Weekly Recap #394 Jan. 31st – PSO2 Beta, Torchlight 3, SMITE & More!

Transcript & timestamps follow.

Phantasy Star Online 2 is gearing up for a western beta, new seasons are kicking off in SMITE and Apex Legends, Star trek online celebrates its 10th anniversary and a few MMOs are saying farewell.

Whats good everyone! JamesBl0nde here with your weekly recap for gaming news and announcements for the week of January 31st 2020. The news was pouring in hot this past week and starting it all out

Phantasy Star Online 2 CBT Dates Announced: 0:17

It’s only taken us 8 years but we’re finally getting some solid news about Phantasy Star Online 2 for the West! This week SEGA announced that it will be holding its first closed beta test for PSO2 in North America from February 7 which is a week from now… through February 9. Lots of upsides here – not only do we finally get our hands officially on a game we’ve wanted for so long, but there will be no data wipe and beta testers will get a handful of rewards for launch. The downside? The beta is for Xbox One only. Sorry PC folk – while PSO2 is coming to Windows 10 too, right now the testing is only on Xbox. Bummer. If you do have an Xbox One though make sure to check the news link in the description for how to sign up for beta!

Torchlight Frontiers Becomes Torchlight III: 1:14

On the flip side though, we have to say goodbye to the dream of another MMO we wanted for a long time – Torchlight Frontiers. Yes, the team behind the Torchlight MMO has taken in feedback from its alpha players and has decided that the game would better exist as a single-player style RPG like Torchlight 1 and 2. So Torchlight Frontiers has been converted into Torchlight 3. While we won’t be seeing this as a Torchlight MMO, the game’s features are being translated over into the classic ARPG experience, including the new fort and relic systems, and progression will go back to the standard linear experience. It’s a shame, but sometimes you have to know when to do what’s best for the game, right?

Duelyst Shutting Down: 1:50

Unfortunately Duelyst isn’t getting the same treatment – last week it was announced that Duelyst would be shutting down for good. The servers turn off on February 27, and the dev team has cut the cost of Diamond Orb purchases by 99% to help players enjoy their last month in game. No official reason was given as to why the game’s shutting down, which is a shame because it was very well reviewed and one of our own favorite card games at MMOHuts. I think it would have picked up better if it was also available on a mobile platform. 

Fable Fortune Shutting Down: 2:21

It’s not the only card game shutting down either – Fable Fortune also announced that it will be shutting down on March 4 after a two year run. Sadly the game hasn’t had any active players for months according to Steam Charts so we can’t say we’re surprised this one has fizzled out.

SMITE Season 7 Begins: 2:36

Meanwhile SMITE has kicked off Season 7 this week with its first season update. The main feature of this update is a new Chinese joust map focused on corrupted jade, which will also kick off a new storyline for the MOBA. There’s dozens of balance changes plus quality of life improvements that include reduced load times on PC, improved graphics, and more. The 2020 Season Pass is also available now which grants access to all Season 7 Gods, the Limited Edition Eternal Tormentor Zeus, and more. There’s also the Enchanted Chronicles battlepass which will have a fantasy theme and include Charm Caster The Morrigan, Strix Beast Fenrir and Lord Bifrost Heimdallr. This is of course only the start of the Season so expect more news to be coming throughout the year.

Apex Legends Season 4 – Assimilation Launch Trailer: 3:22

You might remember that last week, Apex Legends dropped the first teaser details of Season 4.  They’re back at it again this week with their Season 4 launch trailer – though that’s a bit of a tease because Season 4 doesn’t kick off until February 4. Still this hot new trailer showcases a new Legend, Revenant, who’s said to use “unnatural abilities to haunt his enemies and defy death.” Doesn’t sound like someone I’d want to meet in a fight. The Season 4 update also comes with the new bolt-action Sniper Rifle Sentinel, a new battle pass, free login rewards for Apex Legend’s first anniversary, and of course, the start of Ranked Series 3.

Star Trek Online: Legacy Launch Trailer: 3:58

Off in the final frontier, Star Trek Online is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and with it is a brand new update! Called Legacy, the update focuses on the history of Star Trek, and features new episodes starring Seven of Nine and Michael Burnham – a little nod to the new Picard series there I see. There’s also a new task force operation and a bunch of anniversary events that can earn you the Khitomer Alliance Battlecruiser. This update’s already live on PC; console players as always have to wait a while longer.

Dual Universe: Alpha 3 New Features Overview: 4:27

If sandbox space travel is more to your liking, you’ll be happy to know that Novaquark’s Dual Universe has launched its massive Alpha 3 update, Shattered Alliances. Featured in this update are economy changes, such as market taxes, construct trading, and crafting and industry updates. Pilots can try out new mouse control schemes or cruise control, and get more detailed information on the status of their ship. Finally Dual Universe is introducing player organizations, which are in-game groups that can function pretty much any way you want – a little like guilds in other MMOs, but with some major differences and a lot more freedom. If you’ve been itching for an in-depth space exploration MMO make sure to check out the game.

World of Tanks: Dynasty Wars Event Trailer: 5:07

Speaking of waiting, World of Tanks players have been waiting for their replacement for the first season of Ranked Battles which was cancelled back in May, and Wargaming is ready to deliver on their promise to bring those rewards back. The game’s introducing Dynasty Wars, a two-faction  random battles team competition between the Tigers and the Dragons. It will run for two weeks, starting this Friday January 31, and running until February 13. Players can earn a custom commander, team custom items, premium account time, credits, garage slots, and much more. Registration’s still open for the event if you want to get your hands on some of that loot.

Vindictus: 3rd Redeemers Update Trailer: 5:41

Vindictus is still kicking around and they’re ready to show off the third Redeemers update. This update introduces the Blacksmith Deity Brigid, who will test the player’s worthiness to wield the weapon Fragarach. This boss has powerful chain attacks,  instant teleports, and large wing attacks, so you’ll have to pay close attention to beat her. There’s also a limited time story event which will introduce you to Brigid and let you earn a few extra rewards to help you in your fight.

Fractured MMO Announces February Playtest: 6:05

Ready to test something new? Fractured MMO has announced that it will be holding a new stress test at the beginning of February and this time, everyone’s invited. The test will run from February 4 through February 10 for backers, and anyone registered with Fractured’s website can join in starting February 6. The test will feature some of the upcoming alpha updates including enchanting, materials, shields, and new shaders and lighting. If you like sandbox MMOs but you’re not a fan of the gankbox, you might want to check this one out.
 

Dota Underlords Announces Release Date, Adds Enno: 6:32

February’s lining up for the release of Dota Underlords, too. Valve has announced that its auto battler will launch on February 25 with new contents, rewards, and alliances. This week they also added Enno to the roster, who can poison, heal, and steal. If you haven’t tried the game out yet it’s free to play on Steam.

Bless Unleashed: Stress Test Now Live: 6:51

If you have an Xbox One and are looking for something to do this weekend, why not stress test Bless Unleashed? The free to play MMO that reimagines Bless Online is running an infrastructure stress test until February 3 at 10am Pacific. All previous beta testers are welcome in addition to new testers. The beta test will let you play up to level 30 and features special Dungeon Competitions and Field Boss raids. There’s a chance to earn two beta titles – “Breaker of Games” and “Dungeon Breaker” – along with a 7 Day Valor Perk. Just be aware that your progress won’t carry over to the game’s upcoming launch.

Phageborn Public Beta Begins: 7:25

Also hitting a public beta test this weekend is the PC card battling game Phageborn. Phageborn is an online CCG that aims to focus on both a strong storyline and popular card game elements. It features a dual resource system, along with a two lane  battleground arena and two versus two multiplayer, which is a real rarity in card games. The beta’s available on Steam for free, but once the game goes into Early Access it’ll cost money, so take that as a note of caution.

Hunter’s Arena: Legends – Closed Beta Signups Available: 7:55

And one last beta on today’s list – Hunter’s Arena: Legends, which promises to be a mix of MOBA, Battle Royale, and Action RPG, has announced that registrations are now available for its upcoming closed beta test. Ten thousand players from each region –  North America, Europe, and Asia – will be selected to participate in a test that will run from February 20 to February 23. Make sure you check out how to register in the link in the description below.

And that’s about it for this week of news for more information on the news topics, check the links in the description below, feel free to discuss the news or even more news in the comments below and don’t forget to like, subscribe, hit that little bell icon to get notifications and of course share this video! But until next time guys that’s going to be it for me… I’m JamesBl0nde… see ya out there gamers!