That's right everyone, the steampunk themed, free MMO is getting into its closed beta phase with this new Golden Ticket fiasco. Can't say I'm surprised, this is Atlus. Could of guess they liked Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.

NeoSteam; The Shattered Continent is the first endeavor for Atlus Online, based upon an old outing of the MMO formaly known as NeoSteam Global. Now, after its announcement late last year, Atlus has let out plans for letting people in the closed beta for the MMO. Starting today, it's as simple as a random email contest; you get an email with the Golden Ticket, you win a trip to Willy Wonka's...err, you win access into the closed beta. Just be signed up to Atlus Online and you should be good to go.

I'm really looking forward to this MMO. One of the things I'm most excited about it the rumored ability to pay for "Real Life Cash" items with points you earn, possibly from playing the game, or frequenting the forums. That alone has sold me on a "I gotta fucking check this out." Plus, it'll get me to start forum posting again, and I don't really do that anymore, except to get Pokemon. Hey, gotta make sacrifices in the name of BIGCOCKZARD.

Oh yeah, and did I mention the MMO is steampunk themed? Gears, Trains, Zepplins, Elf's with wrench's, and lots of the gaseous form of water are looking to make it into this MMO. Even these cute little beings called Pom's are getting it on with large beards and brown clothing and the rumored ability to punt them like footballs. Oh yes...

So, if you're interested in NeoSteam, go ahead and sign up for Atlus Online. Since this is closed beta, it probably won't be long off until we get into open beta/official release anyway.

[via Atlus Online Forums