Apparently IGG's Lords Online, a browser based MMO/RTS hybrid game, is doing quite well, as the game just recently went open beta and they're already announcing "rave reviews!" True or not, this seems to have also spurred on their development team, as IGG has just released some new updates to Lords Online, including unique troop formation attacks, improved effect bonuses and spells and some new alliance technology.

IGG notes that this update will be the biggest add-on since the alpha test of Lords Online, so fans may be in for a treat when they play tomorrow. You can check out the newest additions after the jump.

IGG's self-developed MMO/RTS hybrid Lords Online is set to enter closed beta tonight at 8 p.m. EST, and it's enticing players to participate by giving one lucky player an Apple Tablet! The "iSlate" is generating a ton of buzz and is expected to launch in March.

Getting back to Lords Online, IGG will be selecting 20 closed beta participants per day through Jan. 21 to win items like point cards and resource packs. On Jan. 25, one of those players will win the Apple Tablet. Check out the full announcement after the jump for more details.

IGG has announced that its self-developed MMO/RTS hybrid Lords Online will be entering closed beta in January 2010. The alpha test just ended today after launching on Dec. 3.

Closed beta keys will be distributed through the official Lords Online site, so keep an eye on it if you'd like to try out the medieval-style strategy game.

The development of the upcoming MMORPG/RTS hybrid, Lords Online, was influenced from the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset, IGG said in a press release on Thursday. The free-to-play, browser-based game is the next slated to join IGG's hefty lineup of micro-transaction MMOs, which enters its Alpha testing phase any day now. As we reported earlier this summer, Lords Online "is an elaborate SLG game that is set in a medieval style land that is in constant conflict," according to IGG. "It features administrative controls, alliance building and hero-nurturing systems blended with classic AD&D rules."

IGG finally expanded on the connection to the "classic AD&D rules" it mentioned in last summer's press release, explaining the influence is tied to the AD&D "Lord mode" adventures. IGG says this aspect is what sets it apart from traditional strategy or RTS games; in Lords Online, players can recruit heroes to fight alongside their characters. The Lords Online "Hero Attributes" also draw inspiration from the AD&D ruleset; heroes have skills and abilities based on the classic "Strength," "Agility" and "Intellect" attributes. Those hero attributes will improve over time as heroes progress in the game, depending on what they learn.

Check out the full press release after the jump, and stay tuned to our Lords Online portal site for upcoming news and announcements about the upcoming MMO.

IGG, the publisher of free-to-play games like Zu Online, Tales of Pirates Online and Angels Online, is adding a new game to the mix: Lords Online. The medieval-style strategy game is self-developed by IGG and is scheduled to enter the alpha test phase in August.

According to the announcement, Lords Online "enables players to be in command of a battle instead of placing their entire faith in the number of troops sent into battle. It also allows players to devise flexible strategies for different combat situations."

While the official site for Lords Online isn't open yet, you can check out the official forums for more information. There's currently a thread outlining the background story for the game, as well as one that provides introductions to the human, Shaba and Alec classes. The full announcement can be found below.