Not much has been said about Flagship's MMO offering, Mythos. The last time we talked about it, it was in its closed alpha stage and now we've received word that Flagship has revealed some details about the game. Apparently, the devs are saying that they started with the revolutionary style of gameplay that they pioneered in the Diablo franchise and to make the game more accessible, they offered it as a free download and play.

According to Phil Shenk, the creative director of Mythos, "through the continued support of the Flagship community, we are striving to create what will be one of the most innovative role-playing games of recent years."

The game has its setting in the land of Uld. Players assume the roles of fantasy heroes as they explore, adventure, and quest through entirely randomized dungeons and environments. You could select one of three races (Human, Elves, or Gremlins) and opt to play as a particular character class using a huge variety of skills and items. Through heroic quests players search for gold, gems, armor, and weapons, while unlocking the secrets of Uld. Mythos presents a constantly expanding, continuously updated world where something new lurks around every corner.

The game will be digitally distributed in North America and Europe in 2007 by Ping0. HanbitSoft will be responsible for distributing Mythos in Asia.

Back in December, we reported that Flagship Studios was planning to test the networking technology behind the multiplayer component of Hellgate: London. In order to do that, the company asked the help of HanbitSoft Inc. and put up Ping0 (read as Ping Zero). The joint-venture, will come up with Mythos, a new MMO that will be used as a testing platform for Hellgate.

Now, Ping0 is announcing that the "Friends and Family" closed alpha for the game will commence today between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Pacific Time. The new studio added that the opening of public testing will coincide with the launch of the official Mythos website. So if you want to be part of that project, you better apply for an invite now (via the Read link below).

Lastly, Mythos Creative Director Phil Shenk, who happens to be a founding member of Flagship Studios as well, couldn't hide his glee.

The beginning of the friends and family closed alpha is a milestone in the development of Mythos. We can't wait for the feedback from our close friends, and soon, from the larger community of dedicated Flagship fans. We are excited to be rolling out this key part of the Flagship Studios experience.

To the many gamers who have been looking forward to HanbitSoft's latest production, Hellgate: London, here's a little treat to help with the waiting. Today, we have the latest cinematic trailer for this upcoming MMORPG title.

Set is 2038, 18 years after London has been invaded by beings from Hell, players will have to take on the role that the Knights Templar and the Freemasons have been fulfilling for centuries, and join the London Underground in the fight against demons as well as to stop these creatures from completing the process of hellaforming which would turn our world into a copy of theirs. In an era known as The Burn, players will be equipped with items and weaponry which fuse modern weaponry as well as arcane magic.

In Hellgate: London, players will be able to choose to either play alone or with a group as this game relies heavily on instancing, much like Guild Wars. Also, another key factor in this game would be the customizability of one's items and weapons. Each defender must be able to build, assemble or craft his or her own gear for maximum effect, and these can then later on be customized further in case the situation requires it. Running around with a cannon that would make pyromaniacs happy, but now finding yourself confronting a fire demon? Then it might be a good idea to slap on some other element in there for the meantime.

Still unconvinced? Then perhaps this trailer can help change your mind. Enjoy!

HanbitSoft, a major Korean publisher, showcased Namco Bandai/Flagship Studios' Hellgate: London to Korean gamers over the past three days (9th-12th November). Kinda indicative that they'd be the guys who would bring a Western-developed, Japanese-published title to one of the foremost, if not THE foremost, MMORPG capitals of the world. Interesting to read the reaction of the Korean audience to the hybrid FPS/RPG.

Anyways, what's new is that HanbitSoft unveiled the multiplayer aspect of the game, reveals GameWatch (who covered the event). Previous Hellgate outings in E3 and TGS 2006 were only limited to (as translated by Google) "single play mode" (single-player mode?). For the Korean expo, 40 PC booths were connected to a central server to simulate the multiplayer experience of the game.

And judging by the lines at the event (and for the closed test that's about to begin in Korea, it seems), it seems like the Korean audience is probably taking to Hellgate like a duck to the frying pan water. But then, they are one of the foremost, if not THE foremost, MMORPG capitals of the world. Here are GameWatch's screenshots of the event and of the game in multiplayer action.

We brake for MMORPGs!

Gamecaps at the full article! Boy, do they love MMORPGs!