing around for a few days I found out that Rappelz is entirely different and there is never a dull moment playing it. Check out some screenshots I prepared.

Game Client. The game client's opening screen (Rappelz Philippines) downloading updates for the first time. See that big one right there? Quite big, isn't it? Uhm, no, not that one. I mean the round button. Click that to start playing Rappelz. 

Rappelz Login Screen. EagleGame users can login to Rappelz through this screen or they can register by clicking the "Sign Up" button. Since EagleGame uses a unified system of registration for all its users, players of Rappelz can also use the same username and password to log in to HighStreet 5 Chapter 2 or vice versa. This also applies to future versions of Rappelz, HighStreet 5 and all other future distributed by EagleGames in the Philippines.

Rappelz Character Classes. Philippine gamers are offered 3 unique character classes each with its own abilities and advantages: The Gaia class is a class in between the two other classes with moderate fighting and buffing skills; The Asuras are creatures of the shadows with high evasion and attack skills; and the Devas are the creatures of light with awesome magical abilities and healing skills. Rappelz players can also choose their character's gender which makes 6 character choices branching out into even more job classes as their characters levels up.

Gaia. A Gaia is not an imitation of anything. Don't also expect it to sing "Wala Na Bang Pag-Ibig?" 'coz the Gaia class is a warrior of nature, manipulating elements as their primary weapon. A Gaia starts with the Rouge job class with Mental Concentration as their main skill that enables them to deliver critical hits against enemies.

Asura. Although its name sounds like a Philippine version of a dog scavenging on trash cans, the Asura class is often the preferred class for those who want to play it fast while evading fatal attacks. Asura characters start as Stepper and rely heavily on Deep Evasion skill enabling them to deliver fast, powerful physical attacks while decreasing the possibility of an enemy hitting them back.

Deva. A Deva's not a female version of a hustler, uh uh uh uh uh hustler. Deva is Rappelz Philippine's holy class with powerful healing and defensive magical skills. The Deva class starts with the Guide job class and uses Minor Healing to assist them on their way to the next choice of job class.

A Rappelz Champion in the Making. A newly created Rappelz character (a male Asura) with a level 0 weapon (knife), basic costume and totally no skills.

(more info on Rappelz job classes soon...)

To know more about the game, visit the Rappelz Philippines Official Website at http://www.rappelz.com.ph/ .

To download Rappelz' game client , head over to this link: http://rappelz.eaglegame.com.ph/downloads/

You must have at least DirectX 9.0c installed in order to play the game. Windows Vista and Windows 7 already have them but if you feel you need to download one go here: http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/aboutgfw/pages/directx.aspx 

Highstreet 5 Philippines Chapter II Unleashed!

Once I tested my friend's gaming I.Q. He's a boring bookkeeper and a certified pilosopo:

Me: What is the Philippines' most favorite dancing game?
Friend: Tinikling? It looks more of a game than a dance.
Me: What the f...? OK, what's the Philippines' 2nd most favorite dance game?
Friend: Highstreet?

With my chakra build-up at its peek (so as my blood pressure,) I'm not really sure if I should vanish him to another dimension or commend him for at least knowing that online games do exist in real life.  Nevertheless, Highstreet 5 was so popular back then that even a four-eyed number muncher like my fellow knows about it.

Then, life happened and the world moved on. I somehow lost my virtual groove, making some money so I can afford the so called "Filipino Dream" – to be a tambay with enough gadgets and money to afford never-ending nightouts and unlimited text loads. Good thing, in time for my “I-don't-know-how-long-Sabbatical” came EagleGame with two of the most exciting releases for 2010. First is their newest MMORPG action game called Rappelz and the long-awaited release of the Philippines "SECOND" most popular dancing game (based on my friend's perspective. of course,) HighStreet 5 Chapter 2 Philippines.

(To be continued...)

Rappelz Philippines Epic VI: Resurrection Closed Beta

I've always been a lazy-ass email guy. I rarely check my inbox for messages and when I do it's only when I need to send a message to someone. Anyway, I did checked it just now and guess what? I got an email from EagleGame patiently waiting there for at least 2 days. "Who's EagleGame", you said? Duh?! They're just the company behind the smash dance hit game "HighStreet 5". If you still don't know what I'm talking about then what the heck are you doing here on my blog?

Just kidding. ;)

Anyway, they emailed me to tell me about the new game they'll be releasing on closed beta this coming July 15. The game is Rappelz Epic VI:Resurrection. I've been a big fan of Highstreet 5 and I'm pretty much optimistic about this one. Here are some details I've come up so far about Rappelz Online (mostly from the documents they sent me)

RAPPELZ EPIC VI: RESURRECTION
...WHERE MASTER AND CREATURES FIGHT SIDE BY SIDE

Rappelz tells us about the comeback of the evil villain known as the "Witch". In order to defeat this menace, three races band together for one mission: to defeat the Witch and restore order to the land. The three epic clans of Rappelz are the Gaians, the Asuras and the Devas. Gamers will surely love the three distinct yet exceptional classes in the game; the fearless Gaians are the oldest inhabitants of the land who base their skills from the four forces of nature such as Earth, Wind, Fire and Water; the righteous Devas are the holy-based race who specialize in healing magic and defensive buffs and  finally, the cunning Asuras are masters of the dark magic with distinct offensive skills and high evasion.

The publisher of Rapelz Resurrection is the same guys who brought us Highstreet 5, EagleGame International Ltd. and developed by Gala Lab.

By the way, here is a copy of the press release they gave me. I figure it could give us more info on the Rapelz Online Closed Beta release:

RAPPELZ ENTERS CLOSED BETA TESTING ON JULY 15

The long wait is over! FIERCE SUMMONING ACTION is conquering the the city. Rappelz is holding the most awaited Closed Beta Testing on July 15, 2010.

Developed by Gala Lab, Rappelz has already gained the respect of many famous MMO game portals. Ten Ton Hammer remarked, “one of the most unique F2P fantasy games” while OnRPG said, “It is a must play MMO.” 

Rappelz, highly-regarded to have summoned in over 33 countries worldwide, is now in the Philippines  under the first server name, Cerberus. Players are sure to have a number of open in-game events  to introduce exciting gameplays. Numerous in-game items will also be given to those who will join the CBT.

To play, simply register in www.rappelz.com.ph and download. Remember, no subscription is required. This game is completely for FREE!!!

About Rappelz

RAPPELZ is a unique, free-to-play MMORPG based on MIGHT and PRIDE. Play Rappelz today and experience the unique, tactical pet taming and training system, high-end character customization and exciting three-fold quests.

For further information, you may visit our website at www.rappelz.com.ph.

About Eaglegame International Ltd.

EagleGame International Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of Singapore listed company NeteLusion Limited. Like the sister companies in Singapore and Malaysia, EagleGame International was established with a single objective – to provide the local Community with more gaming varieties. 

Do checkout Rappelz coz I'm heading there right now :D

Ciao!

Warcraft III patch 1.24e

Warcraft III patch 1.24e

Any maps created that are 6.62 and into the future will require the Warcraft 3 patch 1.24e or later. This is because of a massive coding change that required most of the map code to be re-written. Unfortunately this means any earlier versions of Warcraft 3 will not be able play the new map nor AI map.

[GUIDE] All about 1.24e

To the moderators: If possible, I'd like to keep all past versions of the map as attachments in this thread. Aside from doubling as a map archive, this practise will help me greatly in tracking down regressions between versions if I inadvertently introduce any. Hopefully the increasing version numbers and large download link at the top of this post should be sufficient enough to prevent confusion.

Changelog:
6.66b (v0.2141)
===============
-Rewrote Overpower and Summon Familiars to prevent AI crashes
-Undid the fix added for Pounce in 6.66b that was causing the game to crash
-Added a workaround for when AI attempt to attack a dropped Divine Rapier (item will be removed)
-Fixed AI from destroying the Aegis after having them attack Roshan

[Mirrors]
MediaFire
Megaupload
RapidShare

Original post:

First release, updated to 6.62 and 1.24b compliant. Note that this is v0.21, and there will be bugs.

Some abilities are not working for bots yet (they learn them but don't use them), and this is expected and will be addressed in future versions.

The following game modes have been disabled for now:
-vr, -rv, -rd, -cd, -cm, -lm, -xl

The following game commands have been disabled for now:
-afk, -kickafk, -ah, -switch, -fun

Please report bugs to me.

Things that are bugs:
-Crashes with reproducible reasons
-Abilities/items not working as expected (for players or bots)

Things that are not bugs:
-Bots not using certain abilities
-Bots being too strong/weak/cheating. They do that.

Thanks to Overflow_GR for his help on this version.

Enjoy!

Download Warcraft III patch 1.24e by clicking the link below:

Warcraft III patch 1.24e

DOTA Latest AI Map (DOTA 6.66b AI Map)

Download the latest DOTA AI map from this link:

DOTA 6.66b AI Map

You will be needing the Warcraft III patch 1.24e to play the DOTA AI 6.66b map. To download Warcraft III patch 1.24e, click the link below:

http://games-philippines.blogspot.com/2010/05/warcraft-iii-patch-124e.html

Latest DOTA Map version 6.67C

* Fixed casting distance exploits with Skewer
* Fixed a bug that could sometimes cause everyone in the game gets a massive FPS drop for a minute
* Fixed Cleave/Anchor Smash from instantly killing Swarm creatures
* Various performance improvements when casting The Swarm
* Fixed Soul Steal channeling text in the tooltip
* Non-hero units now do half damage to The Swarm
* Commands like -test and -wtf are now restricted if there is a gamebot deciding the mode to be used
* Fixed a bug with lifesteal and The Swarm creatures
* Fixed a rare Mac issue with shared Soul Ring
* Added passive icon for Strygwyr's Thirst
* Added passive icon for Plague

Download the latest DOTA map here:

Download DOTA Map 6.67c