Phase 1 of the long awaited "Sandstorm" update is finally here.

"Over 30 New Weapons, including a Combat Jetpack (shoot while flying), new melee devices for each class and many more…
A whole new loot, token, weapon and armor system adding thousands of unique device/stat combinations and improving the rewards for play.
New Dome City Stores, including Weapon shops for each class, Cybercuts for hair customization and Genolab for facial reconstruction.
Fully revamped Agency-vs-Agency gameplay, now with a single world map.
More ways to experience Special Ops PvE, including a new Solo PvE mode, the ability to join matches with a teams from 2 to 4 players, and a new Ultra-Max Security level.
New PvP maps
New 10v10 Arena PvP, which allows pre-made teams of up to 10 players to compete.
and much more...
"

So in some ways, sadly we are being tied to a loot-like system like EVERY OTHER MMO which sucks (I preferred a more Planetside type approach), but it gives people something to work towards.

But it's not just weapons and a new loot system, oh no... A new AvA system has been introduced as well as several new PVP maps and the ability to (finally) play missions solo.
Even better is that you still don't HAVE to subscribe to the game unless you want to play every part so there is still the free bit if you aren't the paying for MMO's type, though we all know the fun is had by people that do pay.

As an additional bonus those that pre-subscribe before official subs kick off some time in the summer will get awarded daily, whether you log on or not, conquest and mec tokens to buy new shineys with.

To find out more read the full patch list

I know what I'm doing this weekend!

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I know that Indie games are a bit of an acquired taste but for just 2 more days, the Humble Indie Bundle is available to buy at whatever price you see fit.

It includes classics such as World of Goo and Gish as well as containing a couple of others of interest.

In purchasing, as well as getting the warm fuzzy feeling you get from supporting Indie Developers, you also get to support one of the two chosen charaties (Child's Play and EFF) and say where your money will go. You can split it all evenly, straight to charity, straight to the devs or choose your own percentage split.

If this is the kind of thing that interests you, take a look at The Humble Indie Bundle

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For those interested in APB which is basically GTA as an MMO, Eurogamer are now giving away beta keys but be quick! There are only 3568 left!

Click here to claim yours
Note: You need a "Eurogamers" user account to claim a beta key.

All Eurogamer's beta keys are now gone but some of us got in... You can discuss APB in Jonski's forum post.

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So, while we all wait for Star Wars, considering we have some time, it may be worth pointing out Global Agenda for some high-octane shooting action:

Global Agenda is an MMO Third Person Shooter and now has a free trial client available via their site and downloaded/run through steam.
http://globalagendagame.com/freetrial/

Free trial - Locked to Level 15, no Conquest mode (the alliance v alliance mode that makes the game quite a bit more interesting)

Seeing as how the free trial is free and all, I urge people to give it a shot and see how they feel bearing in mind that it's essentially not a complete game yet.

If you do try it remember these simple rules;
Assaults stand on point/destroy turrets at all costs, even if it means they die for everyone else to re-take the point.
Medics heal assault + other medics first, then everyone else when the fight is over or if they REALLY have to
There are too many recon players, most of them suck, you are no exception, don't bother playing one.
Robos need to deploy their turrets in useful positions. The mini-robots are crap unless you have lots of points specced in them or have the late game ones.

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YAY!!!

"PlanetSide Customer Service Notification
Greetings Soldier of Auraxis!

In the interest in maintaining a high level of competition and gameplay within the three empires of PlanetSide®, the Werner server will be merged into the Gemini server on August 25, 2009.

Starting today, as a part of a select group of past PlanetSide players, you will be able to log in for free* until August 26, 2009!

Preserve your Legacy! After the merge, many character names will be duplicated, and priority will be given to players who have logged in most recently and to those who created their names first. (See below for name change details.)

As a thank you to our loyal PlanetSide players, special merits will be given to native Werner players to represent your past server. Characters will receive their merits upon logging in to Gemini for the first time after the server merge is complete.

If you haven't played in a while come check out what's new in PlanetSide! Experience elevated battles and more competitive play!"


FINALLY!!!!!!
Also everyone that hasn't played in some time should have free playtime until 26th August.
Go on.. Install it again, you know you want to ;)

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