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[Winners announced in Champions Online Design a Villain contest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/winners-announced-in-champions-online-design-a-villain-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/winners-announced-in-champions-online-design-a-villain-contest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/winners-announced-in-champions-online-design-a-villain-contest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Champions Online image
Who could resist the opportunity to see one's very own custom super-villain face off against the heroes in Champions Online? One glance at the contest's forum thread shows that many couldn't; a wide variety of nefarious villains were proposed in page after page of contest entries. After much deliberation, Cryptic has finally announced the winners of its Design A Villain contest. However, with so many entries, Cryptic upped the number of winners from five to seven and promised that another round of winners will be announced at a later date.

The grand prize winner who will see both of his creations featured in an upcoming 10-man Alert is Fryguy8544. Runner ups are Ubusunagami, Akwartz, Rianba, chezpizza, Azathoth-Sothoth, and CCat76; their villains will also be featured in the game.

Congratulations to the winners! To check out the winning submissions with their corresponding costumes, visit the official announcement linked below (you'll need to log in to the forums to see the pictures). And for those whose submissions weren't chosen this time, keep watch for the next waves of winners.

MassivelyWinners announced in Champions Online Design a Villain contest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocontestcontest-winnerscrypticcryptic-studiosdesign-a-villaindesign-a-villain-contestf2pfree-to-playnewsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesuperherosuperheroeswinnersTue, 22 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online gives you the chance to design an in-game villain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/champions-online-gives-you-the-chance-to-design-an-in-game-villa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/champions-online-gives-you-the-chance-to-design-an-in-game-villa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/champions-online-gives-you-the-chance-to-design-an-in-game-villa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Champions Online
Let's face it: Supervillains are almost always more interesting than heroes. Give us The Joker, Lex Luthor, or Deadpool any day of the week, and we're happy geeks. So to design a supervillain in Champions Online that will actually go into the game seems like a dream come true.

Cryptic is hosting a Design-a-Villain contest in which players can whip up some fearsome foes of their very own. The top five submissions will make it into the game in the form of Alerts villains whom everyone will fight. The top villain will be used in a 10-man Alert, while the others will be relegated to other roles in the future.

Any players, including free ones, may participate. To do so, you'll need to make an outfit for the villain in the Champions' costume creator, then come up with a name, backstory, power set, and minion type. Bring your best game, for you may only enter twice.

[Thanks to The Grand Nagus for the tip!]

MassivelyChampions Online gives you the chance to design an in-game villain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalert-systemalertschampionschampions-onlinechampscocontestcrypticcryptic-studiosdesign-a-villaindesign-a-villain-contestf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesuper-villainsuperherosuperheroesvillainThu, 26 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic Studios issues security warning in response to database breach]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/cryptic-studios-issues-security-warning-in-response-to-database/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/cryptic-studios-issues-security-warning-in-response-to-database/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/cryptic-studios-issues-security-warning-in-response-to-database/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Cryptic
Cryptic Studios, purveyor of Champions Online, Star Trek Online, and the upcoming Neverwinter, has just posted an ominous security warning on its official site. Its new security procedures have recently detected that hackers gained unauthorized access to a user database back in December of 2010. According to the studio,
The unauthorized access included user account names, handles, and encrypted passwords for those accounts. Even though the passwords were encrypted, it is apparent that the intruder has been able to crack some portion of the passwords in this database. All accounts that we believe were present in the database have had the passwords reset, and customers registered to these accounts have been notified via e-mail of this incident.
While Cryptic does not believe additional information (like player names and credit card numbers) was taken, it advises vigilance all the same and warns against phishing scams. We'll keep you posted as we learn more.

(Thanks to Geoff for the tip!)

MassivelyCryptic Studios issues security warning in response to database breach originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosdatabase-breachdatabase-intrusionemail-scamf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentphishingpwescamsci-fisecuritystar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuperherosuperheroesWed, 25 Apr 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/massively-speaking-episode-197-the-audio-plague/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 197 reviews a big week for MMOs, with several launches, updates, and live events going off all over the place. We had to hit the big red Massively Alarm three times during this time, prompting the MassivelyBusters to jump out of their beds, slide down the pole, and take the NERF-1 out to the scene of the action. Then we farmed spores, molds, and fungi with Elisabeth Cardy.

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 197: The audio plague originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetascendascensionbiowarebrantbrianna-roycechampionschampions-onlinechampscoconconventioncrypticcryptic-studiosdark-legendse-sporteaelectronic-artselisabeth-cardyesportexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorjustin-olivettilucasartsmassively-speakingncsoftopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvppwesci-fishooterspacetime-studiosstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortribestribes-ascendtribes-mmotribes-universetruly-freeTue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 197Massively.com Staff01:02:31podcasts<![CDATA[Champions Online alerts players to a new trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/champions-online-alerts-players-to-a-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/champions-online-alerts-players-to-a-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/champions-online-alerts-players-to-a-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I'm getting an urgent alert. The Hot Pockets are almost done.
If you haven't played the content in the latest Champions Online update, you haven't been playing the game. After all, the update launched last Friday. But maybe you're a free player and you're still on the fence about whether or not the game is worth playing with all of the system overhauls and new mechanics. In the hopes of targeting that critical but indecisive user base, the development team has put together a new trailer for the On Alert update.

All right, so perhaps a trailer isn't the best place to show off detailed mechanical shifts in depth unless you really enjoy watching math. But it still shows off a bit of the new group challenges and the new Alert system, and the update's information hub can fill you in on the more numerical shifts. Check out the trailer just past the break, and if it sparks your interest, you can log into the game and start playing with the new systems now.

Continue reading Champions Online alerts players to a new trailer

MassivelyChampions Online alerts players to a new trailer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsnew-mechanicsnew-systemsnewson-alertpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesuperherosuperheroestrailertrailersupdateupdatesvideovideosMon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's On Alert launches, we interview Rob Overmeyer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/rob-overmeyer-discusses-new-changes-coming-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/rob-overmeyer-discusses-new-changes-coming-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/rob-overmeyer-discusses-new-changes-coming-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
There's been a big buzz for the latest update to Champions Online. The entire game is undergoing a significant overhaul for the newest expansion, On Alert, which has just gone live today. The developers are adding in talent trees for player heroes as well as a dramatic overhaul of the way equipment works.

We sat down with Rob Overmeyer, executive producer for Champions, and asked him a few questions about the update and what it will mean for Millennium City's superhero population. Naturally, he had a lot to say!

Continue reading Champions Online's On Alert launches, we interview Rob Overmeyer

MassivelyChampions Online's On Alert launches, we interview Rob Overmeyer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalertschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewson-alertperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerob-overmeyersuperherosuperheroesFri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic answers Champions Online Questionite questions in latest dev blog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/cryptic-answers-questionite-questions-in-latest-dev-blog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/cryptic-answers-questionite-questions-in-latest-dev-blog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/cryptic-answers-questionite-questions-in-latest-dev-blog/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Champions Online
Unobtainium? Forget it. Vibranium? Old hat. Eludium? So passé. Champions Online's next update, Champions On Alert, will introduce a new element that will put the absurd naming convention of all these fictional substances to shame. The element in question is known as Questionite, and it will be the latest in-game currency available to CO players. The new currency will be used to procure "high level gear, Top Tier Costume Pieces and other special items like Travel Power Skins."

The newest Champions Online dev blog addresses some common question(ite)s pertaining to the new currency. Questionite can be acquired through a variety of in-game methods, all of which are listed on the blog. The substance can also be bought from other players in exchange for Cryptic points (and of course, this also means that players can sell their Questionite to other players for Cryptic Points), which provides players who don't want to part with their hard-earned real-world cash an avenue through which to acquire C-Store exclusive items. It's certainly an interesting system, to say the least, so Champions players would do well to head on over to the official blog post and check out the full details.

MassivelyCryptic answers Champions Online Questionite questions in latest dev blog originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-pointsc-storechampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-pointscryptic-studioscurrenciescurrencyf2pfree-to-playin-game-currenciesin-game-currencyperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwequestionitesuperherosuperheroesTue, 10 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online cuts the craft in favor of the mod scene]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/champions-online-cuts-the-craft-in-favor-of-the-mod-scene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/champions-online-cuts-the-craft-in-favor-of-the-mod-scene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/champions-online-cuts-the-craft-in-favor-of-the-mod-scene/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I'm going to use Fusion to fuse this arrowhead to your brainmeats.
Whether or not you're fond of Champions Online, you probably don't like the game's crafting system. Almost no one does, and apparently not even the developers have been terribly pleased with it. That's why the game is putting that system aside and replacing it with a new system. The Mod and Fusion system will work more along the lines of gear slotting as found in other MMOs. Certain gear comes with slots for Mods, and by combining Mods via Fusion, you can produce more powerful enhancements.

The old crafting skills, meanwhile, tie into the new method of fusing Mods by helping you create stronger Mods and harvest new ones. Extant crafters will also be integrated into the new system; all existing crafted benefits will stay in place (although new ones won't be available), and the crafting-specific travel powers and bags will be moved to other vendors. It's a pretty radical reinvention of the game's current dynamic, but it will hopefully make the game a bit more fun for crafters and non-crafters alike.

MassivelyChampions Online cuts the craft in favor of the mod scene originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocraftingcraftscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemspatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewspwesuperherosuperheroesupdatesFri, 30 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Grab, smash, and burst: Champions Online summarizes Alerts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/grab-smash-and-burst-champions-online-summarizes-alerts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/grab-smash-and-burst-champions-online-summarizes-alerts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/grab-smash-and-burst-champions-online-summarizes-alerts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online
Champions Online's upcoming Alert system seems to be the perfect solution to Captain Immediate Gratification's urges. In the push of a few buttons, a primed and ready superhero can dive right into team vs. villain action.

Executive Producer Rob Overmeyer writes an after-report of the Alert system from its recent stay on the public test server. His post provides a great overview and how-to guide of the system, starting with its three basic variations: GRAB Alerts (stopping villains from doing crime), SMASH Alerts (all-out brawls), and BURST Alerts (unstable environments necessitating instant action).

Within the three versions of Alerts, all sorts of crazy events can occur. Players' nemeses may appear, and classic villains may team up to fight you. There are also specific rewards based on the Alert tackled; for example, Champions will give resources for GRAB Alerts and modifications for BURST Alerts.

"Alerts are a great platform to offer a ton of gameplay with loads of variety," Overmeyer writes. "We're really excited to launch Alerts, and to see the feature grow with Champs over time."

MassivelyGrab, smash, and burst: Champions Online summarizes Alerts originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalert-systemalertsburst-alertschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgrab-alertsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweRob-Overmeyersmash-alertssuperherosuperheroesTue, 20 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online previews the new Specialization system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/champions-online-previews-the-new-specialization-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/champions-online-previews-the-new-specialization-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/champions-online-previews-the-new-specialization-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tank-punching is not a specialization, but it really should be.
Whether or not you're a fan of Champions Online, you have to admit that the game gives players a lot of options in customizing a character. But apparently the designers felt a need to add another layer of customization, hence the upcoming Specialization System. A preview of the system has been posted, giving players a chance to look at the various combinations that will shape your improved abilities, whether you're playing with an Archetype or a freeform character.

Each character will gain access to three different trees to spend Specialization points; the first tree at level 10 based off of your primary Super Stat. The two subsequent trees are unlocked at level 20 and 30; these trees are predetermined for Archetypes and can be freely selected for freeform characters. Each tree offers a number of benefits for given roles, allowing a great deal of flexibility in creating a character build that suits what you like to do best.

MassivelyChampions Online previews the new Specialization system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsnew-mechanicsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewspwespecializationspecialization-systemsuperherosuperheroesupdatesTue, 13 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online rolling out Role and Stat changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/champions-online-rolling-out-role-and-stat-changes-stat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/champions-online-rolling-out-role-and-stat-changes-stat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/champions-online-rolling-out-role-and-stat-changes-stat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Balance isn't a stat. It's just a good idea.
Like many MMOs, Champions Online is at its heart a game of numbers. Your character type focuses on certain stats, and you want to make those stats go higher. But sometimes the way those stats work together is a bit less than intuitive in the live game, hence some recent changes to Super Stats and regular stats on the test servers. The biggest change assigns one primary and two secondary, rather than two Super Stats, to players, which alleviates the current problems with Super Stats (certain pairs of Super Stats work poorly together and are poorly represented in itemization).

Individual stats have also seen some tweaks: Strength is no longer hard-capped for melee damage, Presence has had its threat component removed and a soft-cap introduced, Ego is now solely a ranged stat, and Dexterity has seen improvements to its critical benefits. Roles are also being balanced differently, giving more consistent stat benefits that are more in line with what players in a given role will actually need to do. It's a pretty sweeping set of changes, but the end goal is to give Champions Online players a more straightforward numbers game to play.

MassivelyChampions Online rolling out Role and Stat changes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesbalancebalance-changeschampions-onlinecharacter-buildscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemsmechanicsnewsperfect-world-entertainmentpwestatisticsstatssystemstestFri, 24 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No subtlety to Champions Online's SMASH Alerts, just straight-up brawling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/no-subtlety-to-champions-onlines-smash-alerts-just-straight-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/no-subtlety-to-champions-onlines-smash-alerts-just-straight-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/no-subtlety-to-champions-onlines-smash-alerts-just-straight-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Venom is attacking the city! This looks like a job for... um... darn, what was that guy's name? The dude with the swords? Cutman? Cut-up? Something with cut.
The most basic superhero stories are pretty simple -- a villain is attacking the city and the hero has to go stop him or her. That's the spirit behind the new SMASH Alerts coming to the Champions Online test realm, quick instances that pit players against signature villains in a straight-up brawl. The villain may or may not have any minions, but the real test is to see if the heroes can knock out the villain within the time limit.

Players will notice that the new Alert system also has gained a new minimap icon and improved queue functionality, allowing you to sign up for a quick and dirty brawl with your nemesis of choice from anywhere. There are also new team-up GRAB Alerts available for testing against paired villains, which should give every hero a chance to pop in and beat the living daylights out of a villain up to no good. And, really, isn't that all you can ask from a superhero game?

MassivelyNo subtlety to Champions Online's SMASH Alerts, just straight-up brawling originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alert-systemsalertschampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playnew-contentperfect-world-entertainmentpwequeuequeueing-systemsupcoming-contentThu, 23 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online puts out Alerts for heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/champions-online-puts-out-alerts-for-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/champions-online-puts-out-alerts-for-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/18/champions-online-puts-out-alerts-for-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online
Executive Producer Rob Overmeyer is beating the drums about the "big goals" for Champions Online's next update. Possibly one of the biggest of these goals is the addition of the Grab Alerts system, and in a new dev diary, Overmeyer outlines how these will work.

Grab Alerts are small team instances designed to allow players to get into exciting scenarios without a lot of waiting. Each Alert centers around a super-villain who's up to no good -- such as a heist or kidnapping -- and challenges players to thwart the evil-doer's efforts. Overmeyer promises that it will take just "two clicks" to get into an Alert, as the system will team up like-minded heroes automatically and then toss them into the instance.

Alerts will be shuffled around on a regular basis as to keep things fresh, so players will need to check the Alert Rotator to see which ones are available. If a player is looking for a specific reward that's tied to a certain Alert, the Rotator will help him or her find it. Overmeyer promises a wide range of rewards including costumes, gear, and bonuses.

MassivelyChampions Online puts out Alerts for heroes originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalert-rotatoralertschampionschampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studiosdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playgrab-alert-systemgrab-alertsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweRob-OvermeyerSat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO prisons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-perfect-ten-mmo-prisons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-perfect-ten-mmo-prisons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-perfect-ten-mmo-prisons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten Prisons
Chillin' in the clink. Spending time in stoney lonesome. Thrown into the slammer. Checking in to the big house. Doing (perfect) 10 to life in the hole. Learning the ropes in juvie.

Prison: The only fun thing about it is the slang that people have come up to describe it. And while you may never actually want to spend any time in the crowbar hotel in real life, chances are you've already done so in MMOs. Jails are an ever-popular locale in online gaming, and they almost always deal with an epidemic of escaped -- yet still milling around casually -- prisoners.

So in today's Perfect Ten, we talked to the warden and got you a special glimpse into pixelated pokeys, if only to scare you straight. No more exploits and bots for you, young man or woman!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO prisons

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO prisons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocarkhamarkham-asylumbelsavisbrickstownchampions-onlinecity-of-heroesclinkcocohconanconan-the-barbariandc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeverquestfallen-earthfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xigm-jailgm-prisoniron-towerjailkingman-prisonlistlistsmmo-prisonsperfect-10perfect-tenprisonprisonsstar-wars-the-old-republicstockadesstronghold-prisonswtorthe-iron-towerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowzigzigguratThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online 'ambitiously' re-itemizing the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/champions-online-ambitiously-re-itemizing-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/champions-online-ambitiously-re-itemizing-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/champions-online-ambitiously-re-itemizing-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Champions Online
As the groundhog pops up to see his shadow, so too do the devs of Champions Online pop up with their monthly UNTIL Field Report, dishing out the plans and proposed future updates for the game. This month's report is rather lengthy and kicks off with a promise about upcoming "ambitious" re-itemization of all items and rewards in Champions.

Currently in testing and on deck for the near future is a '90s Iron Age costume set, alerts, zone balancing, and a look at why them women folk walk so dang funny (apparently arms and legs are moving out of sync on female characters). Players also have a new travel power -- Distortion Acrobatics -- and specialization trees to look forward to.

There's also some good information in the report as to why some features and concerns have yet to move from low to high priority, such as the "lukewarm" feedback of team duels and the difficulties of balancing XP gifting.

As the next update for Champions Online nears, Cryptic promises a more in-depth series of dev diaries detailing the changes.

MassivelyChampions Online 'ambitiously' re-itemizing the game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studiosdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playiron-ageitemizationpatchpreviewre-itemizationtest-servertestinguntil-field-reportupcoming-patchupdateFri, 03 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The real state of the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/behind-the-mask-the-real-state-of-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/behind-the-mask-the-real-state-of-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/behind-the-mask-the-real-state-of-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although Champions Online's most recent State of the Game has been out for a while, I sort of avoided talking about it in previous editions of Behind the Mask. The main reason was because I really wanted to cover the new powersets. However, that doesn't mean I don't have any comments on it.

If you look at the history of the State of the Game and Ask Cryptic entries, they fluctuate quite a bit between good information and annoying PR. The January SOTG was full of annoying PR, and it bothered me greatly. It felt dishonest. I saw a lot of hype on little things that no one wanted and very little on what people really wanted.

This week, I'm going to talk about the real state of the game: where CO is and where it needs to go. I'll also talk about some of the future stuff that Robobo mentioned in the SOTG. Is it good or bad? We'll see!

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The real state of the game

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The real state of the game originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week on Behind the Mask, we're going to take an in-depth look at Champions Online's new Earth powerset. It took me quite a while to review Wind, and Earth is relatively new. Why the time disparity?

The real answer is that I looked at Wind long before last week, but I didn't really find anything fun or exciting at a first look. Earth is a lot different. Earth has a lot of potential for combining powers between the set; it can Stagger enemies and then exploit that Stagger for damage or bonus effects. Because a lot of the Earth tricks eat your Stagger stacks, you have to choose between keeping Stagger on your targets for the debuff or eating it for the bonus power effects. On top of that, it has the first viable Brick archetype heal, making the Mountain the second reliable Archetype tank. Earth is a lot of fun.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Throwing stones at their glass houses

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Throwing stones at their glass houses originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>by-your-powers-combinedchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosearthearth-powersearth-powersetf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhealingperfect-world-entertainmentpwesupporttankingThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Party tonight, for tomorrow we fly: Champions celebrates its F2P anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/party-tonight-for-tomorrow-we-fly-champions-celebrates-its-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/party-tonight-for-tomorrow-we-fly-champions-celebrates-its-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/party-tonight-for-tomorrow-we-fly-champions-celebrates-its-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Champions Online
A year after making the switch to decaf, er, free-to-play, Champions Online is livelier than ever. To celebrate the super-powered boost that F2P gave, Cryptic Studios is hosting special events both in and out of the game.

From today through the end of the month, players can enjoy a hefty 20% discount on anything in the C-Store (excluding grab bags). So if you've been eying that special outfit or archetype, now might be the time to nab it.

If you're not looking to spend any money but don't mind partying with the stars, there's plenty of fun to go around. For the rest of the anniversary event, characters can fly through the levels due to a double XP boost at their backs, courtesy of Witchcraft. Another hero, The Mountain, will be selling Halloween and Winter Gift Bags with in-game currency. Mr. The Mountain also has a special mission for those who want to earn his trademarked Mountain Costume pieces.

MassivelyParty tonight, for tomorrow we fly: Champions celebrates its F2P anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c-storechampionschampions-onlinecocostumecostume-set-piecescrypticcryptic-studiosdealdouble-xpf2pfree-stufffree-to-playgiveawaypromotionsalethe-mountainwitchcraftThu, 26 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online looks back to look forward in January State of the Game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/champions-online-looks-back-to-look-forward-in-january-state-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/champions-online-looks-back-to-look-forward-in-january-state-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/champions-online-looks-back-to-look-forward-in-january-state-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Champions Online
It's a new year, and many game studios are stating their revolutions for the coming months. Cryptic Studios is joining that club with Champions Online's first State of the Game post for 2012. Rob Overmeyer, the game's Executive Producer, takes some time to reminisce on CO's progress throughout 2011, which included the title's jump to a F2P business model as well as a number of content updates. After that little stroll down memory lane, Overmeyer gives players a glimpse of the future as he addresses the features of the game's next major update. These include an entirely overhauled itemization system, a new enhancement system, alerts, and more. For the complete details, click through the link below to Champions Online's January 2012 State of the Game.

MassivelyChampions Online looks back to look forward in January State of the Game originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecocontent-updatescrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playjanuary-state-of-the-gameperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerob-overmeyersotgstate-of-the-gameupdatesMon, 23 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online reveals new Mountain archetype]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/champions-online-reveals-new-mountain-archetype/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/champions-online-reveals-new-mountain-archetype/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/champions-online-reveals-new-mountain-archetype/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online - The Mountain
Champions Online has a new protector in town, and he's about as subtle as Gregor Clegane (though quite a bit nicer). The game's newest archetype is called The Mountain, and Cryptic has revealed all the vitals on Champions' official website.

The Mountain is "an embodiment of the rocks and earth that surround us, standing firm in the face of [his] foes," and Cryptic says that the archetype boasts knock-downs and considerable damage-soaking abilities.

The devs have also provided a handy power listing that details everything from 1 to 40, as well as a few concept phrases -- like rock golem, earth elemental, and primordial entity -- to give you an idea what you're in for if you make a Mountain.

MassivelyChampions Online reveals new Mountain archetype originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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