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[MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family First Impressions of World of Trinketz
I have to begin this week's column with a disclaimer: I am not a fan of Facebook, and I'm even less a fan of Facebook games. The only one I found enjoyable was Ian Bogost's Cow Clicker because it was a giant middle finger to the bottom-feeding practices so commonly found in Facebook Villes.

But when I got a Google alert in my inbox about the world's first family-friendly 3-D MMO for Facebook, I had to head back to the blue-and-white wasteland of Facebook and see it firsthand. Could it be that the era of isometric views and mindless clicking is finally over? Have we finally moved on from agriculturally themed games? I decided to check out World of Trinketz to seek some answers.

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz

MassivelyMMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoscow-clickerdark-matter-entertainmentfacebookfacebook-gamesfacebook-mmofamilyfamily-friendlyfarmvillefeaturedian-bogostkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymonetizationopinionworld-of-trinketzWed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's DUST 514 launch impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Dropship and merc troops
Playing EVE on my couch is bizarre. I know, technically it's called DUST 514, but let's be serious. DUST is basically the beginnings of a massive EVE Online expansion if you subscribe to the notion that EVE is a virtual world as opposed to merely a strategy game featuring internet spaceships and internet drama.

I've played EVE in some strange places prior to this. In an airport terminal, for example. On my toilet, even (yes, nature occasionally calls in the middle of a fleet fight and thank God for laptops). But DUST marks the first -- OK, technically the second -- time I've ever played in New Eden with a controller.

Continue reading Massively's DUST 514 launch impressions

MassivelyMassively's DUST 514 launch impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoleconsolesdustdust-514dust-514-impressionsdust-514-reviewdust-hands-ondust-impressionsdust-revieweveeve-onlinefeaturedfpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpspc-master-raceplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlineWed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Forge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/first-impressions-forge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/first-impressions-forge/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/first-impressions-forge/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

He just wants a hug.
When I first picked up Forge on Steam back in the day (when it first hit the Greenlight service), I was hesitant to say the least. The last time I played any sort of game billed as a class-based PvP arena, it was FURY (does anyone else remember that?) and Dark Messiah of Might and Magic before that. To say those games were less-than-stellar would be a bit of an understatement. Despite my trepidation, I still snagged the game since it was fairly cheap and I felt there was at least a good deal of potential for it to finally do justice to the concept.

Unfortunately, Forge ended up being released far too early because of (as I understand it) a lack of funds, so many of the advertised features (such as a ranking system, matchmaking, and so forth) were conspicuously absent. So I figured I'd put it on the backburner and check it out once it had received some much-needed polish. So of course I was pretty pleased when Dark Vale Games announced that Forge had been "re-released" with many of the missing features in tow, but my initial worries about the game were far from assuaged, and I figured it would just be FURY 2: Electric Boogaloo.

But man, do I love being proven wrong.

Continue reading First Impressions: Forge

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Forge originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionb2pbuy-to-playdark-valedark-vale-gamesfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsforgehands-onopinionthird-person-shooterMon, 06 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pantsless First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta
Neverwinter's launch into open beta began last week, and through the grace of my press account, my Great Weapon Fighter was lucky enough to begin her digital life alongside players who forked over $199.99 for the Hero of the North Founder's Pack. I lack any of the Founders Pack bonuses, so off my plucky human character went, surrounded on her first day almost exclusively by panther-having Drow.

Justin's been serving up a delicious helping of launch diary goodness, but he's relaxing on a cruise ship this week, so you're stuck with me! Join me as we sally forth into my launch-but-not-really-launch-it's-open-beta-okay-guys-but-we-aren't-deleting-characters-anymore-no-really-it's-still-open-beta-look-it-says-so-in-this-blog-post impressions! The first section is about thighs.

Continue reading Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart

MassivelyPantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweTue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter's open beta soft launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/neverwinters-open-beta-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/neverwinters-open-beta-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/neverwinters-open-beta-soft-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter concept art
Ever wonder what the heck an MMO soft launch actually is? Me too, which is funny because you'd think I'd know, working for an MMO site and whatnot. Soft launch implies that somewhere out in game land there's also a hard launch, which is a term that I've never heard once despite following the industry for decades now.

Is soft launch merely a marketing construct, or perhaps devspeak for a free-to-play MMO that operates in some sort of perpetual beta in spite of a working cash shop? Or is it simply a term that denotes the beginning of an open beta period that is free of character wipes, as is the case with today's Neverwinter pseudo-release? The definition is up to you, I suppose, and while you're mulling that one over, you can also click past the cut for a roundup of our best pre-soft-launch Neverwinter coverage.

Continue reading Neverwinter's open beta soft launches today

MassivelyNeverwinter's open beta soft launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunch-roundupneverwinterneverwinter-launchneverwinter-launch-roundupperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweroundupsoft-launchTue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Hands-on with EVE's virtual reality demo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-evolved-hands-on-with-eves-virtual-reality-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-evolved-hands-on-with-eves-virtual-reality-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-evolved-hands-on-with-eves-virtual-reality-demo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Handson with EVE's virtual reality demo
As EVE Online's tenth anniversary Fanfest slowly got underway, the press were led into a small upstairs room with chairs lined up and ominous-looking black headsets. The headsets turned out to be expensive prototype devkits of the Oculus Rift, a recently kickstarted PC peripheral that aims to make immersive virtual reality affordable for gamers. VR headsets are traditionally heavy monstrosities costing thousands of pounds and usually have input processing lag that make them unsuitable for high-action gaming, but the Oculus Rift is a light and highly responsive device currently clocking in at a more reasonable $300.

We were sat down to take part in a demo of EVR, a new virtual reality multiplayer dogfighter that uses art assets from EVE Online. It was an incredibly immersive experience for those of us unfamiliar with the Oculus Rift, and even members of the press who had used the device seemed impressed with the game. Fanfest attendees were equally excited when a trailer for EVR was shown at the EVE Keynote on Friday, and many attendees got to try the game first hand last night. But what impressed me the most was the story behind the demo's creation and the possibilities that Oculus Rift could potentially open up if support for it were brought to EVE Online.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I give my hands-on impressions of EVR, delve into the story behind its creation, and speculate on how Oculus Rift support could revolutionise EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Hands-on with EVE's virtual reality demo

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Hands-on with EVE's virtual reality demo originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-percent20-percent-time20-timedogfightingeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-keynoteeve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eve-virtual-realityeventevent-coverageevrfanfestfeaturedgoogleicelandjon-landermassively-event-coverageoculus-riftrekyjavikstar-citizentrailerunity-3dvideovirtual-realitySun, 28 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: War Thunder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/rise-and-shiny-war-thunder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/rise-and-shiny-war-thunder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/rise-and-shiny-war-thunder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

War Thunder screenshot
War Thunder, a new instanced-based WWII flying battle, uhm, thingy, didn't really seem that appealing at first. It looks nice, and yes, the planes can be controlled in a few different styles ranging from an FPS twitch style to a more "realistic" mode, but I was worried it would be just another slogging grind until I was able to have any fun. There's some truth behind my worry about the grind, but overall I had an incredible time in the game. The only real shame is that I didn't get to put as much time in it as I would have liked. The game had infrequent connection issues, but when they cropped up, they lasted a while. Even so, each match lasted long enough to give me a pretty good taste of combat.

I stuck with the "arcade" style of gameplay. It's a simpler way to control the planes that allows players to point the mouse pointer for control. You might need to land for repairs and take off again, but it's as simple as slowing down until you touch down. I started to take the more realistic mode's tutorial, but as soon as it told me I had to manually control much more of the plane's controls, I gave up. Call me a wimp, but I just wanted to shoot planes.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: War Thunder

MassivelyRise and Shiny: War Thunder originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinystreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideowar-thunderwar-thunder-world-of-planesworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplanesworld-war-2World-War-IIwwIISun, 28 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively's Neverwinter launch diary Day two
After yesterday's initial foray into Neverwinter, I was eager to get back to it. I was still trying to figure everything out, including frustrating little issues (is there a screenshot key that saves to a folder? Can I keep the little notifications from constantly popping out of the side of the map?). There's that period of acclimation in new games when you're excited but also feel a little lost. I'm guessing it's going to be another day or two before I truly feel comfortable in my Neverwinter home.

From what I can figure out, there are six main options for a typical Neverwinter play session. There are general PvE quests, skirmishes (think instanced public quests), zone-wide events, group dungeon runs, Foundry missions, and PvP fights. There's also playing the auction house, crafting, and making your own Foundry missions.

Yesterday was about the first two, so I decided that the second day would be all about the Foundry. At a certain level or part of the quest line (around level 11), you gain access to daily Foundry quests. These give you astral diamonds as incentive to run player-made content, so I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Continue reading Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two

MassivelyMassively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunch-diarylaunchesneverwinterneverwinter-daysneverwinter-nightsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPGCplayer-generated-contentpwethe-foundrySat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Massively's Neverwinter launch diary Day one
Neverwinter's launch isn't so much a launch as a gradual roll-out that's happening in several phases and operating under the code-name of "open beta." While the doors won't be open for the general public until April 30th, purchasers of the founder's packs are able to get in a few days early. Cryptic's invited the media to join the day one festivities alongside of those who've plunked down $200 for a Hero of the North package, which is how I'm able to bring to you a day-by-day account of the first week of Neverwinter live.

While I've participated in two of the beta weekend events and have been following Neverwinter for a few months now as part of my column coverage, much of the game is virgin territory to me. I like going into a launch relatively unspoiled (or as unspoiled as a writer who covers MMOs can be), so this launch diary isn't going to be the voice of great experience. It's going to be the voice of experiences. See what I did there?

Noon on April 25th finally arrived... and we were off to the D&D races!

Continue reading Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdevoted-clericdiarydndf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylaunch-diarylaunchesneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweFri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Final Fantasy XIV's beta phase 1 and 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/first-impressions-final-fantasy-xivs-beta-phase-1-and-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/first-impressions-final-fantasy-xivs-beta-phase-1-and-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/first-impressions-final-fantasy-xivs-beta-phase-1-and-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Apparently Gladiator is cool again.
I'm going to completely fail to surprise any longtime readers of the site with this sentence: I am kind of a fan of Final Fantasy XIV.

Of course I am. I write our weekly column about the game, I discuss the game in other columns, and I went across the country to preview the game back in February. It's not a secret. Nor should it come as any surprise that I am a Legacy player and thus have had the opportunity to take part in the game's first two beta test phases. As of today, I can start talking about those experiences.

Well... I can sort of talk about those experiences. A lot of what I have to say was already conveyed back when I took that aforementioned trip in February. My warm feelings about the game have not diminished in any way over the past few months, but rather than rewriting everything, I thought I'd go with a look at some things I've discovered from not hitting just the highs and the lows.

Continue reading First Impressions: Final Fantasy XIV's beta phase 1 and 2

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Final Fantasy XIV's beta phase 1 and 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfirst-impressionsgame-mechanicsimpressionsold-featuressquaresquare-enixWed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finding the 'world' in Prime World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/finding-the-world-in-prime-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/finding-the-world-in-prime-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/finding-the-world-in-prime-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Finding the 'world' in Prime World
Welcome to my Prime World castle! Enjoy the mountain air, the multiple residential buildings, the fountain and bench I decided I had room for, and the general atmosphere. No, really, enjoy them now because you sadly can't even see them in the game. While a few of my mates and I had the pleasure of experiencing Prime World via the English client on the live Russian server, there were a few oddities that popped up during our prime-binge, and I'm not referring to my Russian comrades.

For those who haven't heard of Prime World, let me giver you a primer: It's set in a fantasy world where a new material called "prime" has revolutionized both the scientific and natural world. Players are tasked with building their own little base to gather resources, make friends, hire heroes, and fight for more prime against the other faction (unless your side currently heavily outnumbers the other faction, in which case the game allows you the option to fight other people of your faction in order to speed up the queues). Really, it's like StarCraft and League of Legends had a baby and asked Facebook to raise the kid, except that you needn't make use of the Facebook integration to play the game and can opt to use an email address instead. However, you'll still find a need for a social network when it comes to the non-MOBA part of the game.

Continue reading Finding the 'world' in Prime World

MassivelyFinding the 'world' in Prime World originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredhands-onnivalpreviewpreviewsprime-worldrussiarussian-launchTue, 23 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Romulan content in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/captains-log-romulan-content-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/captains-log-romulan-content-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/captains-log-romulan-content-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO TLiss warbird header
Jolan tru! This week I've had the pleasure of jumping onto the Tribble test server in Star Trek Online again. But this time it wasn't just to check out the new UI or the overhaul of Drozana Station. Nope, this week I was one of several hundred (if not a thousand or so) regular Tribble players offered the opportunity to test out the first several levels of the new Romulan faction!

So here's a big warning: Thar be a few spoilers ahead! If you don't want to know anything about the story of the Romulan Republic, then you might want to avoid looking past the jump, but if you're not bothered about seeing some of Star Trek Online's upcoming content before it's released, then press that big button right down there and let's get to it.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Romulan content in Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Romulan content in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfederationfirst impressionsfree-to-playklingonslegacy of romulusopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromulan-republicRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotal-shiarMon, 22 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Arena of Heroes' turn-based gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/hands-on-with-arena-of-heroes-turn-based-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/hands-on-with-arena-of-heroes-turn-based-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/hands-on-with-arena-of-heroes-turn-based-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Handson with Arena of Heroes' turnbased gameplay
During the last week, I've witnessed two excellent unions: My good friend married his college sweetheart, and a MOBA reached out to the ranks of turn-based gaming. Sure, the former had an open bar, but no amount of free booze can quench my desire for something new within the MOBA genre. Enter Arena of Heroes, a new turn-based free-to-play MOBA that can be played on PC, Mac, iPad, and eventually, on Ouya, iOS, and Android.

I spent the morning with Sneaky Games CEO David Godwin and Zattikka Director of Product Alexandra Tinsman to find out why this game will make me bring my iPad everywhere I go.

Continue reading Hands-on with Arena of Heroes' turn-based gameplay

MassivelyHands-on with Arena of Heroes' turn-based gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexandra-tinsmanandroidarena-of-heroesdavid-godwinfeaturedhands-onMOBAouyapcpreviewpreviewssneaky-gameszattikkaFri, 19 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-three-and-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-three-and-recap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-three-and-recap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap
So yesterday I kinda rambled on at length about why I'm loving Darkfall Unholy Wars. I'm not really apologizing; after all, this is my launch week diary! Today, though, I figured I might tone it down a bit and just hit the highlights of my day three play experience. After that, I'll recap and give you some final thoughts on Darkfall as it stands in April 2013.

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day three and recap originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-craftingdarkfall-impressionsdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-launch-weekdarkfall-pvedarkfall-reviewdarkfall-unholy-warsdffantasyfeaturedopen-pvppvepvpsandboxsmartphoneunholy-warsunholy-wars-launchFri, 19 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively's Darkfall launch week diary Day two
I'm doing Darkfall Unholy Wars wrong.

See, I'm one of those sandbox carebears who could not care less about PvP. I'll attempt to defend myself if attacked, and I'll add another body to the zerg if I'm in a clan or whatever, but I don't seek out conflict with other players. I mention this because that attitude obviously informs everything I write about Darkfall, which, at its core, is a great big high fantasy murder simulator.

Yes, the game has crafting, harvesting, player housing, and better PvE than it's given credit for, but on some level all of this stuff exists to power the FFA PvP meatgrinder that in turn attempts to satiate the bloodlust of Aventurine's target demographic.

And would you believe that despite that, Darkfall is still one of this carebear's favorite MMORPGs?

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day two

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinecarebeardarkfalldarkfall-launchdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-unholy-warsdffantasyfeaturedhands-onimmersionlaunch-diaryopen-pvppvepvpsandboxunholy-warsunholy-wars-launchThu, 18 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Darkfall Unholy Wars loading screen art
Darkfall Unholy Wars' April 2013 launch was quite a bit like Darkfall's February 2009 launch. For me, at any rate. One crucial difference was that this time I was actually able to purchase Aventurine's fantasy sandbox title even though I wasn't able to log into it.

Four years ago, finding a digital copy of Darkfall was damn near impossible. Fast forward to the present and AV has improved its billing apparatus but certainly not its delivery mechanism. After nearly three hours, DFUW's patcher managed to pull down 90 MB out of 6487. I switched to the torrent download, and while it was faster, I still had to leave it overnight. So technically this is day two impressions even though it's day one for yours truly.

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-diarydarkfall-first-impressionsdarkfall-hands-ondarkfall-impressionsdarkfall-launchdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-launch-weekdarkfall-unholy-warsdarkfall-unholy-wars-launchdfexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-oninventorylaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopen-pvppvpsandboxunholy-warsWed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with RaiderZ's new Broken Silence expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/hands-on-with-raiderzs-new-broken-silence-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/hands-on-with-raiderzs-new-broken-silence-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/hands-on-with-raiderzs-new-broken-silence-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

RaiderZ Broken Silence screenshot
I have to admit, I felt a combination of excitement and fear when I was tasked with covering the newest RaiderZ expansion, Broken Silence, because I knew that I would be challenged in a few ways. First, I had to get used to the game again. I've played it off and on and have enjoyed it until around level 10, but I am no expert. I had already experienced the fantastic non-instanced combat that the game is known for, but I still had a long way to go. Second, I knew that the game would physically punish me. After years of playing games, painting, and drawing, I can easily be forced to soak my forearms in icy water after a session of action-based gaming. Lastly, I knew I would be given a higher-level character and needed to get used to how that particular character performed. The brilliant thing about action-based games is that the person behind the keyboard matters as much as amazing armor or incredible spells. I'd have to sharpen up.

I logged into my character and discovered just how fun this game still is.

Gallery: RaiderZ Broken Silence screenshots

Continue reading Hands-on with RaiderZ's new Broken Silence expansion

MassivelyHands-on with RaiderZ's new Broken Silence expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-based-combataction-mmobeau-hindmanbroken-silencecowen-marshdungeon-crawlerexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreamperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPWEraiderzraiderz-broken-silenceRoninstreamstreamingstreamteamvideoTue, 16 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Peeking in on Star Trek Online's Tribble test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/captains-log-peeking-into-stos-tribble-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/captains-log-peeking-into-stos-tribble-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/captains-log-peeking-into-stos-tribble-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO Drozana Romulan
It's been a couple of weeks since I've had the opportunity to write about some of the new features in the upcoming expansion for Star Trek Online called the Legacy of Romulus. Due out on May 21st, 2013, the expansion will boast a new playable Romulan faction as well as additional Klingon content, a new "adventure zone," and some tweaks to existing systems.

Among those tweaks is a new look to the game's user interface, a revamp to the trait system, and an overhaul to the Tholian zone on Nukara Prime, which will be converted into a reputation faction similar to the systems already in place for Task Force Omega and New Romulus. Hit the jump to catch a glimpse of what I was able to glean from the Star Trek Online's Tribble test server!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Peeking in on Star Trek Online's Tribble test server

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Peeking in on Star Trek Online's Tribble test server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdrozanaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusnukara-strikeforceopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerep-systemreputationreputation-rewardsRomulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotholianstribble-test-serveruser-interfaceMon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/first-impressions-swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/first-impressions-swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/first-impressions-swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This image delivers exactly everything it promises.
How much of an expansion can you really get from one new planet and five new levels?

I've been subscribing to Star Wars: The Old Republic since launch day, so buying Rise of the Hutt Cartel wasn't exactly a difficult decision. I like the game, I'm pleased with it, and I'm going to pick up the expansion. But the pre-launch marketing for the expansion looked pretty sparse. A new planet was nice, and a level cap raise was great, but it seemed very low-key even for the price point. Ten bucks for one new area and more leveling felt thin.

After a week on Makeb, I can comfortably say that it was worth the price of entry. There have been a lot of changes made to the game with the expansion and its connected patch, and with only a handful of exceptions, those improvements make the game universally better. And it all starts with a reversal of the game's status quo.

Continue reading First Impressions: SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel

MassivelyFirst Impressions: SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsexpansionf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onhutt-cartelimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylauncheslucasartsrise-of-the-hutt-cartelrothcsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's Shroud lifted [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-shroud-lifted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-shroud-lifted/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-shroud-lifted/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon SWTOR's Shroud lifted
I've been covering Star Wars: The Old Republic for going on three years now. My first full-time MMO was Star Wars Galaxies, although I had played a bit of Ultima Online before that. I have also played nearly every major MMO after SWG's launch, ranging from World of Warcraft to Lord of the Rings Online to City of Heroes to DC Universe Online. Although all those games had aspects that I really enjoyed, I was not able to stick with any of those other MMOs for more than a month.

But when I first started playing SWTOR regularly during beta, it had me hooked. Sure, there were many aspects that I didn't like; some areas made me question the strength of the game as an MMO, but I continued to play. Some people would say that it's the lightsabers that have kept me there. I would agree the hiss and buzz of a laser sword is part of the appeal. I have played through many of the class stories to a high level, and I've also watched every class story multiple times on YouTube to catch all the endings. I have personally played through the Sith Warrior and the Sith Inquisitor story twice -- not just to level up but to watch the story again. Some of the dialogue is shaky, but in my opinion, there had never been this level of storytelling in an MMO before. And I will continue to play as long as there is still story to experience.

Today, BioWare launches the next chapter in the story of Star Wars: The Old Republic, Rise of the Hutt Cartel. The majority of the story takes place on the Hutt-controlled world of Makeb, but we have also been given two major quest that take us all over the galaxy. Today, I would like to talk about one of those: the Shroud.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's Shroud lifted [updated]

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's Shroud lifted [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playHall-Hoodhutt-cartelhyperspace-beaconlivestreamlucasartsopinionpreviewpreviewsrise-of-the-hutt-cartelrothcsci-fishroudstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamswtorthe-old-republicthe-shroudtorTue, 09 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST