Allakhazam.com News (full)

Work @ Allakhazam [General News]

Ever want to get paid for doing what you love? We're looking for some great, dedicated people to join our team. We currently have six openings:

Programmer
Web Designer / Artist
News Reporter
Final Fantasy XI Content Manager
World of Warcraft Content Manager
Warhammer Online Content Manager

If you're interested give them a read and submit your resume!

Open Beta is GO! [Warhammer Online]

At last, everyone's chance to get into the beta for an extended period of time and see for yourself what it is like to truly join the forces of Order, or be captured and used for the forces of Destruction. Either way, mighty armies will come crushing down upon your piddly little group as you timidly adventure out onto the battlefield. Study those careers, work in the mills to hone your tradeskills, and go out and adventure to spot out strategic locations for an ambush or two of your own. WAAAGH!!!

The Reckoning is at hand as hundreds of thousands can now embark on their epic adventures in Open Beta!

This is a monumental step for the game and the community and it is with great pleasure that we welcome you all.

WAR has come, it is now up to you to forge your destiny and choose your allegiance in this epic struggle.

We would like to thank the entire team here at Mythic and Electronic Arts, our dedicated Closed Beta Testers, and the thousands of players like you who make up our great community. Combined our efforts have brought us to this point in this epic journey and we have truly created a game we can all be proud of for years to come.

Thank you everyone and see you on the battlefield!
- The Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning Team

And of course, don't forget to test the game for bugs and other concerns as well! We wouldn't want the forces of Order to actually be able to gain a foothold upon release, would we?

Weekend Beta Updates [World of Warcraft]

I ran across some blue posts today as I perused the beta forums I thought I would share with you all. It seems part of the server crashing issue, as detailed below, was due to Unholy Blight Rank 2. And there are some new racial abilities being pushed in the next patch. Check it out:

Per Tigole:

Unholy Blight Rank 2 was causing the World Server to shut down. We have temporarily disabled the spell in order to restore stability.

We'll be looking into other stability issues throughout the weekend. Thanks for being patient with us.

And, from one of the devs, Kalgan:

Changes that should be in the next beta push. Bear in mind that some of these may change somewhat or entirely, and there may also be other changes coming in subsequent pushes:

Orc
- Hardiness now reduces the duration of stun effects by 15%

Troll
- Racial Passive: "The Voodoo Shuffle": Reduces the duration of all movement impairing effects by 15%. Trolls be flippin' out mon!
- Berserking: no longer has an activation cost of energy/rage/etc

Draenei
- Gift of the Naaru: The amount healed is increased based on the caster's Spell Power or Attack Power, whichever is higher. This ability does not lose casting time from taking damage.
- Shadow Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by Shadow spells by 2%

Dwarf
- Frost Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by Frost spells by 2%
- Racial Passive "Mace Specialization": Expertise with Maces and Two-Handed Maces increased by 5.

Undead
- Shadow Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by Shadow spells by 1% (yes, this is lower than the other resistance racials)
- Will of the Forsaken: removes any fear, sleep, or charm effect (no longer has a lasting immunity).

Night Elf
- Quickness: reduces the chance to be hit by melee or ranged attacks by 2%
- Nature Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by Nature spells by 3%

Tauren
- Endurance: now scales based on base health, to be tuned to approximately a 5% heath increase if the player were wearing green quality gear
- Nature Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by Nature spells by 2%

Gnome
- Escape Artist: the freeing effect can no longer be resisted
- Arcane Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by Arcane spells by 2%

Blood Elf
- Mana Tap: ability removed (partially integrated into Arcane Torrent)
- Arcane Torrent: restores 15 energy, 15 runic power, or 6% of mana to the Blood Elf (along with the current 2s silence effect)
- Magic Resistance: reduces the chance to be hit by spells by 2%

Human
- Perception: changed to a passive, now grants one character level of passive stealth detection
- Racial "The Fall of Humanity": Feign death which may trick enemies into ignoring you. Any threat is restored versus enemies still in combat upon cancellation of this effect. 5min cooldown
- Racial Passive "Human Supremacy": The dominance of Humanity is evidenced by having one more racial bonus than normal. Actually, make that two counting this one. (just a tooltip, no actual functionality)
- The Human Spirit: spirit bonus lowered to 5%

Note: this is a list of changes/additions, not an exhaustive list of all abilities. Racial abilities not mentioned here haven't changed (or are ones I forgot to put on this list).

Prepare Yourselves - Open Beta is Nigh! [Warhammer Online]

Some more important information regarding open beta, which starts tomorrow morning sometime!:

There has been a little confusion out there in the community and so we wanted to clear a few things up. First, there's no truth to the rumors that Open Beta is going to start at 12:01 AM Sunday. We do plan to open the gates tomorrow morning, though, and we'll let you know here on the Herald as soon as we do. We expect to have a fairly smooth transition from Preview Weekend Plus into Open Beta.

If you are already participating in Preview Weekend Plus, or if you are a member of our Closed Beta test:

You will not need to take further steps to play the Open Beta. Just log in as you have this weekend and enjoy the plunder, chaos (or Order ) and adventure that ensues.

If you have an Open Beta association but were not invited to participate in Preview Weekend:

All you need to do is be sure that you have entered your Standard Edition or Collector's Edition Preorder Open Beta Codes into the Mythic Account Center. (http://accounts.eamythic.com ) Then, when the announcement is made here on the Herald tomorrow, log in and FIGHT!

WAR is getting closer - and your chance for glory is near!

Discuss the open beta and your plans in our forums !

Pre-Launch FAQ [Warhammer Online]

Just in time for this coming Sunday's open beta event, the WAR Herald has a fantastic FAQ to help prepare you for WAR:

As launch approaches there are many questions being asked and a lot of information to digest. In our efforts to provide you with the up-to-date resources that you need in order to get into the game as easily as possible, we've compiled a list of the most asked questions and their answers for your convenience.

We'll continue to expand and update this list as needed to ensure that the information is always current and as detailed as possible.

Open Beta and Launch are coming quickly (September 18th is only 14 days away!) so make sure you and your friends are prepared for WAR!

Questions such as "What Does the Standard Eition Pre-Order Include?" are covered. Read the entire FAQ at the WAR Herald !

Grab Bag Goodness [Dark Age of Camelot]

Grab a snack and settle back, this weeks edition of the Grab Bag is here , read on:

Q. I recently started using the Arcanium Astral Voltaic War Pick on my Armsman. I like the damage and proc for the weapon, but I have found that the weapon cannot be dyed, even though there is nothing listed on the delve. I would really like to be able to dye this weapon to match my suit. Is this a bug or an oversight for this weapon?

A. The Lady of the Jewels says it isn’t an oversight: None of the "Astral" weapons were given the ability to be dyed due to the unique silvery blue tint connected to their models. It is part of what identifies them as Master Level 10 items.

Q. When I place a ground target down on my wizard, I often get the message that you can not cast on that target when it is out of line of sight. When I strafe to put the target back in sight I can cast on it without moving where it was previously. Is this supposed to happen? I've noticed for instance in a keep doorway to the lord room I can put a ground target and if I move to the base of the stairs to the roof I can't cast however if I strafe over where I can see target in the doorway I can now cast. I spoke with other wizards and they have the same problem.

A. I went over to the Equalizer to help resolve this for you: Ground-target spells require the caster to be in line-of-sight of their ground target, as these spells are not functionally any different than any other type of spell when dealing with line-of-sight.

Q. I was wondering if there was a way to make the Bounty Points earned from RvR Combat redeemable for items such as Steeds, Champion Weapon Lusters, and other Champion-level restricted items, since after a template is completed; spending bounty points on more jewelry items is a bit redundant for experienced RVR players? I believe that this would help alleviate concerns about bounty point "hoarding" that occurs after players have run out of gear-related items or rent tokens to purchase with their bounty points.

A. With a sly grin the Lady of the Jewels says: There's been a lot of talk around the office about adding new uses for bounty points. Being able to purchase items such as player mounts and other champion level reliant items is something we can definitely look into.

Q. It appears as though Hibernia's Arcanite Blade of Silent Oblivion is not dye able by a large number of weapon lusters. Could somebody please fix this?

A. The Equalizer says that you can dye that sharp blade: This item is currently set so that it may be dyed by weapon enamels found while adventuring in the Epic Dungeons (Caer Sidi, Tuscaran Glacier, and Galladoria) in the Shrouded Isles or by killing powerful enemies in the Trial Planes in the lands of Atlantis.

Q. When on a Dragon Raid or doing Mini's after the dragon(s) are dead and we start pulling the mobs at the same spawn area does it affect the re-spawn rate of the main mob (i.e. Dragon(s))?

A. Shaking her head, the Lady of the Jewels says: Nope, the dragons are on their own spawn schedule and are not affected by other mobs in the area.

Q. I have a question about my title. For some reason every time I zone or log off of the game it resets and my stats on the Herald are all messed up. I was wondering if this was a known bug or if there was something I could do to fix this problem?

A. Always quick to save the day, our Shining Cavalier explains: This is an issue we're aware of. Fixing this is currently top priority, and you can expect to see it fixed on Pendragon very soon, and then once it's tested, we'll fix it on the live servers as well. This will allow you to start gaining title credit with all affected characters.

Q. How come the Dragonslayer armor was made but wasn’t made to be dropped like you can on the Epic armor but it gives you a message saying that you’re not allowed to drop it period?

A. After a bit of deciphering, the Lady of the Jewels answers: I believe this player is asking why the Dragonslayer armor is not able to be dropped. These items are not droppable as a safe guard against them being accidentally lost. They can, however, be destroyed.

Q. Just a short note to inform you that when I make the Level 49 Omni proc with my crafter it is not using all the ingredients listed. I am left with a Silvery Faerie Hair even when I have made the item.

A. Smiling to herself the Lady of the Jewels had this to say: Those pesky fairies and their hair I tell you! Actually, this recipe was edited along with other various crafting changes that we are making for the Origins server. The discrepancy between what this recipe says it requires and what it actually requires will be corrected in 1.96. Sorry for the confusion.

Q. Are the epic mounts faster than the advanced mounts?

A. The Equalizer had quite a bit of enjoyment testing mount speeds to get the answer but he says No: While the Standard Mount that you can receive at level 10 provides only a 35% bonus to speed, all Advanced and Epic mounts provide a 50% bonus to speed. There is no difference in speed between the advanced and epic mounts.

Q. I remember a long time ago there was a patch about the torch. I remember something about other realms not being able to see your torch. Does that affect the lighting on the face as well? Have to clear that up, seems people still think the torch is visible.

A. The Lady of the Jewels was ready to clear this up for you: Players in other realms can still see your face lit up if your torch is on.

Q. I recently finally managed to get credit for my Thane on the Dragonslayer Weapon quest killing all 3 dragons, (Alb, Hib, Mid) and turned my quest in to get my weapon. I know that tanks can get shields as well, and was looking forward to having the large shield, only to discover that the reward system only offers me a small or a medium shield.

Are Thane's (who now have the large shield ability) not able to get a large shield from the Dragonslayer weapon quest, or was this an oversight that no Thane has brought to your attention yet? Thanesk!

A. With a nod and a Thanesk for the question, the Lady of the Jewels explains: The way our quest system is currently set up new style quests can only have up to 8 rewards attached to them at a time. Classes like the Thane who have more than 8 weapon choices need to take an extra step if they want an item not on the original quest choice list by choosing any one of the items and then handing it to the Stonecrush, Svartalf, or Azure apprentice located near the main quest NPC. These Apprentice NPCs are:

Lamont in Grimspound
Geddsyn in Svarhamr
Aliona in Tailtiu

Q. I heard rumors that the Harbinger or whatever its called outside Darkness Falls, that if it's spawned it means there are realm enemies inside DF. Is that true?

A. The Lady of the Jewels searched and searched but to no avail: I can find no connection between realm enemies being in Darkness Falls and the spawn of the Harbinger.

********
ANNOUNCEMENTS

We had a great time in Seattle last weekend for the Road Trip. Thanks to everyone who came out and joined us. I also wanted to give out a special thanks to Alatheia from the Camelot Vault Staff who knitted (yes knitted!) a very special scarf for me that will keep me very warm this winter. I want to wear it now but the Virginia summer is not quite over yet! Speaking of heat, our next Road Trip stop is just a week away in Austin, Texas. That’s right y’all, come join us for a grand time, the festivities start at 7:00pm Austin time on Saturday September 13th. All details and how to RSVP can be found here . See you there!

As we mentioned in last week’s Grab Bag, the doppelgangers are soon going to lie dormant and disappear from the Frontiers as they gather their forces for their next attack. The doppelgangers are going away on Monday but they are not done with us yet. As they are plotting their next scheme, there is word of an ethereal re-awakening out in the Frontiers coming up.

If you haven’t had a chance to receive your Royal Gift don’t wait another minute as the Royal Accountant is running low on his supplies and it looks like by Monday he will be out. (Just a reminder: You can receive the Royal Gift on all your characters so don’t forget to get the gift for your lower level characters too!)

Population Bonuses are changing next Wednesday. I’ll post about it on Monday but I just wanted to let you know so you can plan those free levels accordingly. When Population Bonuses change it alters the free level timer and knowing in advance is always a good thing.

What a crazy and busy week. It’s time for me to head out and enjoy the weekend. If you happen to be in a hurricane type area, please stay safe so you can return swiftly to kill your enemies in the Frontiers. Remember that your realm needs you. I will see you folks on Monday.

Blizzard Games Soundtracks Available [World of Warcraft]

Graphics get all the credit. They're in your face, "Hey look at me", shiny and sparkly and attention grabbing. Graphics cards are one of the top components examined in a game's system requirements, and can run over hundreds of dollars! Sound cards? Sure, you can spend a bit over $100 on a top of the line one, but honestly, how many of you just use the $50 Sound Blaster Audigy? (It's ok. We're not here to judge you.)

My point is, sound is such an overlooked part of gaming. But really, would traveling through World of Warcraft really be the same without the music and soundtracks that give it just that little something extra? No. And Blizzard knows how much you secretly love the music. That's why they've released the soundtracks to Diablo, Starcraft, and the Warcraft series on iTunes.

IRVINE, Calif. -- Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. today announced that a wide selection of music from its popular games has been added to the iTunes store. Much of this music was originally available only in collector's editions of the games, or at special events such as the company's BlizzCon® gaming convention. Six Blizzard Entertainment® soundtrack albums are currently available:

StarCraft® Original Soundtrack

Diablo® II Original Soundtrack

Warcraft® III: Reign of Chaos® Original Soundtrack

World of Warcraft® Original Soundtrack

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade® Original Soundtrack

World of Warcraft: Taverns of Azeroth Original Soundtrack

The albums have been placed on a new Blizzard Entertainment hub page within the iTunes store. This page also hosts content such as the BlizzCastTM podcast and trailers and gameplay footage from upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games, with more material to be added in the months ahead. In addition, the "Diablo III Overture" from the company's recently announced action role-playing game, Diablo III, is available as a single and has been highlighted as a Discovery Download, making it free to download until Tuesday, September 9.

So go enjoy. Download to your little heart's audio delight. You can access Blizzard's iTunes page directly here (opens iTunes of not already running).

Champions Online: Q&A with Carlos Montero [Champions Online]

It's time for another "Meet the Team" with Champions Online , a feature which interviews various members of the Champions Online team and gives you a little background and insight into what they do. This episode interviews lead environment artist Carlos Montero.

Q: What do you do on Champions Online?
A: I am become life, creator of worlds! In other words, I am the lead environment artist for Champions Online. I get to do lots of awesome stuff like drive the artistic vision behind our epic environments and guide our team of totally awesome environment artists with rocking out and making sweet environments. When I'm not doing that, I'm figuring out how we're going to push the boundaries even more and really make the environments exciting and captivating.

Check out the entire Q&A session here .

Star Trek Online 'Ask Cryptic' Dev Blog [Star Trek Online]

Cryptic has released another one of their "Ask Cryptic" dev blogs, this time answering your submitted questions about Star Trek Online .

Ask Cryptic returns with answers on story, space, psionics, society, ships and logs. Thanks very much to our development team for taking time out of their busy schedules to answer these!

Given that the story and character of Star Trek are almost iconic, how will the story element be delivered? Will there be voiceovers or cut scenes?

Star Trek Online takes place about 30 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis and Star Trek: Voyager, in the year 2409. Many of the characters have retired, passed on or otherwise evolved. Certainly, some characters have very long lifespans, and many will have had children. Expect to see the descendants of some of your favorite characters, old enemies return and friends evolve. And definitely expect to visit familiar locations like Starfleet Academy in San Francisco, Deep Space 9, Qo'noS, Vulcan and many others, as well as strange and entirely new worlds.

You can read the whole thing right here .

More Names Selected for Operation Immortality [Tabula Rasa]

As we first told you about back in July , NCsoft's Operation Immortality is sending the digital DNA of some of Earth's best and brightest off into space.

Kevin Rose, creator of the social-bookmarking website Digg, Robert Scoble, one of the world's most popular tech bloggers and Tim Draper, founder of the venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson, have just agreed to join Tabula Rasa's Richard Garriott in sending their DNA into space on October 12.

Want to suggest someone who should have their DNA digitalized and sent along? Want to try to get your own DNA on the trip? Submit your suggestions at OperationImmortality.com .