Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting

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Daily Column New MMOG Articles at TenTonHammer Today Hot Content Real World News - You Can't Make This Up

1. Daily Column

9Dragons has officially launched. Another MMO for you to give a whirl. This time with Kung-fu grip.

"Acclaim Games announces the Commercial Launch of 9Dragons, a FREE TO PLAY martial arts Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) for PC, and introduces the all new Item Mall. Think of the world of Hero, House of the Flying Daggers, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Drunken Master rolled into one. In the game, you can rise from a beggar on the streets to a master of Kung Fu as you train with some of the greatest masters of ancient China. With over 500,000 registered subscribers, 9Dragons is one of the fastest growing MMORPGs in the US and Europe. "

This free-to-play MMOG will support itself through in-game advertising and micro-payments. I'm extremely interested to hear what our readers think about this system.

"While 9Dragons remains free to play, the commercial launch features the release of the in-game Item Mall, where players can easily purchase various virtual items using Acclaim Coins. Purchasable items include elixirs, healing herbs, and unique outfits for those players who demand that their characters really stand out. Players who want to bundle new features can purchase Premium Packages that offer Kung Fu boosts and other features that can enhance gameplay.

Online item purchases are done in-game using a simple click and buy interface. Players can easily purchase Acclaim Coins with their credit card, bank account, or a variety of other payment methods using safe and trusted online payment services to ensure secure online transactions (using PayPal, Click&Buy, or PayByCash).

Players have the option of joining one of 6 starter clans: Shaolin, Wu-Tang Clan and The League of Beggars are loyal to The Imperial Emperor of China, while The Brotherhood of Thieves, Heavenly Demon, and Sacred Flower Clan (for women only) are opposed to his rule. Since each free account allows up to 3 character slots, it’s easy to create multiple characters, join different clans, and have fresh gaming experiences as you enjoy the enticing story, lore and quests written by bestselling author Steven-Elliot Altman.

There are currently 3 servers for players to choose from: On both Nirvana (US) and Bardo (European) servers, players must gain permission to fight against other players in specially designated Player vs. Player zones. But the latest server, Asura, is a PK (Player Kill) server for players who desire no-holds-barred fighting action, and the ability to attack rival clan members without their consent.

And like all of Acclaim’s other games, 9Dragons is completely free to download and play. Instead of charging a subscription fee, the game will be supported by in-game advertising delivered by IGA Worldwide, and through item purchasing through the new Item Mall.

New players are welcome to sign up for a free Acclaim account at www.9dragonsgame.com to experience the fascinating world of 9Dragons and strive to become masters of Kung Fu. "

Finally! A MMOG where Chuck Norris jokes are relevant.

I don't know how many of you were fortunate to play Oni way back in the day (2000), but I have yearned for a game like that to be given multiplayer capabilities. I have no misconceptions that 9Dragons is anything like Oni, but I dare to dream that someday a game will put it all together like Bungie did, oh so long ago. There was a glimmer of hope when The Matrix Online was announced, but glimmers are not games. Vanguard has martial arts classes, as does EverQuest 2, but they never really capture the martial, or is it the arts?

Someday, someday....we'll play Hidden Gnome, Crouching Dragon.

Until then...

Vote, rank, share, comment or email me directly.

2. New MMOG Articles At Ten Ton Hammer Today

Blog: Showing A Little Class In The Universe Of Starcraft
"Continuing his series of "possible" futures for the rumored Starcraft MMO, Micajah explores some of the classes and templates that players could choose from. In his speculating, Micajah breaks each race down into its potential classes and tries to consider what sort of "unit" translates into the best class." Whispers On The Wind: Editorial On Recent MMO Rumours
"The recent MMO rumors have stirred up the industry and suggested that developers are looking away from fantasy to focus more on the sci-fi genre. Industry Relations Expert, Garrett Fuller analyzes why the rumors all have science fiction in common and how those games could affect the entire MMO industry." Dungeons and Dragons Online: Dwarven Epic Quest
"Are you a Dwarf? Don't be ashamed! Raise that furry hand up high! Ten Ton Hammer has the lowdown on the Dwarven Epic Quest. Where do you go, who do you talk to, and where are they? Find out inside." Dungeons and Dragons Online: The Master At Arms
"Not many people would say yes to that statement, but the Master At Arms has no problems with that or pretty much any other weapon. Wonder how this can be? Read Darkgolem's new build, the Master At Arms!" EverQuest 2: Mayong Mistmoore Walkthrough
"Want to put your guild on the map? Embarassed to ask others for help? Maybe you are just curious about end game raiding and how it's done. Ten Ton Hammer consulted with a number of experts to bring you everything you need to know about bringing down the mighty Mayong Mistmoore. Position, AE's, and so much more, you don't want to miss this." Pirates of the Caribbean Online: Video Preview
"Join Mike Goslin, President of Disney VR Studios, and Joe Shochet, Creative Director / Lead Designer, for a video tour of the current in-development build of Pirates of the Caribbean Online. Tour melee and sea combat, check out the game's innovative gambling system, and even view the newest cutscenes featuring none other than Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa!" Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Weekly Poll
" Our weekly poll that lets readers offer suggestions to improve their gaming experience. This week, we focus on possible recompense for what is an essentially unfinished product." Wiki: Age of Conan -- Pirates of the Caribbean -- 9Dragons
"New, updated information has been added to our wiki on these upcoming games - we also now know the release dates for Age of Conan, Pirates of the Caribbean and a handful of others, be sure to check them out on the release dates page! On the same note, 9 Dragons has been released and is free to the public. More indepth information on this game added to the wiki pages. "

3. Hot Content

Pirates of the Caribbean Online: Video Preview EverQuest 2: The Rebirth of Neriak Lord of the Rings Online: Guide For Veteran MMO Players Tabula Rasa: Closed Beta Begins Colony Studios: Interview With Mike Wallis, CEO

4. Real World News

Soldiers Bond With Bots, Take Them Fishing [Thanks Matt]
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They were truthful to their inorganic customers. Human Evolution Has Stalled
Apparently Rosie isn't a giant leap forward?

Thanks as always for visiting TenTonHammer.com

John "Boomjack" Hoskin