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MAG |OT| 256-Player Battles, Lots of Teamwork, Not So Much Auto-Aim

J-Rzez

Member
News: Check bottom of this post for the first DLC pack, available on June 22nd.

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MAG – So what type of game is this?:
MAG is an online only FPS which features up to 256-players in epic objective based battles. The game revolves around three PMC’s (SVER, Raven, Valor) whose prosperity you choose to fight for in tournaments called the “Shadow War”. The game features a MMO-like skill tree to help custom tailor your character to whatever play style you prefer. But to be a good squadmate you’ll want to create several loadouts to prepare for any need. If you want to heal or revive your teammates, invest in the medical tree. If you prefer to provide distanced support, build up your sniper skill set. Feel like decimating vehicles or battle installments like AA-guns or repairing crucial assets for defense? Want to dabble in a little here, a little there? MAG allows you to do all of that and more in giant battlefields where teamwork plays a bigger role than ever before. To help with that element, the game also features “leadership” positions to help guide the fight. These leaders provide vital “perks” to those around you and can call in powerful strikes that dramatically alter the tide of battle. Multiple insertion points via hard spawns, APCs, Helo drops, and parachute provide access to strategic areas. If you’re looking for a game where teamwork shines at the same level of your individual achievements then MAG is your final destination.


The Shadow War:
“The year is 2025. The optimism and harmony of the 2010s were completely eradicated by 2020. A global crisis loomed. Food shortage sparked riots, currencies plummeted, fuel reserves dwindled, and oil producing nations began to ration what remained. It’s a dark future.

After riots stopped a nuclear war, the governments call off their “petty wars”. However, with governments still needing to carve out their interests but remain peaceful in the eyes of their citizens, a thriving market for professional soldiers emerged. These soldiers operate under no nations flag, but are used by the world’s powers to protect their foreign interests. The Shadow War is the secret conflict waged by the “big three” PMCs. They strike out against one another in unofficial battles fought out of the knowledge of the general public.

Soldiers without a country, the contractors fight wars that never happened. This is the nature of the Shadow War.”


The PMC’s:
Raven – Based in Vienna Austria, is a PMC on the cutting edge of technology. They feature some of the most high-tech weapons available, their gear is highly modernized, but they are lacking in real-life experience. Most of their training was done via VR simulations. Despite their lack of on-the-ground experience they know what it takes to get the job done.

Valor – Founded by former US Army officers and headquartered in the Alaskan wilderness, this PMC is based on tried and true principles. Their gear and weaponry was considered standard in the Third World War and is more that effective. They draw extensive first-hand combat experience from their ranks of former U.S., British, and Mexican Special Forces.

SVER – Based out of Grozny in the Chechen Republic, their gear and weaponry may be dated, but it’s proven its lethality over decades of use. They’re out for an adrenaline rush as well as getting paid of course, and consist of former soldiers as well as private citizens, some with rumored criminal backgrounds, who felt lost before joining SVER’s cause. Though disorganized at first glance, they have some of the better implemented defenses in map lay outs to make up for their lack of cutting edge equipment.


Character Progression/Skill Tree:
MAG offers an unparalleled level of fine tuning for your soldier. Instead of relying on a rigid class system, MAG allows players to define their character’s specialty with skill points. Each time you earn a level you gain a skill point which is used to unlock additional abilities, weapons and gear in the Skill Tree. The Tree includes unlocks such as the Resuscitation ability to “Rez” your teammates, more powerful weapons, optics, quicker reloads, acoustic locators and gas grenades, but the list goes on and on. These unlocks help you tune your character to your preferred gameplay style. If you have any MMO experience, and you love shooters, you’ll appreciate this aspect greatly.

Another feature MMO fans should recognize is “Respec”. For those not familiar, it allows you to reset your character’s skill trees to zero (your performance stats remain), but you have all your prior skill points available to place them anyway you choose. If you find you’re not liking your role, you’re just one click away from a clean slate. One catch to this though. Not unlike MMO’s there’s a fee to pay here, just it’s not gold, but rather you earn “respect points” as you play. Each time you respec, the cost to do it goes up though, so you may want to be careful when doing this. Make sure it’s something you want to do for sure.

Here's a well done site to check out the "skill trees":
http://www.maggametools.com/skills

Leadership/Chain of Command:
Once a player reaches level 15 they gain the ability to lead their teammates in battle. After opting in for leadership, your skill in guiding your teammates is tracked by “leadership points” which are accumulated by calling in successful strikes, winning battles and players following your orders. Once you’ve gathered enough “leadership points” you’ll be able to opt in for Platoon Leader, and Officer in Charge positions.

Each leadership level carries unique strikes and Leadership Auras. Some of these strikes include Gas Bombardments, Strafing Runs, UAVs and Cluster Bombs to help turn the tide of battle. But it doesn’t just stop there; you also get powerful abilities that affect your whole squad: “Leadership Auras”. When your teammates are within a certain radius of you they get further enhancements to their combat readiness. Faster reloads, movement, increased stealth, regenerating health, are some of the very-powerful perks at your disposal.


Frago System:
Simple and intuitive, this system is at your disposal when you’re in the squad leader role. You mark or “Frago” an objective which alters the primary objective for your squad. To help encourage squad mates to follow your orders, bonus XP is awarded for not only completing the objective but taking any actions in its vicinity including kills, revives, heals, etc. It adds up really fast, so players who want to quickly advance their character should follow orders and work as a team to achieve their objectives!


Overview of features:
- 64, 128, and 256 player team based FPS battles.
- Persistent battles where contracts are awarded to the best performing PMCs granting them additional perks and buffs.
- Character leveling and progression trees similar to other MMO’s allowing you to custom tune your soldier to your desired play style / role.
- Leadership roles for eligible players, granting perks to your teammates as well as devastating special abilities that can swing the tide of the battle.
- 15 maps available at launch ranging from 256 square meters to 1 square kilometer in size.
- 5 game modes available: Training, Suppression, Domination, Sabotage and Acquisition.
- Each PMC has their own unique customizable look, weaponry, vehicles, environments, user interface and music.
- Clan support along with party system available for you and your friends.
- Comprehensive stat tracking.
- Voice chat and in game messaging.
- Online only, requires PSN id and broadband internet service.
- Trophies, medals and ribbons to help you stand out from the masses, or get your OCD fix.

*Future DLC/Support plans TBA post-release.

Release Dates:
NA - 1/26/10
EU - 1/29/10
JP - 1/28/10

*Australia rumored 1/28/10*

Pre-order bonuses: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/09/mag-pre-order-bonuses-choose-your-pmc/
*NOTE - The Valor model is from Pre-ordering via Best Buy, it's not listed there.

Dynamic XMB Themes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERqxmegYDYs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix7HYKqS0t8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SCx5snfzog


Official Site: www.mag.com

Facebook Fun found by BradleyUK:
S.V.E.R. PMC
Valor Company, Inc.
Raven Industries[/QUOTE]

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Gameplay Videos:
Preview & Dev interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuTyFOV_7ho
Preview & Dev interview: http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/01/mag-ces-event-and-new-tournament-details/
Command & Control: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/exclusive-command-mag/52372
Weapons & Loadout: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/weapons-and-mag/58819
Mission Walkthrough: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/dynamic-mission-mag/58817

Cagen's PMC recruitment thread


Click's Wallpapers



















Trophy Whor... Collector's List
Bronze

* Angel of Mercy – 25 enemies killed in their in incapacitated state over a career
* Boom Town – Earn the Mortar Demolition, Total Blackout and AAA Demolition Ribbons
* Close Call — Earn three Bomb Squad Ribbons
* Clown Car – Awarded when a player destroys an APC or a Bunker, killing two players
* Commandon’t – Awarded when a player kills 50 of a certain specialty: Commando
* Coughing Killer – Killed an enemy while affect by poison gas grenades
* Dropping Like Flies – Destroy five enemy helicopters
* Duteous Maximus – Be on the winning faction for 10 Directive matches
* Efficiency Engineer – Earn three Bunker Buster Ribbons
* I Drink Your Milkshake – Awarded when a player kills 50 of a certain specialty: Field Support
* I Got 5 On It – Kill 5 enemies with a single Strategic Strike, excluding Poison Gas Barrage
* In Your Face – Earn five Combat Melee Ribbons
* Jack of One Trade – Awarded when a player reaches the bottom tier of a skill tree
* Junkyard Jockey – Earn three Mr. Badwrench Ribbons
* Lil Buddy – Earn two Purple Sidekick Ribbons
* Mia Culpa – Kill 50 enemies in a turret over a career
* Out of Scope – Awarded when a player kills 50 of a certain specialty: Sniper
* Screeching Halt – Awarded when a player kills 50 of a certain specialty: Rapid Assault
* Target Practice – Awarded when a player shoots down 25 paratroopers over a career
* The Harder They Fall – Awarded when a player kills 50 of a certain specialty: Direct Action

Silver

* A Whole Lotta Hurt – Earn five Combat Machine Gun Ribbons and five Combat Fragger Ribbons
* Baby Need a Bandage? – Earn 5 Silver Cross Ribbons and 5 Golden Cross Ribbons
* Chest Candy – Awarded when a player has earned one of every ribbon
* Devil Dog – Earn 5 Combat Assault Ribbons and 5 Combat Sidearm Ribbons
* Double Trouble – Earn the Golden Cross Medal and the Grim Reaper Medal
* Hammer of the Gods – Called in 50 cluster bombs or mortar barrages
* Headhunter – Earn 5 Silver Bullet Ribbons, the Longshot Ribbon and the Sniper Master Specialist Medal
* Precious Cargo – Destroy 20 Escort Vehicles over a career
* Silent But Deadly – Awarded when a player kills 25 enemies with Poison Gas over a career
* Steamroller – Have a 3-to-1 Kill-to-Death Ratio in any match
* Take Me to Your Leader – Earn 1 win as a squad leader
* The Streaker – Earn the Streaker Medal
* Triple Threat – Earn 5 Silver Cross Ribbons, 5 Master Engineer Ribbons and the Grim Reaper Medal

Gold

* Commandant in Chief – Awarded when a player reaches level 60 with a Raven character
* Eager Beaver – Awarded when a player has earned one of each medal
* Prima Noyan – Awarded when a player reaches level 60 with a S.V.E.R. character
* Sergeant Major – Awarded when a player reaches level 60 with a Valor character

Platinum

* Massive Action Gamer – Won All Trophies

Cagen's Avatars:

valor.jpg
valor3.jpg
valor2.jpg

sver.jpg
sver4.jpg
sver2.jpg
sver3.jpg

raven.jpg
raven4.jpg
raven2.jpg
raven3.jpg

mag.jpg
mag2.jpg


Ports to check:
Das-J said:
Someone earlier asked about network port ranges...

All the ports below need to be open for outgoing connections:

80 Web
10020 TCP
10072 TCP
10073 UDP
10075 TCP
10078 TCP
10060 – 10061 TCP
10079 – 10090 TCP
50000 – 55000 UDP

Special Thanks to: BruceLeeRoy, Cagen, Click, Das-J, and Bamelin's Open Beta Thread

First DLC Update:

Interdiction will be the first major DLC update to MAG. While there maybe more details we still don't have yet, here's what we know so far:

- 3 New maps
- 1 New gameplay mode: Interdiction which is a "control point" mode where each PMC in the battle spawns at one end of the map, along with 8 APCs to serve as your only mobile spawn points. So, not only must your team go offensive and defensive on the control points, but also the APCs which will be critical for respawns in the fight opposed to the run back to the fight. As you control one of 3 points, you drain the enemy resource bar to win.
- Interdiction is a 128-player mode, so, 64v64p.
- New trophies and ribbons to earn
- New "Improved Heavy Armor" available

Price of this pretty good sized DLC is $9.99, to be launched on June 22nd.

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2010/06/08/mag-interdiction-dlc-on-june-22/

New "massive" patch/dlc info:


SolidusDave said:
why? I think this is related Sony news:

along with the Move support announcement there is now also a little info blowout about the updates/DLC for MAG in the coming months:

http://blog.mag.com/blog/2010/08/mag-moves-plus-our-new-beta-program/

Clan Deploy:
- allows clan leaders to choose any game type and queue up to 128 clan members for matches as a team

new Skill tree system:
- improves how our character customization system works
- new skills and new abilities

in-game economy system:
- allows users to earn “Credit Points” by completing objectives, finishing missions, and killing enemies. They can then spend those points to purchase:
- new weapons and gear.

also multiple character slots and more

upcoming DLC game-type, “Escalation”:
- The most frenetic MAG game mode yet, Escalation offers three brand-new faction-neutral maps that pit a total of 96 players from all three PMCs against each other simultaneously. For the first time ever, Raven, Valor and SVER will be on a single map going after the same objectives at the same time.
- maps have never-before-seen environments
- nine new weapons

READ:
***all MAG players are invited to test the stuff above and more in the all-new MAG Beta program starting next week (August 24):
- To participate in the new MAG beta, all you have to do is download the client software from the PlayStation Store when it becomes available next week, insert your MAG disc into the PlayStation 3, sign-in to the beta client and… BOOM!

That's bascially what's set for release this autumn (and now during the beta available for everyone). Even more stuff is said to be planned for the future.


Shots from the new maps:

wAlcM.jpg


Jr4e7.jpg

MAG Goes Greatest Hits! Yep, it's much cheaper, and it hit right when Patch 2.0 was released for some great timing. Any fence sitters, nows the time to grab it!

MAG Patch 2.0 - Live as of, well, today!

In a stealthy manner, Zipper released what's basically MAG 2.0, not just a patch 2.0. Yes, the changes were that dramatic. Skill trees totally revamped, new skill and abilities, new way to purchase weapons/gear/accessories, the list goes on and on. Check out the changes for yourself, which also includes Move support.

Oh hi, BTW, scope/zoom is L1 with move, a button above the trigger apparently.


http://blog.mag.com/blog/2010/09/patch-alert-mag-2-0/


So what's next for Zipper? Well, they're continuing to support the already best supported shooter this gen with you guessed it, another game mode. Most signs point to pay for DLC, this mode pits all 3 PMCs against each other in fast-sweeping control point style battles. More info to come!
 

J-Rzez

Member
Click said:
OMG... it's here!

Good job, J-Rzez!

Thanks! Took me a while, been busy... shooting people in the tourney, drinking, football, and other not-so important life stuff. :p

Corran Horn said:
Nice...all of GAF should just play on SVER so we can have a large army! :D

SURE!
 

Kowak

Banned
Good work j-rzez.

fucking takes the piss that america gets it before europe, everyone is gonna have levelled up before i get in the game.
 

theBishop

Banned
Not to get too simplistic about the companies, but I generally had a much better experience in Raven than Valor. Not only is the Valor Sabotage map hard to defend, but the IGN tourney players seem completely unwilling to coordinate. Dunno if the retail will be this way, but I'm not going to find out.
 
Once you've picked a PMC, are you stuck with it forever or are you free to change sides? Is there a punishment for defecting to a different PMC? Or do you get to set up different profiles or what?
 

Snuggles

erotic butter maelstrom
Eh, I should redownload the beta. I tried it for a few hours when it first became available, I was mostly confused and didn't get a good first impression from it but maybe if I get a better idea of what I'm supposed to be doing I can have a little fun with this.
Put me down for "not sure", but I am interested and I need a new multiplayer game.
 

Arnie

Member
Awesome thread title. DAY 1 for this game. The original Beta really impressed me, can't wait to dig into the retail release. I hope this game gets the fanbase it deserves.
 

Cagen

Member
Kowak said:
Good work j-rzez.

fucking takes the piss that america gets it before europe, everyone is gonna have levelled up before i get in the game.
Tell me about it, that's what we get for having Friday releases :(. Hopefully I'll have the whole weekend off so I can vegetate in front of my TV. It's my birthday on the 29th though, so not sure how much playing I'll get to do day one, heh.

Good job on the thread J, the release draws ever closer. EuroGAF assemble!
 
Nice thread J! Can't wait for football to end, so I can get some tourney time in. More importantly, can't wait for the 26th for the real deal. See you all online!
 
D

Deleted member 30609

Unconfirmed Member
community response is going to play a big part in whether or not I give this game a proper look, because as of right now, as someone who doesn't play many online shooters, I am not sold.
 

Triz

Member
Not sure if it will pull the MW2 crowd away from MW2. Community is needed to drive the game and most the people this is aimed at are currently in MW2 or waiting for Battlefield bad company.
 

TheFallen

Member
So, finally got a bluetooth headset for MAG. I'm having trouble using it online though. Seems to work fine when I test it in the PS3 settings. Can't seem to talk in-game though. I can hear everyone fine however. Anyone have a clue?
 

Fersis

It is illegal to Tag Fish in Tag Fishing Sanctuaries by law 38.36 of the GAF Wildlife Act
Rez said:
community response is going to play a big part in whether or not I give this game a proper look, because as of right now, as someone who doesn't play many online shooters, I am not sold.
Battlefield BC2 is the game for scrubs like us. MAG is for the hardcore.
 

Wes

venison crêpe
The beta was so compelling. I miss Raven GAF's objective defending and my runing through gunfire and explosions to revive people :D
 

Cagen

Member
gunther said:
Maybe someone should add link to the MAG thread on the online forums to the OP,
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385029.
I'll be buying this in febreary. The beta was fucking awesome!!!!:


PLEASE BUY THIS GAME!!!!

Already done.

VibratingDonkey said:
Once you've picked a PMC, are you stuck with it forever or are you free to change sides? Is there a punishment for defecting to a different PMC? Or do you get to set up different profiles or what?

One character, thus one PMC per PSN account. You can delete your character and pick a different PMC if you aren't happy with your choice. If you want to play on multiple PMCs, multiple PSN accounts are needed.
 

sk3tch

Member
Nice job on the OP, Johnny.

Sony PS3 BT Mic coming mid-week...playing in the IGN beta now and the game is fully paid off at Gamestop (picking up at Midnight on release!).

S.V.E.R. 4 LIFE!
 

Jubs

Member
I loved the beta. BFBC2 beta couldn't hook me the way MAG did. But due to shrinking funds, I won't be getting this day 1 unfortunately.

Once I hear of a sale or price drop, than I'll be much more willing to plop down the cash for it.
 

J-Rzez

Member
gunther said:
Maybe someone should add link to the MAG thread on the online forums to the OP,
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385029.
I'll be buying this in febreary. The beta was fucking awesome!!!!:


PLEASE BUY THIS GAME!!!!

It's up there already, just click on Cagen's awesome banner, takes you there.

MrTroubleMaker said:
will this be up on PSN as well?

No. Too large of a game to DL.

Fersis said:
Battlefield BC2 is the game for scrubs like us. MAG is for the hardcore.

The game accommodates "scrubs" and casuals just as nicely as the hardcore.
 

Brazil

Living in the shadow of Amaz
Will servers be region-locked?

I'm wondering 'cause I'm willing to grab the European version of the game, since I'll be there when it releases.
 

NIGHT-

Member
Didn't realize this was coming so soon. I may have to jump on board depending on reviews and Gaf impressions
 

Norml

Member
Needs better pics:(

MAG is one of the most addictive games I ever played! Been playing the beta until a headache comes on and forces me to stop:lol
 
Great title and awesome OP J-Rzez. The only thing its missing is a giant "Buy a Fucking Mic!" banner emblazoned along the bottom ;P

Come launch I'll see you Gaffers on the battlefield. Looks like me and my group is going Valor, but SVER is our second choice if that doesn't vibe for us.
 

slider

Member
I've been an idiot with this. I really like the concept and amn excited by it's imminent release. However being generally crap at gaming I should've given it at least a little bit of attention during the beta. I'll get it but I know I'll suck and will get thoroughly schooled.

: (
 
Very nice thread!

I'm pretty excited. This is my type of game (screw k/d, it's all about suicide runs to take over objectives, baby).

The jump in quality from private beta to public beta was really fantastic, so I'm hopeful we'll see some great updates from Zipper.
 
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