Test Realm Online!

  Hey all! The Pirate101 Test Realm is officially online. You can view the update notes for the test realm here.

   Also new spring-time pets are available in the crowns shop. They look pretty cool to me!

Tip of the hat-
~The Witchdoctor

Potential 101 Game Ideas

  At the launch of Wizard101 in 2008, many online gamers were hungry to get their hands on the amazing, story-driven, friendly online experience. So when the announcement of KingsIsle's second game, Pirate101, was released, you can bet your behind the same gamers who fell in love with the humorous, magical game of Wizard101, were just dying to play Pirate101. And the thing that personally caught my attention was that Pirate101 was to take place in The Spiral as well. 

  In a pretty popular thread I instigated over at the Pirate101 Central Forums, I asked members of the forums to share their ideas regarding future games set in the 101 universe. You can view this forum post here if you're interested. The feedback was amazing! I received many different suggestions and ideas as to potential KingsIsle games to add to the "101 series". Some ideas were good, others- not so much. And I don't mean that statement offensively, it's just a matter of my personal opinion. 

  Out of the many ideas brainstormed by the members of the forum, the one game idea that many members mentioned was, Ninja101. I can definitely see this happening as it certainly fits in with the vibe of the 101 series. Wizards, pirates- it looks like ninjas could very well fit into the chain of games. I thought further, and compiled a list of possible 101 games to expand the series, along with a brief description & explanation of the idea. Enjoy!

• Cowboy101

- Cool Ranch could obviously be a definite starting setting for the game. Players would be pulled into conflict brewing in the ruthless world. Possible classes could include lawman, outlaw, and gunslinger. I can imagine some pretty sweet mini games for this too...

• Ninja101        

- Again, the beginning setting for this game would is pretty obvious. Mooshu would be the entering world for the game. Possible classes could include samoorai, monk, ninja. The array of weapons would also be interesting in this game. Shurikens, samurai swords, katanas, and  black eggs- Sounds pretty darn cool to me!

• Viking101

- I'm not really too sure about this one. Grizzleheim/Wintertusk would be a good starting world. Possible classes include berserker, warrior, axeman? I don't really know enough about vikings to give any amazing ideas but, KingsIsle knows more about them than me I'm sure.

• Knight101

- Avalon would surely be a great starting area with it's medieval theme to it. Again, I'm not too knowledgeable on knights and the Medieval Ages but, again, KingsIsle surely does; given the fact that they created an entire world concerning them. Possible classes could include knight (obviously), archer, sorcerer, and vanguard. 

• Genie101

- I can't really see this being added to the "101 universe" but I don't know. I just kind of came up with this one. I'm currently highly doubting this as a possible 101 game due to lack of class ideas, story line, combat system, etc. It could have an Arabian/Aladdin type vibe to it. But again, I really doubt this one but it's worth adding to the list. 

• Detective101

- Now this one I see huge potential with, so I wanted to save it for last. The setting could start out in the crime-filled world of Marleybone. The atmosphere could be kind of an old detective film noir/ mystery theme. You, as a player in the story line, are called upon by the chief of police of Scotland Yard. He explains to you that Maleybone is beginning to be corrupted with crime, and he needs a detective with great potential to fight and solve crimes! Now of course you have to make the game family-friendly, so no murder cases or anything too overly violent and gruesome. You could make your way up in the ranks of the police department by solving crimes and catching the crooks! Gradually making your way to Marleybone's finest!

  I hope you enjoyed my list of possible potential KingsIsle games to expand the vast "101 universe!" Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments!

  -Tip of the hat

~The Witchdoctor

KingsIsle Heads Closer to Official Pirate101 Launch!

Wow! I just can't seem to wait any longer to play Pirate101! I know I am not the only one who's greatly anticipating the official live game launch of Pirate101. Many others are just DYING to get their hands on the spectacular upcoming game of Pirate101. I am beginning to see Pirate101's official launch clearer and clearer    on the horizon, and it doesn't look like we'll have much longer of a wait! On September 17, KingsIsle exclusively disclosed to Forbes magazine the launch date of Pirate101. "Early October", KingsIsle revealed to Forbes. Although not an approximate date, many people are estimating Pirate101 to officially launch  around the 1st to 3rd week of October. The first week of October is tomorrow, and I'm having trouble containing my excitement, thinking about Pirate101 reaching closer to shore!

Pirate101 pre-sale bundle deals are now available for purchase.

  Adding to the excitement of Pirate101's launch, Pre-Sale Bundles were announced on the same day of KingsIsle's reveal date to Forbes Magazine. These wonderful pre-sale bundles will cost you $89.99 for the Boochbeard's Bundle, and $59.99 for the Gandry Bundle. By the look of these items included with these to packs, I would have to say they were a heck-of-deal. The 1-year full subscription to Pirate101, Volcano Island House, and a sweet set of gear, alone make this deal quite a bargain. Let alone the many other exclusive limited addition items you'll find in these packs. If you're interested in more information on the new Pre-Sale Bundles, you can learn more here. 

KingsIsle crowns cards rack at Gamestop. 
Oh boy! Even more to add to the excitement? Any more and I think I'll explode!  These Pirate101 crowns were printed in a design for KingsIsle's new crowns card rack at Gamestop. It looks like $20, and $10 gift cards for Pirate101! This must mean that launch is coming even closer! Look, even a cool yellow polka-dotted octopus is included in the $20 crowns gift card. 

KingsIsle crowns cards rack at Gamestop, ($39 bundle card).

Can this be true? Am I dreaming? By the looks of this, it looks like a future $40 Pirate101 epic bundle titled,  the "Cutthroat Bundle". Note: These cards are not the physical, purchasable, crowns cards. They are only part of a design on a KingsIsle card rack at Gamestop. 

Ooh Whee! I can't wait! 

Pirate101 Closed Beta NDA Lifted!

A couple weeks ago, KingsIsle announced some very exciting news. The Pirate101 Closed Beta NDA was officially lifted! For those of you who aren't familiar with NDA, I'll explain. NDA is an acronym for Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is basically an agreement that is required to be accepted that states that any kind of media release including screenshots, videos, audio files, passages of text, or information of any kind was forbidden to be disclosed. When a game lifts the NDA, it means the Beta testers can go free Willy with releasing all kinds of information, screenshots, and videos regarding the game.

And they have done just that! Go on Youtube and you'll find all kinds of videos on the tutorial, character customization, tours of the worlds, combat, and loads of great stuff that'll surely interest you and get you excited for the game. Unfortunately, I was not fortunate enough to be admitted into the Beta, so I've been tearing my hair out waiting for this game to be released to the gaming community. As you can probably tell, I'm going to roll a Witchdoctor, and I'll decide on my alts at a later time when I really get a good feel for the game. Until then, I'll be doing a lot of theory-crafting, occasional contests here and there, and when the game releases-what I'm doing in game. Hopefully the game is soon on its way to be playable for all!