More than two years since its first announcement, The Division is finally upon us. While Rob is working on the review, we’re going to look at things from a different angle. Even though The Division falls firmly in the “hybrid” camp of the RPG genre, we think it has some important lessons that the rest of the RPG genre needs to take note of. Here’s what other RPGs need to learn.
General: Why The Division Shouldn’t Borrow Certain RPG Tropes
If you haven’t yet played Tom Clancy’s The Division, you’re missing out. It’s too early to tell how long it will last, but The Division has been a good deal of fun so far. Its vision for a post-apocalyptic Manhattan is amazingly realized, and the sobering sense of wonder you’ll feel wandering its snowy, abandoned streets is gripping. But I can’t help but feel disappointed with how carelessly The Division treats that lovingly crafted world.
World of Warcraft: March Badness Pits the Lich King Against Illidan
The votes are in and the final two World of Warcraft combatants in the March Badness “baddest of the bad” contest have been named. Players are asked to cast their votes on who they think would prevail in an epic battle: Illidan the Betrayer or The Lich King.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: New AAA RPG By 2021, Unannounced Project Set for 2016
During a meeting of investors, CD Projekt Red revealed that it has an as-yet uannounced game coming in 2016, though no hints were given as to what that game could be. It was further revealed that the company will be releasing a AAA RPG in or near 2021 and that Cyberpunk 2077 will be released in 2017. These all go alongside the continued support for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
World of Tanks: Improved Sound & Physics Arrive with v9.14
World of Tanks players have a lot to look forward to with today’s arrival of the v9.14 update. Both sound and physics have been given a complete overhaul along with some brand new HD models and a new game mode called Ravaged Capital.
Rift: Who Can Argue with 50,000 Years of Gameplay?
As Trion gets ready to kick of Rift’s fifth anniversary, the team announced that players have put in over fifty-five THOUSAND years of game time over the course of the game’s life. From today through April 5th, players will be able to earn anniversary tickets by completing zone events, random dungeons and Warfronts, and weekly crafting quests. Tickets can be exchanged for mounts, dimensions, jewelry and more.
Heroes of the Storm: Azmodunk Legendary Skin Coming April 12th
Blizzard has announced that Azmodan will be receiving a new legendary skin called “Azmodunk” that celebrates basketball. The skin pack comes complete with special animations, a special mount, unique voice overs and abilities and more. Check out the video below to see ‘Azmodunk’ in action.
Star Wars: The Old Republic: Knights of the Fallen Empire Chapter 11 Goes Live
Bioware has sent word that the Star Wars: The Old Republic – Knights of the Fallen update has gone live. Called “Chapter 11: Disavowed”, the content includes a new companion and a new story arc for players to experience.
Armored Warfare: Highwall Strip Mine Map Coming in Next Update
The Armored Warfare team has sent out a new video to show off some of the new features coming in the next game update. Players will be keen to know that a new map, Highwall Strip Mine, will be includes as well as replay support, new PvE missions / maps and high-end game play changes.
Albion Online: Mobile Repair, New Death Mechanics & More in Latest Update
Albion Online has been updated with some interesting new features and mechanics that include a mobile repair kit for players on the go. In addition, the team is going to be taking a hard look at death mechanics in order to further streamline them and introduce a “knock down” phase that allows players to be revived by companions.