I swear that WindSlayer 2 looks almost exactly like the original WindSlayer, but that could be the fact that they're both 2D lookalikes of a certain game involving Maple and... Stories. Anyway.

For players interested in trying out something new while also receiving a free Premium item at the same time, head over to the WindSlayer 2 Facebook page. Throw up a "Like" onto it, then log into WindSlayer 2 and collect your phat loot! Enjoy your time in WindSlayer 2!

Outspark, the free-to-play MMO portal that offers games such as Fiesta, Wind Slayer and Secret of the Solstice, announced today that Owen Mahoney has been appointed as the company's new chief executive officer. Mahoney has more than 15 years of experience working in the digital media sector and was most recently the senior vice president of corporate and business development at Electronic Arts for nine years. He replaces Outspark's founder and current CEO Susan Choe, who will continue to serve as chairman of the board.

So what does this change mean for Outspark? According to the announcement, "Mr. Mahoney will accelerate Outspark’s continued expansion of its global user base from North America where it is has the largest free-to-play MMO audience." You can read the full press release after the jump.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the open beta test for Wind Slayer -- the fifth addition to Outspark’s free-to-play gaming portal. Many of you may be familiar with Outspark’s 3D MMOs Fiesta and Secret of the Solstice, but Wind Slayer brings some new gameplay options to the table that lets it stand out from the company’s other titles. Specifically, Wind Slayer is a 2D side-scrolling RPG with a heavy focus on PvP and ease of play.

I had the opportunity to jump into the continent of Beuritania and interact with Ryan Olsen, the Events/Promotion Marketing Manager, and Community Leader Travis Trekell. Both said Wind Slayer was designed to be one of Outspark's simplest games to date to make it accessible to a wide audience, and yet “impossible to master” for more advanced gamers. The target audience definitely seems to be casual and younger players, but the PvP aspect could certainly draw in the advanced crowd.