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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - FATEs and dungeons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-fates-and-du/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-fates-and-du/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-fates-and-du/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

That withdrawal is a very real thing. I'm missing it.
Do you smell that on the wind, my friends? It smells like June is fast approaching, and more importantly it smells like soon we'll be able to welcome the third phase of testing with open arms. Which is good, since I am currently going through withdrawal. I wake up in cold sweats, try to change my class in other games, start up the Final Fantasy XIV beta client in the hopes that someone "accidentally" turned the servers back on... you get the general idea.

To help alleviate this, I'm going to talk about the two pieces of the game from the first two beta phases that are in need of the most polish. While there are places to improve elsewhere, FATEs and dungeons have issues that might need a bit more hammering to fix. Or they might be fine and we just haven't yet seen enough of the game to know everything. Either way, let's get started with the big addition to the game, the system that had no predecessor in Final Fantasy XIV's first version: the FATE system.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - FATEs and dungeons

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - FATEs and dungeons originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasconsoleconsolesdungeonsdynamic-eventsfantasyfatesfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfull-active-time-eventsgroup-contentmog-logopinionraidssquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 18 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

But Iron Man 3, amirite?
Early access for Marvel Heroes is just around the corner, if you consider 11 days to be a corner. It'll be a chance for everyone to get started on the process of hitting the level cap... or at least getting halfway there before grinding dailies. Your mileage may vary. DUST 514 finally ended its testing earlier this week, meaning that you can go be obliterated by an orbital strike right now if you own a PS3.

Elsewhere in the testing world, Anno Online quietly went into open beta (keep an eye out for our own Beau Hindman's look at the game later this month). There are games preparing for a beta in the future, as well, and more information about popular titles still in beta. It's been a quiet week otherwise.

That doesn't mean there isn't a list past the break. There's always a list. As always, if you see something odd on there, feel free to let us know in the comments.

Continue reading Betawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasanno-onlinebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betadust-514featuredgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmarvel-heroesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaslight Joker spotlighted in new Infinite Crisis gameplay vid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gaslight-joker-spotlighted-in-new-infinite-crisis-gameplay-vid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gaslight-joker-spotlighted-in-new-infinite-crisis-gameplay-vid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gaslight-joker-spotlighted-in-new-infinite-crisis-gameplay-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Infinite Crisis - Gaslight Joker art
Looking for a beefy enforcer who can dominate close-range combat in Infinite Crisis? Look no further than Gaslight Joker, the newest champion spotlighted in Turbine's ongoing DC-centric MOBA video reveals.

Turbine says its laughing butcher can throw hams at enemies with the Shower of Filth skill, sending them running in fear and debuffing them for good measure. The video touches on a number of other Gaslight Joker skills, too, both passive and active, and it shows off a good bit of Infinite Crisis gameplay footage in the process. See for yourself after the cut.

Continue reading Gaslight Joker spotlighted in new Infinite Crisis gameplay vid

MassivelyGaslight Joker spotlighted in new Infinite Crisis gameplay vid originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-mobagaslight-jokerinfinite-crisisinfinite-crisis-videojokermobaturbineFri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a gander at Final Fantasy XIV's character customization possibilities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/take-a-gander-at-final-fantasy-xivs-character-customization-pos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/take-a-gander-at-final-fantasy-xivs-character-customization-pos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/take-a-gander-at-final-fantasy-xivs-character-customization-pos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Take a gander at Final Fantasy XIV's character customization possibilities
The team at Square-Enix has a treat for fans eagerly awaiting Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn today: several screenshots showing off the possibilities that await in the updated character creation tool.

Several interesting looks are on display here, including vibrant hair color, hair styles, tattoos, long hair for females, plenty of sliders, and new colors for eyes. Check out these radical looks in the gallery below!

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn screenshots and concept art

MassivelyTake a gander at Final Fantasy XIV's character customization possibilities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleryred-eyesscreenshotssquaresquare-enixtattooswhiskersFri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArcheAge Chinese beta trailer impresses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/archeage-chinese-beta-trailer-impresses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/archeage-chinese-beta-trailer-impresses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/archeage-chinese-beta-trailer-impresses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge hang-gliders are badass
How's your Chinese? Mine's not very good either, but I imagine that the narrator for the new ArcheAge trailer is just saying the Mandarin word for badass over and over again for the duration of the clip's two-minute-and-29-second running time.

That's because everything in the clip is indeed badass, from the location fly-throughs to the mounts to the boat construction to the combat. The trailer is being released to build excitement for ArcheAge's Chinese beta phase, which is less than a week away. I'd say it's doing a pretty fine job of it, wouldn't you agree? Click past the cut to have a look.

Continue reading ArcheAge Chinese beta trailer impresses

MassivelyArcheAge Chinese beta trailer impresses originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagearcheage-beta-trailerarcheage-chinese-beta-trailerarcheage-trailerbadassfantasypvpsandboxsandparktrailervideoxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Heroes prepares for the end at the beginning]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/marvel-heroes-prepares-for-the-end-at-the-beginning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/marvel-heroes-prepares-for-the-end-at-the-beginning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/marvel-heroes-prepares-for-the-end-at-the-beginning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Marvel Heroes prepares for the end at the beginning
With early access to Marvel Heroes coming on May 28th and the actual launch a few days later on June 4th, the Gazillion team is on super-high alert. CEO David Brevik talked with us about the final additions that the team is putting in place, saying that most of the features are complete at this point.

Brevik most wanted to talk about Marvel Heroes' endgame. Interestingly enough, the main PvE story will take your character only about halfway to the level 60 cap. After that, Gazillion expects players to fully rely on a robust endgame to finish the journey.

The endgame is made up of three primary PvE activities (in addition to PvP): daily missions, group challenges, and survival challenges. Daily missions, which can be soloed or done in a group, are unlocked in a chain. The five-man group challenges only have a single entry at this point, although there are several variations on that challenge. Then the survival challenges can take groups of 10 to 15 players and pit them against waves of increasingly difficult foes. Difficulty for these wave battles can be lowered by grabbing shards and defeating enemies, and depending on how well your team performs, the boss could be a pushover or insanely tough. Gazillion is placing a premium on randomness and variety to keep things fresh, so don't expect all similar-looking mobs to actually be the same!

Read on for all of the last-minute changes that players will encounter when they take on their superhero personae next month!

Continue reading Marvel Heroes prepares for the end at the beginning

MassivelyMarvel Heroes prepares for the end at the beginning originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-mmocabledavid-brevikendgamef2pfeaturedfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentiron-manmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuosecret-identitysuperherosuperheroesThu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everywhere]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-wants-you-to-explore-everywhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-wants-you-to-explore-everywhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-elder-scrolls-online-wants-you-to-explore-everywhere/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everything
Any RPG player worth his or her salt knows that there are two primary maxims to making it big: explore everywhere and take everything not nailed down. Fortunately, ZeniMax subscribes to this philosophy as well, which is why the team has placed an emphasis on exploration and loot-gobbling in The Elder Scrolls Online.

In a new video, Creative Director Paul Sage shows how players can loot all manner of goods in the world and then use those items for crafting. He also points out how the world will be populated with readable books, fishable areas, hidden chests, and ability-boosting stones. So if you were wondering if it's OK to rob a church in TESO, the following video should assure you that it's more than fine -- it's encouraged.

Continue reading The Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everywhere

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online wants you to explore everywhere originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcraftingdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesoexplorationfactionslockpickinglootingmorrowindoblivionpaul-sagepvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpvideoworldzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosThu, 16 May 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA to publish new Dawngate MOBA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/ea-to-publish-new-dawngate-moba/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/ea-to-publish-new-dawngate-moba/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/ea-to-publish-new-dawngate-moba/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EA to publish new Dawngate MOBA
"Dawngate is a new MOBA, built from the ground up to look and feel familiar while offering a whole new way to experience MOBA gameplay." These are the opening words of a new website for Dawngate, developed by Waystone Games and published by EA.

Joystiq notes that the Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube links on the site are either inactive or private, leading us to believe that this game wasn't exactly meant to be public knowledge just yet. There is also speculation that Waystone Games is a dev studio reborn from the ashes of Dead Space 3's Visceral Games, which dissolved last year.

You can register for the upcoming beta through your EA Origin account.

MassivelyEA to publish new Dawngate MOBA originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawngateEAmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenavisceral-gameswaystone-gamesThu, 16 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your epeen on with these new Final Fantasy XIV screenies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-your-epeen-on-with-these-new-final-fantasy-xiv-screenies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-your-epeen-on-with-these-new-final-fantasy-xiv-screenies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-your-epeen-on-with-these-new-final-fantasy-xiv-screenies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Get your epeen on with these new Final Fantasy XIV screenies
My, that's a large... sword that you're holding at a very interesting angle, there. Compensating for something, perhaps? Maybe it's impotence caused by the long wait until Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn comes to a home PC or PS3 near you?

Then we have the cure! No, it's not a little blue pill; it's a new gallery full of FFXIV screenshots and concept art from the upcoming reboot. Check them out and feel assured that your epeen will once again be in action.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn screenshots and concept art


[Source: Square-Enix]

MassivelyGet your epeen on with these new Final Fantasy XIV screenies originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artconsoleconsolese-peenepeenfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleryscreenshotssquaresquare-enixWed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2
"This is going to be the best game most of us have built in our lives," Carbine Studios Executive Producer Jeremy Gaffney said bluntly.

The game in question, of course, is WildStar, and it represents Gaffney's 10th or so trip through the beta development chute on the way to release. There's an undeniable note of pride and calm confidence in his voice as he talks about the baby that's growing inside Carbine's womb right now, and he was definitely not shy in opening up about all of the decisions and work the team's made as WildStar heads into its second trimester... er, closed beta test.

Before that, however, Gaffney provided a recap of the first closed beta test. He said that it was pretty limited, with only 2,000 players testing out the lowbie Exile zones. The team moved some of the elder game content down in level so that people could test it out, and developers spent some time doing impromptu Q&A sessions with players in the field. As a result, Carbine is ready to shift over to the Dominion side and greatly expand the beta in size and content. Read on for the full scoop on what the next step will entail.

Continue reading Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2

MassivelyUnicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsbetabeta-testbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studioscb2closed-betaclosed-beta-2dominiondungeonfeaturedhousinghoustoninterviewinterviewsjeremy-gaffneymodsncsoftplayer-housingpreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fitestingwildstarwsWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/hi-rez-reveals-smites-isis-the-goddess-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/hi-rez-reveals-smites-isis-the-goddess-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/hi-rez-reveals-smites-isis-the-goddess-of-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

HiRez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic
Ready for the latest SMITE character reveal? Isis is here, and Hi-Rez has published a blog post and a gameplay video heralding her arrival. The Goddess of Magic is a sceptre-wielding mage -- no surprise there -- who relies on her Funeral Rites passive ability and spiffy attacks like Wing Gust and Spirit Ball.

Hi-Rez has also tweaked SMITE's level system in the latest patch. God leveling earns you worshippers after every victory, which in turn translate to God Rank for a given avatar. The devs have also changed the old player level to something called Beta level. If you reach Beta level 30 prior to SMITE's official release, you'll get a free Ymir Cocadeamon skin. There's more info on all the changes at the SMITE website, and don't forget the Isis trailer after the cut.

[Thanks Don!]

Continue reading Hi-Rez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic

MassivelyHi-Rez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgoddess-of-magichi-rezhi-rez-studiosisismobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenaSmitesmite-videovideoWed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdom Under Fire II gets 2013 launch window in SE Asia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/kingdom-under-fire-ii-gets-2013-launch-window-in-se-asia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/kingdom-under-fire-ii-gets-2013-launch-window-in-se-asia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/kingdom-under-fire-ii-gets-2013-launch-window-in-se-asia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Kingdom Under Fire II gets 2013 launch window in SE Asia
It's been a couple of years since we last heard about Kingdom Under Fire II, so it's good to check in with one of our neighborly MMOs to see... oh hey! You're launching! What are the odds that this would happen during a completely random house call?

OK, so the good news is that Kingdom Under Fire II has been scheduled for a 2013 launch. Unfortunately, the bad news is that so far this release will be limited to Southeast Asia at first. Apparently developer BlueSide wants to see the game in action in that region first before rolling it out elsewhere.

The title is a combination of action-RPG and real-time strategy, promises battlefields with "thousands" of soldiers fighting at once, and will be launching on the PC and PlayStation 3.

[Thanks to Steparu for the tip!]

MassivelyKingdom Under Fire II gets 2013 launch window in SE Asia originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetabluesidehangamekingdom-under-fireKingdom-Under-Fire-2Kingdom-Under-Fire-IIkufkuf-iikuf2large-scale-battlefieldlaunchlaunch-windowmmortsplaystation-3Playstation3ps3release-windowrtsse-asiasoutheast-asiaWed, 15 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vostok gearing up for Survarium alpha invites]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/vostok-gearing-up-for-survarium-alpha-invites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/vostok-gearing-up-for-survarium-alpha-invites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/vostok-gearing-up-for-survarium-alpha-invites/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Vostok gearing up for Survarium alpha invites
Vostok's Survarium, a spiritual sequel to the STALKER series, is getting ready to send out alpha invites. A dev diary posted yesterday on the game's official forums says that the first wave will welcome 1,000 testers into the post-apocalyptic MMO shooter's fold. Vostok says that of those 1,000 testers, no less than 200 of them will be stressing the game's servers around the clock.

The dev diary also outlines what testers can expect from the early stages of the project. The alpha, for example, is "team-based PvP combat mode only," and even this is necessarily scaled down in order to ensure that key components like shooting, movement, and synchronization are working properly.

You can register for the Survarium alpha at the game's official website.

MassivelyVostok gearing up for Survarium alpha invites originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishooterSurvariumsurvarium-alphavostokTue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[War Thunder coming to the Playstation 4 this year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-coming-to-the-playstation-4-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-coming-to-the-playstation-4-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/war-thunder-coming-to-the-playstation-4-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

War Thunder coming to the Playstation 4 this year
The military MMO formerly known as World of Planes (not to be confused with World of Warplanes) has announced a console connection today. War Thunder, currently in open beta, is coming to the PlayStation 4 in time for the 2013 holiday season.

Gaijin Entertainment's creative director Kirill Yudintsev commented on the announcement: "Partnering with Sony Computer Entertainment is the most natural progression for the War Thunder brand, from our hugely successful beginnings on PC with more than 1.5 million players, to our recent announcement that War Thunder is under development for mobile devices. We are excited to bring War Thunder to the leading next-generation platform, the PS4."

Be sure to check out the brief War Thunder Ground Forces teaser trailer just after the jump.

[Source: Gaijin Entertainment press release]

Continue reading War Thunder coming to the Playstation 4 this year

MassivelyWar Thunder coming to the Playstation 4 this year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesgaijin-entertainmentholiday-2013open-betaplaystation-4ps4sonywar-thunderworld-of-planesTue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen paytowin debate, and MOBA news
Diablo III was hit with yet another exploit this week as players discovered a way to duplicate gold via a bug in the auction house. Blizzard responded by shutting down the auction house but did not perform a server rollback to reverse the damage. Star Citizen clarified its stance on the lifetime insurance available to veteran backers amidst debate over whether it gives early adopters an unfair advantage over other players. Path of Exile also released a new Letters of Wraeclast lore feature in its latest update, and MechWarrior Online's update 15 added a new Misery mech.

Dota 2 began preparations for its biggest world championship tournament yet with the release of a new Interactive Compendium that players can use to stay up to date with the matches. Rise of Immortals has now officially launched its Battle For Graxia revamp, and Infinite Crisis officially entered closed beta this week with the release of new champion The Joker. Finally, Smashmuck Champions released its hilarious new community-designed champion that's half platypus and half unicorn.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news

MassivelyNot So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbatmanbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchris-robertscloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingd3dcdc-comicsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygraxiaindieinfinite-crisisinsurancejokerkiz-studioslifetime-insurancemobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvprise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgsandboxsci-fismashmuckstar-citizensupermanthe-jokerturbinevalvevideovideoswarner-broswonder-womanWraeclastMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: Getting from place to place in WildStar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-nexus-telegraph-getting-from-place-to-place-in-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-nexus-telegraph-getting-from-place-to-place-in-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-nexus-telegraph-getting-from-place-to-place-in-wildstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There are so many things wrong with that space blimp that I'm not sure where to start.
Nexus is a big place. We saw last week what it's going to be like getting from spot to spot in a smaller sense with last week's overview of movement, but there's more to movement in WildStar. After all, there are a lot of zones stretched out over big chunks of land, and even if you're sprinting as much as you can you'll eventually find that you can't traverse an entire continent by foot, much less the ocean.

No, for this sort of transport you need something more robust. You'll need vehicles, both personal and otherwise. You'll need boats, you'll need ships, you'll need something that can move faster than you can move even if you can jump out of a dodge. But a lot of what you need will depend upon what the game's layout looks like, so it's time to fire up the speculation machine and ask some questions, starting with those of location.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: Getting from place to place in WildStar

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: Getting from place to place in WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Come on out, critters! I'm not going to chop you up and take your livers!
If you want to craft items in The Repopulation, you're not going to go down to the science fiction equivalent of Ikea and buy the Martin Plasma Rifle. You're going to get out into the wild and get the resources you need. There are two systems for gathering items in The Repopulation, and the newest development blog for the game discusses one of the ways to grab those resources: Extraction, also known as "digging useful components out of corpses."

Since the game doesn't feature levels, there's a more organic system to gathering these resources. Players first decide how difficult the extraction should be, with higher difficulties resulting in higher-grade resources. More difficult extractions take longer, however, and as a result, players have a higher chance to fail unless they've practiced harvesting a particular species. For more details on the specifics, check out the full development blog on the official site.

MassivelyCutting to the heart of extraction in The Repopulation originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiescraftingextractiongame-mechanicsgatheringgathering-systemsitemsrepopulationresourcessandboxsci-fithe-repopulationMon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - gathering]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-gathering/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-gathering/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-gathering/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fit the pieces together.
We all like to stop and smell the roses. And then we like to pluck those roses, bring them home, and melt them into component enzymes that will allow us access to a temporary attack power buff. Final Fantasy XIV is beautiful, sure, but you need that attack power bonus.

If it isn't obvious, this week's stop on my whirlwind beta tour is the fine art of grabbing items from the landscape and turning them into crafting fodder. Final Fantasy XIV had quite an interesting gathering system at launch, but it also had some pretty serious problems, and so the relaunch had to completely revamp the system while retaining the soul of the original version. No pressure.

Not a whole lot changed in terms of gathering between my time in San Francisco and my time in the beta, but I did have a great deal more time to try out the gathering system. So let's take a walk on the self-sufficient side.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - gathering

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - gathering originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's really good, it is.
You don't need to read the rest of this column, folks. City of Steam goes into open beta in two hours, so there is no reason for you to be sitting here when you could be playing that. Oh, and Marvel Heroes is running one last open beta weekend. And UFO Online is also in open beta. Plus, Arcane Saga launched (or re-launched) its beta. There is too much stuff to play for you to be sitting around reading columns about betas. You've got your project right there.

Still here? You're really dedicated to that beta list, huh? Well, we appreciate that. And you can find it just past the break as always, and you can feel free to let us know if we missed anything down in the comments just as always. But seriously, you don't even need to close your browser for City of Steam. That's accessibility right there.

Continue reading Betawatch: May 4 - 10, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: May 4 - 10, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcane-sagabetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchcity-of-steamclosed-betafeaturedgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmarvel-heroesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingufo-onlineFri, 10 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Tank tanked by World of Tanks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/project-tank-tanked-by-world-of-tanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/project-tank-tanked-by-world-of-tanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/project-tank-tanked-by-world-of-tanks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Military pre-enactment.
A while ago, Project Tank popped up on our radar for two reasons. First of all, it was a browser-based multiplayer tank-based combat simulator. Second, it bore a lot of similarities to the existing multiplayer tank-based combat simulator World of Tanks, enough that Wargaming.net brought out the copyright lawyers. A copyright infringement suit was filed today by Wargaming.net, claiming that Project Tank directly copies many elements of World of Tanks and violates some existing patents.

Gamebox has responded to these claims on the official site for the game, claiming that Wargaming.net has engaged in "underhanded" actions to try to shut down the project. This marks the end of the closed beta for Project Tank, which is promising open beta in approximately a month. You can take a look at the side-by-side comparison from before and draw your own conclusions about whether Project Tank is being unfairly accused or entirely fairly accused.

MassivelyProject Tank tanked by World of Tanks originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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