Aurora Blade is one of those little 2-D, Web-based MMOs, developed with a hefty amount of Asian-RPG influence. Last year we reported that the game's developer, IGG, hosted a promotion with MySpace. Today, the company launched a newly-negotiated service with MySpace.

According to the official announcement (see the full press release after the jump), "anyone with a MySpace account can log into the game without signing up for Aurora Blade account." MySpace users are able to play the MMO via a browser plug-in. IGG is also offering new users a "gift pack" including a few in-game items, and a chance to win 5,000 in-game coins and other prizes via an exlusive contest.

IGG has created a Myspace page for Aurora Blade, its first browser-based MMORPG, and is enticing players to join it with the offer of a 2X Exp Card. All you have to do is add Aurora Blade as a friend on Myspace and then post post in this thread in the AB forums. You have until Jan. 30 to take advantage of this opportunity.

Also, IGG is offering a chance at a $50 or $20 gift card to Amazon.com if you add Aurora Blade as a Myspace friend. All of the information can be found in this blog post. Of course, you also have to make a blog post on your own Myspace page about Aurora Blade to qualify. This contest ends Jan. 1.

As we previously reported, there is some controversy surrounding Aurora Blade regarding accusations of copying characters and designs from other games. As mentioned in our previous post, IGG responded to us to let us know they have "contacted the Aurora Blade developer to start an investigation on this issue" and that anti-plagiarism is one of IGG's principles.

Well, the closed beta launched this morning, and IGG is hosting numerous events in celebration, such as an adventurer's box give-away, a leveling contest and double exp. More information on the events and their durations can be found here or below.

If you're interested in trying the game out for yourself, you can obtain an activation code for the closed beta here.

Players on the Ragnarok Online forums are calling out Aurora Blade, a web-based game entering closed beta this week, for ripping off aspects of other games, including World of Warcraft, Ragnarok Online, Maple Story and LaTale.

Kotaku has some more information, as well as some comparative screenshots. Also, Shacknews has some more comparison screenshots, including ones that compare Ragnarok and Aurora Blade creatures, and others that show the similarities between World of Warcraft and Aurora Blade class icons.

IGG has posted in the Aurora Blade forums to explain they only host the game, and another company developed it and reserves all copyrights to the designs and artwork. IGG further states that any discussion of this matter on the forums is against forum rules and could lead to bans for repeat offenders. The full post is after the jump.

Aurora Blade will be entering closed beta on Friday. You can receive an activation code here.

IGG has announced they are working on their first browser-based MMORPG, Aurora Blade. It won't require any downloads or installation.

With a backdrop of Western sorcery and knightly combat, Aurora Blade offers players a fantastic game world in which players act as warriors and fight with monsters and other evil forces with only the strength of their swords and the strength of their will. They fight to protect their land and maintain their way of life.

The closed beta will begin Dec. 5 at 12:15 a.m. EST. Until then, check out these screenshots and read more about the game here or below.