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[Everything you need to know about The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - zombies incoming
So what's all this hullabaloo about The Secret World? Let's start with the basics.

The Secret World is a new MMORPG by Funcom, the studio that brought you Age of Conan, and way back when, Anarchy Online. It's also the brainchild of one Ragnar Tornquist, familiar to adventure gamers the world over thanks to Dreamfall and The Longest Journey. Like those seminal titles, The Secret World seeks to conjure an immersive, fantastical realm of myth, magic, and in some cases, horror. Unlike the adventures of April Ryan, though, The Secret World is your story, and it takes place in the video game equivalent of the real world (not to mention Hell, portions of a hollow Earth, and many other mythological settings).

There's an undeniable Lovecraftian influence, there are zombies and assault rifles, and there's a three-faction setup that asks players to join forces with noted secret societies like the Templars and the Illuminati (as well as the less-familiar Dragons). Did we mention battleground PvP, a Minecraft-inspired crafting system, and skill-based progression mechanics that depart from traditional MMORPG classes and levels in favor of player-made builds (drawn from a pool of nearly 600 distinct abilities)?

As you can see, Funcom is throwing everything at the wall, and luckily for you, Massively has been keeping tabs on the game's development for a number of years now. We've also managed to spend quite a bit of time in the beta of late. Click past the cut for a roundup of our best coverage, including guides, impressions, interviews, and basically everything you want to know about The Secret World.

Continue reading Everything you need to know about The Secret World

MassivelyEverything you need to know about The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>factionfantasyfuncomhorrormythologypreviewpreviewsroundupsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-rounduptswtsw-roundupFri, 25 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Copernicus 'racial' screens leak from 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/fan-site-leaks-project-copernicus-racial-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/fan-site-leaks-project-copernicus-racial-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/fan-site-leaks-project-copernicus-racial-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Copernicus
While 38 Studios remains in dire straits, fans are getting a bittersweet treat of Project Copernicus reveals. It's sweet because we've been dying to see more information on this game, but bitter because its fate is still up in the air.

Today fan site 38 Watch posted a trio of official-looking screens straight from Copernicus' world. In the screens, three races are revealed: the human-looking Almain, the dwarven Dverga, and the orcish Jottun. The game's art style and lush color palette are on full display, opting for more of a stylized than realistic approach.

We recently heard that Project Copernicus has a possible June 2013 launch window and got our first look at the game in a flyby video. You can scope out the new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Project Copernicus

MassivelyProject Copernicus 'racial' screens leak from 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-watchAlmainamalurcopernicusDvergafantasygalleryJottunleakleaked-screenshotsleaksproject-copernicusracialracial-revealscreeniesscreensscreenshotsThu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: If you could design a class, what would it be?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/the-daily-grind-if-you-could-design-a-class-what-would-it-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/the-daily-grind-if-you-could-design-a-class-what-would-it-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/the-daily-grind-if-you-could-design-a-class-what-would-it-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind
"Hey you!" hisses a voice from a nearby dark alley. "How would you like to be a game designer for a day? It'll just cost you one kidney!"

"Well golly, mister," you reply, stepping into the shadows. "I have two of those, and I've always wanted to try my hand at fixing everything that's wrong with the industry, starting with the snow zone in Mutant Hamsters Online. The pixel shading for the Blue Spruce trees has never been right..."

"I'll let you make a class. Just one class," the voice interrupts. "And you get unlimited snack bar access."

"Deal!" you exclaim. "Now where do you want this kidney?"

Believe it or not, that could happen to you! But let's hope it doesn't and instead let's engage in hypothetical daydreaming: If you could design a class for your MMO, what would it be?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: If you could design a class, what would it be? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchair-developerbackseat-developerclassclass-designclassesdaily-grindkidneymutant-hamsters-onlineopiniontdgthe-daily-grindWed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II's GU63 tweaks crafting, adds hundreds of new items]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/everquest-iis-gu63-tweaks-crafting-adds-hundreds-of-new-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/everquest-iis-gu63-tweaks-crafting-adds-hundreds-of-new-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/everquest-iis-gu63-tweaks-crafting-adds-hundreds-of-new-items/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - armorsmith at the forge
If you've been slacking when it comes to keeping up with EverQuest II tradeskill news lately, the recent Game Update 63 (otherwise known as Skyshrine) featured quite a few noteworthy tweaks. Sony Online Entertainment has posted a dev interview detailing some of the larger changes, including the addition of several hundred new craftable items.

SOE's Brian "Omougi" Ferguson says that Carpenters and Alchemists got a lot of love during this patch, and combat-only players will be pleased to know that crafters can now make even more handy upgrades. There are two new consumables for each class archetype, and Ferguson is particularly fond of the tank versions which gives meatshields an additional 20% damage reduction for 12 seconds.

Full details are yours at the official EQII website.

MassivelyEverQuest II's GU63 tweaks crafting, adds hundreds of new items originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingeq-2eq-iieq2eq2-craftingeqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playnon-combat-gameplaysoesonysony-online-entertainmenttradeskillingtradeskillsyayMon, 21 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New DDO Menace of the Underdark video profiles Druid class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/new-ddo-menace-of-the-underdark-video-profiles-druid-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/new-ddo-menace-of-the-underdark-video-profiles-druid-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/new-ddo-menace-of-the-underdark-video-profiles-druid-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online - Druid wolf form
Turbine continues its Menace of the Underdark info blitz this morning with a new video centering on Dungeons and Dragons Online's maiden expansion. If you've been hiding in a troll cave for the last month, you may not be aware that the devs are taking players from Eberron to the Forgotten Realms starting on June 25th.

There's also a new Druid class, which is the focus of today's dev diary clip. Executive producer Fernando Paiz calls the Druid the single most requested feature by the DDO playerbase over the last six years. Click past the cut to learn more about the class and see if it measures up to your expectations.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Continue reading New DDO Menace of the Underdark video profiles Druid class

MassivelyNew DDO Menace of the Underdark video profiles Druid class originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoddo-videodnddruiddruid-videodungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playmenace-of-the-underdarkmenace-of-the-underdark-videoturbineturbine-entertainmentvideoFri, 18 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runes of Magic shows off the new Champion and Warlock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/runes-of-magic-shows-off-the-new-champion-and-warlock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/runes-of-magic-shows-off-the-new-champion-and-warlock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/runes-of-magic-shows-off-the-new-champion-and-warlock/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Now, if he transformed into a plane, that would be something.
New classes are always exciting. In a game with an established set of abilities and character options, the chance to take a different option helps keep the game engaging and surprising. That's no doubt part of the rationale behind Runes of Magic's two new classes, the Champion and the Warlock. But they're also meant to show off the ingenuity and cleverness of the Dwarves, and in a new preview of these two classes, it becomes clear just how much both will bring to the table.

The Warlock is an arcane caster who has delved into the knowledge of the Shadowforge Dwarves, allowing him to act as either a damage dealer or a support character as the situation warrants. Champions are masters of pseudo-mystical forge techniques, with the Champion ultimately being capable of transforming into a special Runic Robot form for increased damage and durability. There are only a few more weeks until the game's next major update, and then players will get to try out the new hybrid classes for themselves.

MassivelyRunes of Magic shows off the new Champion and Warlock originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championclassescoming-patchesf2pfantasyfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivehybridhybrid-classesmajor-patchesnew-classespatchespreviewpreviewsromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmenttaboreawarlockWed, 16 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Why there are no more Epic Archetypes in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/a-mild-mannered-reporter-why-there-are-no-more-epic-archetypes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/a-mild-mannered-reporter-why-there-are-no-more-epic-archetypes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/a-mild-mannered-reporter-why-there-are-no-more-epic-archetypes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
My weekend plans went cross-eyed, as they often do, but as a result I found myself looking through some old notes for future columns on City of Heroes. There were a lot of notes I took early on when I was first writing columns, some of which I wound up using and some of which wound up being discarded, but one particular idea jumped out at me: a column about potential future Epic Archetypes.

Specifically, I was looking back over and noting how a lot of the archetypes I listed wouldn't actually work at all.

I've gone on record as having been a big fan of EATs right from the beginning, as they're meant to be classes that break up the regular structure of the game's classes. That strikes me as laudable. But even disregarding the technical aspects of the epics that makes them more complex to develop and balance, I think there are some noteworthy basic problems with them on a conceptual level. We may very well never get another one just because the game has been structured to make them almost a design mistake that's never been corrected.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Why there are no more Epic Archetypes in City of Heroes

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Why there are no more Epic Archetypes in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterarachnosarachnos-spidersarachnos-widowsarchetypescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassescohcovcoxeatsepic-archetypesf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomkheldiansmild-mannered-reporterncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospeacebringerssuperherosuperheroeswarshadesWed, 16 May 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs
When Update 1.2 launched for Star Wars: The Old Republic, most players witnessed some major changes to their classes. In my opinion, these changes weren't game-breaking, but they did require that some players re-evaluate how they played. Some classes were changed so drastically in this patch players claimed they felt as if they were truly playing a completely different class.

Major changes like this do not happen without reason, and from my time spent with SWTOR developers, I know that they are passionately interested in making their game the best it can be. So I asked Game Director James Ohlen some questions about these mechanical changes. In true James Ohlen fashion, he was more than happy to answer in intricate detail, and I'm excited to bring you those answers here in the Hyperspace Beacon.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebuff-stackingclass-balanceeaelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-directorGame-Mechanicshyperspace-beaconinterviewjames-ohlenlucasartsopinionplayer-vs-playerPvPsci-fisith-inquisitorsith-sorcerersorcererstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-1.2Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warplanes video diary details classes, roles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/world-of-warplanes-video-diary-details-classes-roles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/world-of-warplanes-video-diary-details-classes-roles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/world-of-warplanes-video-diary-details-classes-roles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

World of Warplanes - dev diary title screen
Looking for the latest World of Warplanes news? Wargaming.net has you covered with part two of its developer diary video series.

The clip introduces us to some of the dev personalities working on the game as well as the three main aircraft classes (fighters, heavy fighters, and ground attack planes). "Fighters top the food chain," according to historical consultant Yuri Pasholok. "They are the most widespread, versatile, and -- pound for pound -- the deadliest class in the game."

In comparison, ground attack birds are "slow, clumsy, and very heavy." Pasholok says, "To imagine what flying a ground attack plane is like, think of flying a tank." Why would you want to fly a tank? Well, for the ridiculous amounts of destructive firepower, of course. Finally, heavy fighters are something of a middle ground between the previous two classes. They can take a beating better than their light fighter counterparts, but their main objective is defense and interception. Click past the cut to view the full video, and be sure to check out The Firing Line this Friday for an exclusive World of Warplanes producer interview.

Continue reading World of Warplanes video diary details classes, roles

MassivelyWorld of Warplanes video diary details classes, roles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diaryf2pfightersfree-to-playground-attack-planesheavy-fightershistoricalplaneplanespvptrailervideovideo-dev-diarywarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplanesworld-of-warplanes-classeswowpwowp-classeswowp-dev-diarywowp-video-dev-diaryTue, 15 May 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn the basics of Diablo III gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III
Massively's sister site WoW Insider brings us this special bonus article tonight on the basics of Diablo III for folks who normally play MMOs like World of Warcraft. Enjoy the rest of Joystiq's WoW team's Diablo coverage over on WoW Insider, and stay tuned for our own Diablo III launch roundups tomorrow morning!

Since Diablo II was released 12 years ago, it's safe to say that Diablo III will be the first Diablo title many people will have ever played. It's one of the most anticipated titles of the season and is attracting countless new players to the genre. We've received a number of questions asking how this game is even played -- and if it has anything in common with your favorite MMOs.

We have you covered.

The core of Diablo gameplay is the mouse click. You do everything from combat to looting to movement with your mouse, and your interactions with your keyboard are extremely minimal overall. On Twitter recently, many Diablo diehards have mentioned they were buying a new mouse specifically to use with Diablo III -- and that's not a bad idea. No, we're not talking a brand-new $80 Razer Naga; we're talking some $10 to $15 thing you can pick up off of a department store shelf. You want a mouse that you're not going to mourn when your buttons inevitably give out from the mountain of abuse you're about to unleash upon them. Grab something cheap and disposable so that when it dies, you will consider it a victory -- just another technological corpse for the bone pile.

Continue reading Learn the basics of Diablo III gameplay

MassivelyLearn the basics of Diablo III gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbarbarianbattlenetbattletagbattletagsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopclassclassesd3demon-hunterdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsgothic-fantasyguideguideshow-to-play-diablo-3how-to-play-diablo-iiimonkmultiplayernewbienewbie-guideonline-multiplayerroguelikerpgrunesrunestoneswitch-doctorwizardwow-insiderMon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: A look forward to Final Fantasy XIV pets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/the-mog-log-a-look-forward-to-final-fantasy-xiv-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/the-mog-log-a-look-forward-to-final-fantasy-xiv-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/12/the-mog-log-a-look-forward-to-final-fantasy-xiv-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Pet classes and I have an odd relationship. I don't generally like them, but I like having them there, and when they're done right, I'm very fond of the option. Final Fantasy XIV currently has a grand total of none of them; we have not even a summoner or beastmaster to call our own, but we've been told that this is all changing in version 2.0. And with November just half a year away, it's time to start thinking about what form these pets are going to take.

Of course, this isn't virgin territory for the game series. Final Fantasy XI featured four different pet classes, which have had differing levels of success over time. And even though Final Fantasy XIV isn't meant to be Final Fantasy XI in a new skin, the game can certainly take some inspiration from its predecessor even while forging a unique legacy. And hey, we've got at least three of the four pets from the previous game in Eorzea at this point. So let's talk about the past set of pets, where we are in the present game, and how those systems might make it into the main game.

Continue reading The Mog Log: A look forward to Final Fantasy XIV pets

MassivelyThe Mog Log: A look forward to Final Fantasy XIV pets originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescoming-updatesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfinal-fantasy-xiv-2.0mog-logopinionpet-classespetssquaresquare-enixsquenixsuggestionsthe-mog-logupdatesversion-2.0Sat, 12 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-firing-line-16th-century-fragging-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-firing-line-16th-century-fragging-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/the-firing-line-16th-century-fragging-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Image
What do War Thunder, World of Warplanes, Leonardo da Vinci, and Tribes: Ascend have in common? Not a whole lot aside from their respective appearances in this week's edition of The Firing Line.

Won't you join me after the cut for a rundown on some recent and notable online shooter news? If you're feeling particularly ornery, you can point and laugh at the fact that I'm still not in the War Thunder beta.

Continue reading The Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: 16th century fragging edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendbrideachang-youchangyoudev-diarye-sportesportf2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-person-shooterflight-simfpsfree-to-playgaijingaijin-entertainmenthi-rezhi-rez-studioshinterlands-maphuxleymmofpsopinionpvprenaissance-fpsrenaissance-heroesrenaissance-heroes-trailershootertartarustartarus-maptflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstrailertribestribes-ascendtribes-dev-diarytribes-tartarusunreal-engine-3videowar-thunderwar-thunder-bomberswar-thunder-world-of-planesworld-of-planesFri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[War of the Immortals expansion adds new class, 540-player PvP arenas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/war-of-the-immortals-expansion-adds-new-class-540-player-pvp-ar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/war-of-the-immortals-expansion-adds-new-class-540-player-pvp-ar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/war-of-the-immortals-expansion-adds-new-class-540-player-pvp-ar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

War of the Immortals - combat screenshot
War of the Immortals' new expansion is officially live. Perfect World Entertainment is adding a new Harbinger class, the pet ascension system, a new instance called Proof of Divinity, and an extensive PvP revamp with the Lost Omen patch.

This last bit involves "re-tooling the team matchmaking system," PWE says. The changes allow for three teams of up to 180 players to duke it out in a single battle arena (that's 540 players at once if you're counting at home).

There's also a new trailer for the Lost Omen expansion. Check it out by clicking past the cut.

[Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]

Continue reading War of the Immortals expansion adds new class, 540-player PvP arenas

MassivelyWar of the Immortals expansion adds new class, 540-player PvP arenas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>540-player-arenaarena-pvpbattle-of-the-immortalsboif2pfantasyfree-to-playlost-omenlost-omen-expansionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwewar-of-the-immortalswoiThu, 10 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New End of Nations trailer shines some light on the Shadow Revolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/new-end-of-nations-trailer-shines-some-light-on-the-shadow-revol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/new-end-of-nations-trailer-shines-some-light-on-the-shadow-revol/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/new-end-of-nations-trailer-shines-some-light-on-the-shadow-revol/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

End of Nations -- Shadow Revolution
Last month, we got a look at the Liberation Front faction of Trion Worlds' upcoming MMORTS, End of Nations. Today, the company released a trailer highlighting the Liberation Front's enemy of war, the forebodingly named Shadow Revolution.

Players of the Shadow Revolution faction have their choice of two classes: the Wraith class, which focuses on utilizing guerrilla tactics to strike quickly and retreat before counterattacks can be made, and the Phantom class, which takes advantage of cloaking devices in order to launch devastating surprise attacks that can cripple enemy forces before they know what hit them. To get a look at the Shadow Revolution's units in action, just check out the official trailer below.

Continue reading New End of Nations trailer shines some light on the Shadow Revolution

MassivelyNew End of Nations trailer shines some light on the Shadow Revolution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vanguard
As Vanguard straddles the line between its old subscriber-only business model and this summer's free-to-play transition, the team is still plugging away at minor updates to the game. Today's patch brings a smattering of updates and fixes as well as the May loyalty rewards for current subscribers.

Active players will get to haul away five goodies from SOE, including a brown sloop ship, unique tack and barding, and a "Kamelott Overland Onslaught Life-Sustaining Exo-Skeleton" mount. Players can also pick up free supply crates and veteran's caches (the latter are available only for level 50+ characters) every 44 hours.

The update also fixed a few small issues with quests, retweaked some skills for Rogues and Bards, and changed a couple of items to make them work properly.

SOE will continue to dish out loyalty rewards until Vanguard goes F2P.

MassivelyVanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbardsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-updatekooleloyalty-rewardspatchpatch-notesrogueroguessandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonupdateupdate-notesvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Druids, Drow, and destinies in an epic DDO expansion tour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/druids-drow-and-destinies-in-an-epic-ddo-expansion-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/druids-drow-and-destinies-in-an-epic-ddo-expansion-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/druids-drow-and-destinies-in-an-epic-ddo-expansion-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DDO
On Thursday, Turbine will take the wraps off of Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark and commence with the closed beta. It's a heady time for both the team and playerbase, as this 2007 title steps into the big leagues of expansion-holding MMOs. And because we know you hate waiting for all the goods, we joined Turbine on the test server for an advance look at some of the hottest features coming with June's launch.

On the phone with us was Senior Producer Eric Boyer, Community Specialist Amanda Grove, and Design Director Ian Currie. "We want to show players how big the expansion pack is and how much it'll be changing the game," Boyer began, telling us that levels one through 20 were merely "heroic" -- now it'll be time to make the move into epic territory.

From a look at the much-anticipated Druid and the previously vague Epic Destinies to a lightning tour of your first day in the Forgotten Realms, the team was out to convince us that Menace of the Underdark is fully worthy of the "expansion" moniker. How's it looking so far? Take a look for yourself!

Continue reading Druids, Drow, and destinies in an epic DDO expansion tour

MassivelyDruids, Drow, and destinies in an epic DDO expansion tour originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanda-grovebetacharacter-customizationddodnddrowdruiddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeberronepic-destiniesepic-destinyepic-destiny-systemeric-boyerEveningStarexpansionf2pfantasyfate-pointsforgotten-realmsfree-to-playhands-onian-currielevel-cap-increaselord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromenace-of-the-underdarkmoriapreviewthe-darkeningturbineturbine-entertainmenttwist-of-fateuiupdate-15wolf-packWed, 09 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-miraluka/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-miraluka/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/hyperspace-beacon-holocron-files-miraluka/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka
As I mentioned in my Why I Play Star Wars: The Old Republic piece, Dark Forces and Jedi Knight were two of the Star Wars video games I enjoyed most. Obviously, this was before Knights of the Old Republic. In Jedi Knight, the main antagonist was Jerec. Although it's never mentioned where Jerec comes from or even what species he was, his most distinguishing feature is the cover over his eyes. At the time, players thought it was a type of cybernetic implant similar to that worn by Geordi LaForge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It wasn't until the Tales of the Jedi comic book series that we learned that Jerec and others are a part of the Force-seeing humanoid species known as the Miraluka.

If you choose to play a Jedi Knight or a Jedi Consular (or if you have 1.5 million credits to unlock it through the Legacy system), you can play as a Miraluka. I have been fascinated by this species since Jerec of Jedi Knight and Shoaneb Culu in the Tales of the Jedi after that. So this week, let's talk about this captivating species, its culture, its connection to the Force, and what its role is during the time of The Old Republic.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Holocron Files -- Miraluka originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alpheridiesbiowareclassic-mmocultureeaelectronic-artsfeaturedgalaxiesholocron-fileshyperspace-beaconjedi-consularJedi-KnightJerecKatarrlucasartsmiralukaopinionroleplayroleplayingsandboxsci-fiShoaneb-Culusoesony-online-entertainmentspeciesstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswgoswtorthe-old-republictorVisas-MarrTue, 08 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Utopia
Aztecs. Chronomancers. Mounts. Halberds. Golems. Dual wielding.

These are all but a hint of what a fourth Guild Wars campaign could have been, a campaign that was under development in the mid-2000s but was scrapped by 2007. Replacing it was the expansion Guild Wars Eye of the North and the workings of a super-secret sequel to the game (which you've probably never heard of). It was the forgotten campaign, swept under a rug while it was still under the rug.

But what if, in some alternative timeline, ArenaNet had gone ahead with this campaign? What if it became an established part of the Guild Wars legacy, as familiar to us today as Nightfall and Factions?

What if Guild Wars Utopia had lived?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasuraazteccampaignchronomancerclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdestroyersEric-Flannumeye-of-the-northfactionsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-eye-of-the-northguild-wars-factionsguild-wars-nightfallguild-wars-propheciesguild-wars-utopiagwgw2ncsoftnightfallnostalgiaopinionpropheciesSidhesummonersylvariTannecksthe-game-archaeologistutopiaTue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warplanes heavy fighter class revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/world-of-warplanes-heavy-fighter-class-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/world-of-warplanes-heavy-fighter-class-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/world-of-warplanes-heavy-fighter-class-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

World of Warplanes - heavy fighters
Wargaming.net has taken the wraps off its next World of Warplanes aircraft class. Heavy fighters are the subject of a new teaser video and a new press release, with the former featuring just over a minute of gameplay footage. Right now, the interceptors are confined to the German tech tree, but Wargaming.net promises that they'll be added to other nation rosters as well.

"Their size, power and armament allow heavy fighters to fulfill a great variety of objectives including interception, head-on attacks, and bombing, making them one of the most versatile classes of air forces," the company says.

German heavy fighters include the Fw.57, the Bf.110, the Me.410, and the Me.P.1102. Get a look at the full video clip after the cut.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

Continue reading World of Warplanes heavy fighter class revealed

MassivelyWorld of Warplanes heavy fighter class revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playheavy-fightersheavy-fighters-trailerheavy-fighters-videohistoricalplaneplanespvptrailervideowarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplaneswowpTue, 08 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III's Wizard rebels against the system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/diablo-iiis-wizard-rebels-against-the-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/diablo-iiis-wizard-rebels-against-the-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/diablo-iiis-wizard-rebels-against-the-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III
The cracking you hear is the sound of thousands of index fingers flexing and twitching in anticipation for Diablo III's release. It's... kind of disturbing to behold, actually. To take our mind off the wait (or perhaps to exacerbate it), Blizzard has released the final class spotlight, this time featuring the Wizard.

Diablo III's Wizards are described as "brilliant practitioners of the arcane arts who deftly wield the energies of fire, ice, lightning, and even time itself in the pursuit of their enigmatic goals." These Wizards are part of an underground rebellion that is seeking great power, and they are scorned by the mages in charge, yet they may be the only ones to save the world from the great new threat that's arisen.

Check out the fire-and-brimstone action of the Wizard after the jump!

Continue reading Diablo III's Wizard rebels against the system

MassivelyDiablo III's Wizard rebels against the system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopclass-spotlightd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasylasersmagemagicmultiplayeronline-multiplayerpew-pewroguelikerpgvideowizardWed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 EST