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MAG |OT| 256-Player Battles, Lots of Teamwork, Not So Much Auto-Aim
- Thread starter J-Rzez
- Start date
SolidusDave
Member
btw, I guess as they introduce multiple profiles with the beta, we will actually HAVE to make a second profile to test the stuff of the beta? That way they can just wipe everything when needed to test the skill tree and we won't keep stats from the beta content etc.
(edit: I forgot it will be a different client so it will likely not import our current profiles anyway)
(edit: I forgot it will be a different client so it will likely not import our current profiles anyway)
Here's a preview of the Escalation missions I've been working on for the past few months:
Volcanoes, baby!
Volcanoes, baby!
So I'm debating on getting this game. I've wanted it for a while but just recently got a Ps3. Is their still a strong GAF presence in this game? Also I'm a big BF fan. Is this just more of the same or is it really a lot different? I'm trying to talk myself out of it due to a huge back log :lol
I just ordered it due to future Move support. I liked the beta but had a huge backlog which is now semi clear. I want to try a shooter with Move, and I figured this is the way to go for now.
Can someone break down the DLC so far and anounced? What's necessary and what can I skip?
Can someone break down the DLC so far and anounced? What's necessary and what can I skip?
SolidusDave
Member
AndyD said:
There is some free mini-DLC you can obviously get.
Otherwise so far there is only one addon with 3 new maps and a new mode, but not many do play it apparently and the mode is said to be broken. I asked about it here not long ago and was advised against buying it.
You will have enough to figure out with the original content so I wouldn't worry. Especially as with your MAG disc you can join the beta containing the second DLC by downloading the new beta client next week.
Escalation, the new MAG game mode of 32 vs. 32 vs. 32 explained:
http://blog.mag.com/blog/2010/08/mag-escalation-a-closer-look/
If you caught our previous blog update, you already know that the upcoming Escalation game mode will be available for play in our new MAG Beta program starting August 24. What you dont know, however, is what Escalation is and how it works, which is exactly what were about to show you.
Simply put, Escalation is a simultaneous three-faction battle for resources that supports up to 96 players, or one 32-man platoon for each PMC. The ultimate goal for each Escalation map is to earn the maximum number of points before time runs out or, if time does expire, to have the most points overall. Whichever team meets this goal wins the map and some additional Shadow War points for the cause.
Isla de Magma
Points are gained as Raven, SVER and Valor vie for control of wind, thermal and solar energy objectives but its not as easy as just running to all your objectives and holding them until the end. Instead, Escalation is made up of two phases:
For the initial phase, all three teams fight it out to hold the maps A, B and C objectives but when any of the three teams gains control of two of these objectives, the second phase kicks off. In this second phase, the original three objectives are locked and a brand-new fourth objective (D) is opened up. The mission now challenges the PMC that took the two objectives originally to defend D against both attacking groups as long as possible; if the D objective is lost, then play reverts back to phase 1 again and the war continues on until we have a winner.
Radiant Barrens
In practice, Escalation is a ton of fun and has been the subject of countless post-game wow conversations internally here at Zipper. Of course, one of the main reasons our reactions have been so strong outside the obvious madness that comes with all three factions battling it out at once are the maps that go along with it. All three Escalation environments are all unlike any that have been seen in MAG before. Whether its the sunny beaches of Isla de Magma, the mountains of Silverback Ridge, or the desert wasteland of Radiant Barrens, the locales are as fascinating as they are colossal. Besides, any MAG game mode that lets you fight out in the heart of a sweltering volcano gets automatic fun points its just a fact of life.
To check out Escalation for yourself, be sure to download the new MAG Beta client from the PlayStation Store for free starting August 24. Keep in mind that you will have to have the retail version of MAG in order for the client to work and that the time and access to the beta may be limited, so you wont want to miss it.
Silverback Ridge
Before we go, please enjoy these closer looks at the Escalation maps and be sure to check back for more updates on the official MAG blog in the coming days.
http://blog.mag.com/blog/2010/08/mag-escalation-a-closer-look/
If you caught our previous blog update, you already know that the upcoming Escalation game mode will be available for play in our new MAG Beta program starting August 24. What you dont know, however, is what Escalation is and how it works, which is exactly what were about to show you.
Simply put, Escalation is a simultaneous three-faction battle for resources that supports up to 96 players, or one 32-man platoon for each PMC. The ultimate goal for each Escalation map is to earn the maximum number of points before time runs out or, if time does expire, to have the most points overall. Whichever team meets this goal wins the map and some additional Shadow War points for the cause.
Isla de Magma
Points are gained as Raven, SVER and Valor vie for control of wind, thermal and solar energy objectives but its not as easy as just running to all your objectives and holding them until the end. Instead, Escalation is made up of two phases:
For the initial phase, all three teams fight it out to hold the maps A, B and C objectives but when any of the three teams gains control of two of these objectives, the second phase kicks off. In this second phase, the original three objectives are locked and a brand-new fourth objective (D) is opened up. The mission now challenges the PMC that took the two objectives originally to defend D against both attacking groups as long as possible; if the D objective is lost, then play reverts back to phase 1 again and the war continues on until we have a winner.
Radiant Barrens
In practice, Escalation is a ton of fun and has been the subject of countless post-game wow conversations internally here at Zipper. Of course, one of the main reasons our reactions have been so strong outside the obvious madness that comes with all three factions battling it out at once are the maps that go along with it. All three Escalation environments are all unlike any that have been seen in MAG before. Whether its the sunny beaches of Isla de Magma, the mountains of Silverback Ridge, or the desert wasteland of Radiant Barrens, the locales are as fascinating as they are colossal. Besides, any MAG game mode that lets you fight out in the heart of a sweltering volcano gets automatic fun points its just a fact of life.
To check out Escalation for yourself, be sure to download the new MAG Beta client from the PlayStation Store for free starting August 24. Keep in mind that you will have to have the retail version of MAG in order for the client to work and that the time and access to the beta may be limited, so you wont want to miss it.
Silverback Ridge
Before we go, please enjoy these closer looks at the Escalation maps and be sure to check back for more updates on the official MAG blog in the coming days.
darkwing said:SVER shall prevail in Escalation modeor die trying
2 vs. 1 won't be a problem unless it's multiple good clans attacking D.
Objective D's defensive setup better be amazing, because I can just imagine how much QQ'ing the forums will be flooded with when n00bs and newbies get raped over and over after they finally unlock D.
I guess we'll all see how this works out next week when the beta client goes live....
SolidusDave
Member
So will the two attacking PMCs both have the exact same point to reach&hold? Also, will they be able to attack each other during the second phase?
Because I foresee Valor and Raven grunts cannibalizing themselves before even reaching SVER
SolidusDave said:Because I foresee Valor and Raven grunts cannibalizing themselves before even reaching SVER
It would be so weird if the 2 PMCs that have to attack D all of the sudden turned from red dots to blue dots once D unlocks, lol.
I'm guessing there will be 2 sides / flanks that each PMC will be attacking D from, so that they don't all kill each other before teaming up to attack the winning PMC.
SolidusDave
Member
methane47 said:
If you already have MAG you can play the mode for free in the next beta (starting from next week). However, in the end it will be an addon which you probably have to purchase like the last big one.
Micromegas
Member
How is the community doing? Last I checked in, it was taking quite awhile for games to get going, etc. Revival patch?
I'll be interested to see what you all think about this, quite possibly the biggest change presented in the Beta:
Updated Character Customization
Updated Character Customization
TelemachusD
Member
So what happens to all my loadouts and skill points whenever this new skill tree gets patched into the retail game? Do I have to re-earn all my gear? I really don't want to be forced to unlock things I currently have access to.
Looks like Zipper is really trying to make MAG into a FPS MMO with skill trees, character customization, and even currency (no economy yet)... which was their original goal that didn't get accomplished due to time constraints.
If MAG had a big development team, similar to the size of most major MMOs, I can't imagine how great of a game it could be. The possibilities would be endless. Oh well, it's still an awesome FPS as it is.
Grats icechai, you trophy whore. :lol
If MAG had a big development team, similar to the size of most major MMOs, I can't imagine how great of a game it could be. The possibilities would be endless. Oh well, it's still an awesome FPS as it is.
Grats icechai, you trophy whore. :lol
icechai said:some 350ish hours later...
Props! Little known fact: The Platinum Trophy for MAG was drawn by Zipper Designer Joe Maris as part of his "Joe Art" campaign of MS Paint goodness. "Joe Art" was primarily used in email threads to describe Joe's elation/frustration while tuning various aspects of the game.
Also, in the original piece the soldier was flipping you off, but obviously that's not suitable for the public! :lol
And just like that I am coming back to MAG. I dunno what PMC I'll return to, have to talk to my friends, but it definitely sounds like I'm back to MAG.
I just hope they don't charge 10$ for Escalation and have no one play it like what happened last time *cough*hint*cough* because as much as I wanted to play it the playerbase was barren and empty
I just hope they don't charge 10$ for Escalation and have no one play it like what happened last time *cough*hint*cough* because as much as I wanted to play it the playerbase was barren and empty
PjotrStroganov
Member
I envy you.X-Frame said:
TelemachusD
Member
I don't think you actually read my post at all.X-Frame said:
me said:
Das-J said:
Hah interesting, good to see your team has a sense of humor
Isslave said:And just like that I am coming back to MAG. I dunno what PMC I'll return to, have to talk to my friends, but it definitely sounds like I'm back to MAG.
I just hope they don't charge 10$ for Escalation and have no one play it like what happened last time *cough*hint*cough* because as much as I wanted to play it the playerbase was barren and empty
for some reason (possibly beta news) the MAG player base has seemed like it gained a couple hundred people. Which is definitely a good thing. Currency and new guns/skill trees should definitely freshen up the game, and Click is right, it is like a MMO now. Heck, MAG news gets covered by MMO sights when normal console games don't. Although one thing that worries me is everyone that knows how to play MAG will shift to the BETA leaving the regular game empty of a few hundred veterans
TelemachusD
Member
I missed you getting that Platinum this morning by about an hour I guess. It was fun trying to help you get that last escort.icechai said:for some reason (possibly beta news) the MAG player base has seemed like it gained a couple hundred people. Which is definitely a good thing. Currency and new guns/skill trees should definitely freshen up the game, and Click is right, it is like a MMO now. Heck, MAG news gets covered by MMO sights when normal console games don't. Although one thing that worries me is everyone that knows how to play MAG will shift to the BETA leaving the regular game empty of a few hundred veterans
And it's true, unless the Beta has some terrible crashing bugs, the regular servers will be completely dead for the duration.