Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/the-game-archaeologist-are-graphical-updates-worth-the-hassle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ultima Online
"I'd play this game again if the graphics were updated."

"If they re-released this game with modern graphics, it would be way more popular."

"The Game Archaeologist is my hero, and I will name my progeny in his honor."

How many times have we heard the above statements? From my perspective as someone who tries to keep tabs on classic MMOs, I see these claims quite a lot. Such sentiments pop up in nearly every other post Massively does about older games: "This title is rock-solid except for its aging visuals. Update those, and it would recapture its former glory and then some."

This has gotten me thinking whether such logic would pan out or not. With Anarchy Online's much-hyped graphics overhaul on the way, this discussion seems to crop up more often. Is the power of a graphics conversion or overhaul strong enough to pull back in previous players and fresh blood? Or is it merely slathering on new paint over a rusting hulk?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclienteaelectronic-artsenhanced-clientfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistkingdom-rebornlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionsci-fithe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Man oh man, why couldn't I just take a month or so off of this column without getting sucked back into it? Why must classic MMOs be so compelling and newsworthy these days?

I planned to take some time off of TGA while I went through Dark Age of Camelot in Choose My Adventure (which you're all reading, yes?), but there was so much to talk about regarding older MMOs that I couldn't sit back and stay mum. Ergo, I've dashed off this special "break" column devoted to commenting on recent news about classic games. Hopefully this will help tide you over until I get back into the full swing of things in April.

On the docket for today's discussion is Vanguard's forthcoming F2P change, EverQuest's recent conversion, Anarchy Online's stunning graphic engine video, and more!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Bio break! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 195 wonders if you were actually fooled by any of the pranks that MMO studios put out there, or barring that, if some of the pranks sounded so cool that you wish they were real. For Massively's part, we brought back One Shots as a joke, and then we brought it back for real just because that was the best laugh of them all.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanetaoapril-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-dayarenanetbrantbrianna-royceclassic-mmodark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoeqoaeverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgods-and-heroesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heatwaveheatwave-interactivehumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmythologyncsoftopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastssci-fantasysci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvigilvigil-gameswar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlineTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 195Massively.com Staff55:56podcasts<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's future is so bright, it's gotta wear shades]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/anarchy-onlines-future-is-so-bright-its-gotta-wear-shades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/anarchy-onlines-future-is-so-bright-its-gotta-wear-shades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/anarchy-onlines-future-is-so-bright-its-gotta-wear-shades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Game Director Fia "Lindelu" Tjernberg is absolutely pumped about Anarchy Online's future, and she's not shy about promoting it. In a massive March development update post, Tjernberg discusses many projects the team has in the works for the loyal citizens of Rubi-Ka.

Probably the biggest change on the immediate horizon is a brand-new global market interface that will allow players to buy and sell goods to each other. The market will be accessed at special terminals in the main cities as well as portable terminals, and can trade across all dimensions. Free players can browse the market, but only subscribers can buy or sell in it. Work-in-progress screenshots of the market were also posted to the main site.

She reports that while the team was happy to show off the upgraded graphics engine this past week, there's still a ways to go before it hits live. Other projects that occupy the devs' time are improving the new player experience, balancing professions, and a streamlined game launcher with a graphical character selection screen.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online's future is so bright, it's gotta wear shades originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmodev-blogdev-diarydev-updatedevelopment-updateFia-Tjernbergfuncomglobal-marketgraphics-engine-updategraphics-updateLindelurubi-kasci-fiSat, 31 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's Fia Tjernberg talks graphics engine update and the future of the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/anarchy-onlines-fia-tjernberg-talks-graphics-engine-update-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/anarchy-onlines-fia-tjernberg-talks-graphics-engine-update-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/anarchy-onlines-fia-tjernberg-talks-graphics-engine-update-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Anarchy Online
Anarchy Online players have been anxiously awaiting the game's upcoming graphics engine upgrade for some time now, and new details are slowly but surely beginning to drip down the pipeline. The latest of these new bits of information is an interview with Game Director Fia Tjernberg that also includes a new preview video showing off "dynamic grass, shadow, water, and god-rays" in the new engine.

The interview itself only touches very briefly on the subject of the new engine itself, however, and in fact focuses more on the history of Anarchy Online as well as the direction that the team plans to take the game in the future. Tjernberg reveals that the team is "working towards a massive overhaul of [the game's] systems mechanics and content interaction," as well as "releasing a new starting area - nay strike that - a completely new starting experience," which should give new players and veterans alike plenty to look forward to in the future. To check out the new graphics engine preview video, just skip on past the cut, then click over to MMORPG.com for the full interview.

Continue reading Anarchy Online's Fia Tjernberg talks graphics engine update and the future of the game

MassivelyAnarchy Online's Fia Tjernberg talks graphics engine update and the future of the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmof2pfia-tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-engine-updateinterviewinterviewsnew-player-experiencesci-fiupdatesvideovideosTue, 27 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's new graphics engine wows Funcom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Anarchy Online looks to be in good hands, as Game Director Fia Tjernberg returns for her second comprehensive development update. The update, which discusses the projects that the team's been working on, covers the past month in detail while hinting at future goodies.

Tjernberg stresses that the entire team works just on Anarchy Online and nothing else and has put a wrap on the first video showing off the new graphics engine. According to her, Funcom's marketers got so excited after seeing it that the studio decided to flex some additional muscle to promote it in the near future. "The artists are more confident working with the settings and materials," she writes, "and they learned what they can do to really make a difference in quality."

Other areas that the letter covered include an AO-specific world-building tool that the team's constructed, work on the new beginner experience that will tie in with the upcoming engine, the re-evaluation of professions to emphasize roles, and the details behind the upcoming server transfers. All players will be moved onto a new server that will, according to her, "keep [Anarchy Online] running smoothly for another ten years."

Tjernberg also teases the next game update by saying that preliminary patch notes could arrive by the end of March.

MassivelyAnarchy Online's new graphics engine wows Funcom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoFia-Tjernbergfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-updatemontly-development-updatenew-graphics-enginepatchpatch-notesproducers-letterserver-mergeupdateWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's new game director details early 2012 plans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/anarchy-onlines-new-game-director-details-early-2012-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/anarchy-onlines-new-game-director-details-early-2012-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/anarchy-onlines-new-game-director-details-early-2012-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Anarchy Online
We haven't heard a whole lot from Funcom's old-school sci-fi MMO Anarchy Online since mid-December when the game's producer bowed out. Today, however, the new game director, Fia "Lindelu" Tjernberg, stopped by the game's official forums to give players a bit of an update on what they can expect from the first months of the new year.

For starters, Tjernberg gives players a progress report on the game's upcoming shiny new graphics engine. She goes on to explain that "[Funcom's] artists have been preparing a couple of playfields to a standard that is very close to what we're aiming for," and adds that the first video of the new engine should hit sometime in February. Another large priority for the team for early 2012 is the new player experience, but perhaps most importantly of all is the "balancing act," as Tjernberg puts it, which (predictably) aims to bring the game's professions into balance "a little bit at a time."

For the full details on Anarchy Online's plans for the next couple of months, just click on through the link below.

MassivelyAnarchy Online's new game director details early 2012 plans originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchyanarchy-onlineaobalancebalancingbalancing-actenginef2pfia-tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomgraphic-enginegraphics-enginelindelunew-player-experiencenew-playersupdateupdatesTue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionaion-gameAnarchy-Onlineaocccpccp-eveccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroescocohcraft-of-godscraft-of-the-godscraftingcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalleden-eternaleq-1eq-2eq-ieq-iieveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineever-quest-1ever-quest-2ever-quest-iever-quest-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiflyffFuncomglitchguild-housinghousingking-of-kings-3liden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroluna-onlinemabinogimission-architectnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesplanetsideplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-housingplayer-run-economyrunescapeRyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoe-eq-1soe-eq-2soe-eq-isoe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-1sony-eq-2sony-eq-isony-eq-iisquare-enixst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineturbineTurbine-EntertainmentUltima-OnlineUOvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldwar-of-the-immortalswizard-101xbox-360XsyonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's Colin Cragg steps down as producer and game director]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/anarchy-onlines-colin-cragg-steps-down-as-producer-and-game-dir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/anarchy-onlines-colin-cragg-steps-down-as-producer-and-game-dir/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/anarchy-onlines-colin-cragg-steps-down-as-producer-and-game-dir/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Colin Cragg
Anarchy Online players know Colin "Means" Cragg quite well at this point, as Cragg has worked at Funcom since 2004 and handled the roles of both producer and game director in recent years. Sadly, Cragg announced that he will be leaving the company at the end of the month to "pursue another challenge" and be closer to his family in Sweden.

"When I look at the passion this team and the community has for Anarchy Online it has always made me feel privileged just to get to be a part of it," Cragg wrote in his farewell letter. "It has been an incredible honor to get to spend the last eight years working with Anarchy Online and being a part of the Funcom family."

Two Funcom employees will split his former duties. Dave "Ilaliya" Williams, who has worked on both Age of Conan and The Secret World, will take over as producer. Filling the game director shoes is Fia "Lindelu" Tjernberg, a long-time member of the Anarchy Online dev team.

MassivelyAnarchy Online's Colin Cragg steps down as producer and game director originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananarchy-onlineaocolin-craggdave-williamsf2pFia-Tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomgame-directorIlaliyaLindelumeansproducerthe-secret-worldFri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online gets its own convention in 2012: AO Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/anarchy-online-gets-its-own-convention-in-2012-ao-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/anarchy-online-gets-its-own-convention-in-2012-ao-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/anarchy-online-gets-its-own-convention-in-2012-ao-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Most MMO communities can only dream that their game would be as popular and supported as to get their own convention. A rare few see either studio- or fan-based efforts make this dream a reality. In 2012, Anarchy Online gamers will finally -- after 11 years -- join these revelers with their own convention: AO Con.

GridStream Productions is putting on the first-ever Anarchy Online convention in Grand Rapids, Michigan on August 10th through 12th, 2012. The convention will take place at the Grand Rapids Airport Hilton, and is scheduled to have DJs, costume contests, panels, and meet-n-greets.

Registration is affordable -- it's only $25 to attend the three-day convention, but you have to be 18 by August 2012 in order to go. GridStream Productions is an in-game organization that primarily focuses on putting out Anarchy Online broadcasts.

MassivelyAnarchy Online gets its own convention in 2012: AO Con originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoao-conao-con-2012conconventioncostume-contestdance-partyfan-conventionfandomfansfuncomgridstream-productionsWed, 07 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Classic MMOs in November]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-classic-mmos-in-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-classic-mmos-in-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-classic-mmos-in-november/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
It's seemed like every time I turned around in November, a spritely old-timer of an MMO was showing that it wasn't quite out of the running just yet. I mean, heck, we actually got word of a big change to Battleground Europe, prompting millions to throw their hands up and exclaim, "World War II Online is still actually online? Holy donkeys!"

In a way, I think these older MMOs get a free pass to escape the craziness of having to compete with more modern titles, and as such, they're more confident in their position and freer to pursue whatever is best for the game. You know, instead of trying to ape World of Warcraft (which probably aped them first in the great circle of apes).

So what's been going on with our favorite classic MMOs last month? Let's cast our UltraVision[TM] back on the events of November to see what's been up with four games and their communities.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Classic MMOs in November

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Classic MMOs in November originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertanarchy-onlinebattleground-europeColin-Craggcommunityfeaturedfuncomrunescapesantaleetstar-wars-galaxiesswgtale-viteppythe-game-archaeologistworld-of-warcraftworld-war-ii-onlinewowTue, 06 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom signs on for Extra Life charity event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/funcom-signs-on-for-extra-life-charity-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/funcom-signs-on-for-extra-life-charity-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/funcom-signs-on-for-extra-life-charity-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Extra Life logo
Trion isn't the only MMO studio ponying up for charity on October 15th. Funcom is also partnering with Extra Life for a bleary-eyed 24-hour gaming marathon designed to raise money and awareness for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Here's how it works: You'll need to register with Extra Life and collect pledges from friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you come across. Then you can join either the Age of Conan or Anarchy Online in-game event and try to stay awake. What's in it for you? Well, aside from doing the right thing to help a bunch of kids in need, you might win beta access to The Secret World. While you're at it, don't forget to follow Massively's own Beau Hindman (and donate as much as you're able) as he embarks on his own Extra Life marathon.

MassivelyFuncom signs on for Extra Life charity event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-hour-gaming-marathonage-of-conananarchy-onlineaoaoccharitychildrens-miracle-networkdonationsextra-lifefuncomreal-world-eventsWed, 12 Oct 2011 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online 'heads' into the future with new screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/anarchy-online-heads-into-the-future-with-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/anarchy-online-heads-into-the-future-with-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/anarchy-online-heads-into-the-future-with-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anarchy Online
Is Anarchy Online's visual makeover project picking up steam? Considering that Funcom's posted two batches of improved screenshots within a month, we think so!

Today Brad "Kintaii" McAtee posted four new pictures of Anarchy Online's upgraded looks. Two are high-definition renders of the city of Tir, one shows off the remodeled character heads, and one is a complete mystery for players to decipher. "Any guesses on what it could be?" McAtee taunts.

The visual overhaul is "coming along swimmingly," according to McAtee. Last week Anarchy Online's Colin Cragg reported that the team is 90% done with remodeling over 390 heads for the game. "This has been a very long haul, but it is amazing to see the strides made every week now," Cragg wrote. "I am 'cautiously optimistic'...let's leave it at that."

You can view all of the new screenshots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Anarchy Online

MassivelyAnarchy Online 'heads' into the future with new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlinebrad-l-mcateebrad-mcateecolin-craggfuncomgallerygraphicsgraphics-engineheadsmysteryscreenshotstirvisual-overhaulvisualsFri, 30 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online shows a glimpse of its future makeover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/anarchy-online-shows-a-glimpse-of-its-future-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/anarchy-online-shows-a-glimpse-of-its-future-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/03/anarchy-online-shows-a-glimpse-of-its-future-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Anarchy Online Tir
News of the much-anticipated Anarchy Online graphics revamp has been sparse, to say the least, so to see six brand-new screens of the updated engine is like a cold drink of water after an endless trek through IKEA. Seriously, it takes like two hours just to navigate through that store!

Director/Producer Colin Cragg posted the six updated screenshots showing off the city of Tir on the Anarchy Online forums today. The screenies don't just have fans of the long-running MMO pumped, but the Anarchy Online team as well. "I have to keep shooing the rest of the team away from Parsed's desk...this is probably a good sign," Cragg writes.

AO players have been waiting for the promised new graphic engine at least since 2009, so this is a good sign that Funcom is on track to update its oldest MMO with a 2011 veneer. You can check out all six screens in the gallery below.

[Thanks to Kane Hart for the tip!]

Gallery: Anarchy Online

MassivelyAnarchy Online shows a glimpse of its future makeover originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaocolin-craggfuncomgraphical-revampgraphical-updategraphics-engineikeaParsedrevampscreencapsscreenshotstirvisual-revampSat, 03 Sep 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Today's One Shots comes from Massively reader and Anarchy Online fan Jerry:
The character in the black dress is Redmorgan, a level 220 Meta-Physicist. The black dress is a Halloween social clothes item earned from killing Halloween Leets near PvP Tower sites. The blue item in Redmorgan's hand is a bow weapon. The green monster behind Redmorgan is her pet, a mortig, which helps her do damage. MPs also have healing pets and mezz pets. Redmorgan is sitting down at a park in Omni Entertainment called "Checkers," so named because the park looks like a checkerboard on the map.
Ready to show off your gear? Send a screenshot of your favorite items to oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a paragraph or two telling us what your items are and how you got them! Don't forget that we're also planning for pet week next week -- send us your best pet screenshots and let us know all about them.

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Dressed to kill originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaof2pfree-to-playfuncomgalleriesgallerymeta-physicistone-shotspetssci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 29 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online celebrates 10 years this weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/anarchy-online-celebrates-10-years-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/anarchy-online-celebrates-10-years-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/anarchy-online-celebrates-10-years-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It seems like there's an MMO anniversary happening every other day around these parts. While it's indeed commendable for some of these games to last a year or three, Funcom's Anarchy Online has just reached the lofty summit reserved for the likes of EverQuest and Ultima Online: Yep, Rubi-Ka is 10 years old and still going strong.

Funcom has issued a press release that's heavy on the innovative aspects of the world's first sci-fi MMORPG. "Instancing, massive player vs. player combat, digital download of games, in-game advertisement, virtual world radio, concerts, virtual items, and freemium business models" are just a few of the initiatives that showed up early in Anarchy Online. The release also serves to accentuate how much has changed since the game's genesis, as it notes that AO's original 1995 design document questioned the future viability of the internet and hoped for 2,500 subscribers.

No 10-year anniversary would be complete without a respectable bash, and Funcom's release also outlines the festivities coming your way in the form of events and new content. The party (jointly produced by Funcom and Gridstream Productions) starts tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. EDT and will continue into the weekend. Even if you're not up for virtual dancing, you'll want to check it out for a new birthday raid, new vehicles, clothing, gear, action figures, and pets. Head to the official website to learn more.

MassivelyAnarchy Online celebrates 10 years this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-year-anniversaryanarchy-onlineanniversaryaobirthday-raidf2pfree-to-playfreemiumfuncomin-game-eventinstancinglongevitymmo-industrynew-contentnew-gearnew-petspartyrubi-kasci-fiThu, 23 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Fifty games for the mobile lifestyle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/mmobility-fifty-games-for-the-mobile-lifestyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/mmobility-fifty-games-for-the-mobile-lifestyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/mmobility-fifty-games-for-the-mobile-lifestyle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I like lists. Lists help keep my candy-coated brain functioning. I see so many games, devices, and developers that I need to write things down periodically or become lost. Not so long ago I made a list of 25 games for your shiny new laptop, but I wanted to update it with other devices as well. I'd like to clarify the devices I have, though, especially since it was brought to my attention that a lot of players use laptops as their primary gaming machines. When I refer to a laptop, it is far from a gaming machine and could not run games like EverQuest II or Age of Conan.

So here are some stats: I have an HTC Inspire, an iPhone 3GS, an iPad, a Phenom Triple-core PC desktop with an Nvidia 9800 card, six gigs of ram and onboard sound. My laptop is an HP G62 with an AMD Athlon II P340 dual core processor, three gigs of ram and an AMD graphics chip built in. I also have a more powerful gaming PC, but that is often referred to as "the wife's machine" around here, and it is so packed with her items that I rarely touch it. So most of these games can be run on their native devices, and if they are meant for PC, probably on netbooks as well. When I'm playing on netbooks, resolution is often the major issue. Some games just will not fit on the tiny screens without some slight modding.

Anyway, click past the cut to see the list. The first 11 are my favorites, the ones that I play often, if not every day. The rest are in no particular order, so keep that in mind as well. Remember that this year is going to be an incredible one for mobile, thanks to the new games I found at E3. So this list will change!

Continue reading MMObility: Fifty games for the mobile lifestyle

MassivelyMMObility: Fifty games for the mobile lifestyle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landadventurequest-worldsAnarchy-Onlineasherons-callatmosphirbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanccpcity-of-eternalsClone-Wars-Adventurescrowns-of-powerdark-orbitdark-orbit-gamesdie2niteDofusdomain-of-heroesdragon-fabledungeon-blitzeden-eternaleve-onlineeverquestf2pfeaturedfleckfree-realmsfree-to-playftpfusion-fallgilfors-talesglitchgunshineillyriadkingsisle-entertainmentlinkrealmsmabinogiMapleStorymilmoministry-of-warmiramagiaMMObilitymobilemonkey-questmonster-forestnadirimNexonorder-and-chaos-onlinepets-vs-monsterspirate-galaxypocket-legendspockie-ninjapoptropicapuzzle-piratesrunescapeshin-megami-tensei-imagine-onlineSOEspiral-knightsThreeRingstravianswakfuwizard-101World-of-WarcraftzentiaTue, 21 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Because we are true geeks, last weekend my wife and I went to see X-Men: First Class. Afterward, we got into a discussion about what mutant power we'd pick for ourselves if we had the choice. I was torn between teleportation and quick healing, while my wife wanted to be able to turn into cash to pay off our mortgage. I think one of us is more grounded in the real world than the other.

But the more I think about it, the more I was intrigued with the idea of a shapeshifter. To be anyone would give you unparalleled freedom -- and plenty of chances to get into mischief, too. Come to think of it, it's probably best I'm not granted that particular superpower.

However, plenty of MMOs do give players the chance to shift between their normal forms and something else entirely. While there are far more than 10 examples that the brain trust over here came up with, I'm going to pick out my favorites to highlight.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureraliensanarchy-onlineaoarchetypechronicles-of-spellborncity-of-heroescohcount-choculadervishdruiddruidsdwarfeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifacehuggerfeaturedfurygrim-reaperguild-warsgwkheldiankheldiansleetlichlich-formmoonkinmorphmorphsmysticnecromancerperfect-10perfect-tenpolymorphriftrift-planes-of-telarashapeshiftshapeshiftersshapeshiftingteam-edwardteam-jacobthe-chronicles-of-spellbornthe-countultima-onlineuovampirevampire-formwardenworgenworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Anarchy Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/rise-and-shiny-recap-anarchy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/rise-and-shiny-recap-anarchy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/23/rise-and-shiny-recap-anarchy-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Older MMOs are interesting creatures. If they are subscription-based, they tend to lose players until they get down to a hardcore number, and then they are eventually shut down. World of Warcraft will eventually lose most of its numbers, too. In 20 years or so I fully expect to see players still playing it, though, talking about how the controls and game mechanics are still a lot of fun. If the game is from SOE, it might go on for ever and ever, albeit without much of a development team.

Anarchy Online is a great example of how a game can age very, very gracefully. Perhaps newer games should look at AO to see how to keep both their dignity and their core players as the games approach their golden years. I tried to put my finger on exactly why AO seems to have held up so well, how it can still suck in "new" players like yours truly, and how it can still thrill with its lore and setting. How do you even get away with graphics like that in an age of players who literally think that upgrading their PCs every two years is a mark of pride?

Click past the cut and I'll tell you.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Anarchy Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Anarchy Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-OnlineAObeau-hindmancommunityf2pfree-to-playfreemiumftpFuncomfuncom-gamesfuturisticrise-and-shinySandboxsci-fiscience-fictionskill-basedWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 23 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST