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[MechWarrior Online announces closed beta and founder's program]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/mechwarrior-online-announces-closed-beta-and-founders-program/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/mechwarrior-online-announces-closed-beta-and-founders-program/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/mechwarrior-online-announces-closed-beta-and-founders-program/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MWO
Turn over the engine and light up the jet thrusters because MechWarrior Online is stomping into closed beta this week. Anyone who registers on the official site has a chance to check out the hot 'mech action before the rest of the crowd. While the beta is currently limited to North America, there is no IP blocking, so anyone can jump in as long as he or she doesn't mind a little lag.

Perhaps of more interest is Piranha Games' announcement of its founder's program, code-named Operation Inception. Yes, we guess the devs saw the movie too. While MWO will be free-to-play with optional microtransactions, Operation Inception lets players invest their money up-front to get special goodies and an early start to the game.

Players can buy into the founder's program starting June 19th. It will come in two tiers: a $30 veteran package and a $60 elite package. The veteran package includes $40 of in-game currency, a month of premium account status, a founder's tag, and early access. The elite package includes $80 of in-game currency, two months of premium status, the founder's tag, early access, and an exclusive BattleMech.

Early access for MechWarrior Online begins July 17th.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online announces closed beta and founder's program originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaearly-accessf2pfounders-battlemechfounders-programfree-to-playinceptionip-blockinglaunchmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwooperation-inceptionpiranhapiranha-gamesregion-freesci-fiTue, 22 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online dev Q&A covers beta, grouping, and combat damage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/mechwarrior-online-dev-qanda-covers-beta-grouping-and-combat-dam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/mechwarrior-online-dev-qanda-covers-beta-grouping-and-combat-dam/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/mechwarrior-online-dev-qanda-covers-beta-grouping-and-combat-dam/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MWO
MechWarrior Online's devs aren't quite ready to disclose specifics on the game's minimum specs or beta process, but news for both is coming "soon." These vague assurances were the anomaly in a recent community Q&A, during which Piranha Games President Russ Bullock and Creative Director Bryan Ekman spilled on all of the minutia that fans were dying to know.

The duo said that they're "working very hard" to get MWO servers into every major region and that information about beta will be coming next week. They did confirm that there will be an open beta at some juncture, however.

Other details disclosed included the fact that players can form groups of up to 12 'Mechs, that legs cannot be blown off (but can be immobilized), and that the launch matchmaking system will be very basic and won't take into account player skill or records.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online dev Q&A covers beta, grouping, and combat damage originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaBryan-Ekmanclosed-betacommunity-q-and-af2pfree-to-playmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemin-specsminimum-specsmwoopen-betapiranhapiranha-gamespvpq-and-aRuss-Bullocksci-fisoonsoon-tmspecstweetchattwitterThu, 17 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online unleashes a torrent of new screenshots, plus new teaser trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mechwarrior-online-unleashes-a-torrent-of-new-screenshots-plus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mechwarrior-online-unleashes-a-torrent-of-new-screenshots-plus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/mechwarrior-online-unleashes-a-torrent-of-new-screenshots-plus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- MechWarrior Online
Piranha Games has spent the last few weeks inundating us with information on the various gameplay mechanics and customization options that players can expect from its upcoming free-to-play 'bot-battling title, MechWarrior Online, but today the studio has unleashed a deluge of screenshots and a new video that shows what the game's really about: big robots and even bigger explosions. Also, lots of lasers. Pew pew!

The screenshots showcase a variety of 'Mechs -- including the first in-game screens of the Dragon -- going at it with everything from lasers to long-range missiles and everything in between, plus there are quite a few showing off the game's MechLab customization features. The video, meanwhile, gives players yet another look at the game's combat, which, judging by the number of lasers flying around, could double as a (potentially fatal) light show. But enough words; go on and click through the gallery below and feast your eyes on all the giant robot goodness.

[Source: Piranha Games press release]

Gallery: MechWarrior Online screenshots

Continue reading MechWarrior Online unleashes a torrent of new screenshots, plus new teaser trailer

MassivelyMechWarrior Online unleashes a torrent of new screenshots, plus new teaser trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgalleriesgallerymechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamessci-fiscreenshotscreenshotstrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 11 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online unloads six preview videos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/mechwarrior-online-unloads-six-preview-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/mechwarrior-online-unloads-six-preview-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/mechwarrior-online-unloads-six-preview-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Oh, Medium Lasers, how I still love you.
With all the talk about how MechWarrior Online will play, potential players have no doubt been itching to see the game in full swing. We only recently got a peek at the first in-game screenshots, but today a veritable cascade of new information is available. Not one, not two, but six preview videos have been released, showing off the general gameplay, all four 'Mech weight classes, and the interface for customizing your 'Mech before you march it into battle.

Aside from a variety of gameplay footage (clearly unpolished but still encouraging), the videos give some insight into the game's design goals. Rather than following the route of the classic MechWarrior games that placed the heaviest 'Mechs at the top of the food chain, MechWarrior Online wants all machines to have a place on the battlefield depending on player style and battlefield objectives. But why read about it when you can watch it in action just past the break? After all, that way you're learning the same information and watching giant robots shoot at each other.

Continue reading MechWarrior Online unloads six preview videos

MassivelyMechWarrior Online unloads six preview videos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamespreviewsci-fitrailertrailersvideovideo-previewvideosThu, 10 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online reveals the first in-game screens of the Catapult]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/mechwarrior-online-reveals-the-first-in-game-screens-of-the-cata/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/mechwarrior-online-reveals-the-first-in-game-screens-of-the-cata/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/mechwarrior-online-reveals-the-first-in-game-screens-of-the-cata/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

And then you roll a critical hit to the head. Boom.
Battles in MechWarrior Online are not about subtlety; they are about unloading huge amounts of firepower on enemy machines as fast as possible. That is the sole purpose of the Catapult, a 'Mech loaded with long-range missiles to pummel enemy units into submission. But the Catapult has another distinction -- it's the first 'Mech to receive screenshot treatment, showing the heavy support 'Mech off in all its jumping, missile-heavy goodness.

Fans familiar with previous games in the MechWarrior franchise or the BattleTech board game will know the Catapult quite well. It's just barely into the heavier weight class. sporting jump jets and medium lasers to help it move out of dangerous engagements or disable lighter units. And, of course, there are its twin missile banks, effective as a direct-fire weapon or for use as artillery with an assisting spotter unit. The game's screenshots also show off the classic variant replacing the missile banks with PPCs, high-powered energy cannons designed to fry targets at extreme range.

[Source: Piranha Games press release]

Gallery: MechWarrior Online screenshots

MassivelyMechWarrior Online reveals the first in-game screens of the Catapult originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battletechf2pfirst-screenshotsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerymechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwonewspiranhapiranha-gamespreviewsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsThu, 03 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online devs field 'Mech customization queries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mechwarrior-online-devs-field-mech-customization-queries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mechwarrior-online-devs-field-mech-customization-queries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/mechwarrior-online-devs-field-mech-customization-queries/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online
If you had four developers of a hot upcoming title trapped in a room and could ask them any question you wanted, what would it be? (Please note that if you actually are in this situation, Massively advises releasing the hostages and surrendering to the police.) While there might not be a filthy underground lair involved in MechWarrior Online's latest community Q&A session, the principle is the same.

A good bulk of the 27 questions thrown to the four members of Piranha Games' team revolve around 'Mech customization. MechWarrior Online will be pretty flexible in this regard, although not as flexible as pen-and-paper fans might hope. For example, custom decals won't be in the game at launch, as their inclusion would require too much monitoring. Still, if you're trying to get a sense of the scope of MWO's 'Mech customization, this Q&A might impress you.

Just because the community could ask doesn't mean that Piranha had to answer, however. When queried about the in-game economy, Creative Director Bryan Ekman put the answer off until later: "We're not ready to go into details on the economics of the game. We plan to cover this in greater detail in the next couple of months via our dev blogs."

MassivelyMechWarrior Online devs field 'Mech customization queries originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-q-and-acustomizationdev-q-and-aeconomyf2pfree-to-playin-game-economymechmech-customizationmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamesq-and-asci-fiWed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Step inside MechWarrior Online's MechLab and choose your weapon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/step-inside-mechwarrior-onlines-mechlab-and-choose-your-weapon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/step-inside-mechwarrior-onlines-mechlab-and-choose-your-weapon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/step-inside-mechwarrior-onlines-mechlab-and-choose-your-weapon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

McMech, the Scottish BattleMech
Over the past weeks, we've been seeing a steady drip of information about MechWarrior Online's various BattleMechs and the customization options available to players to make each 'Mech unique. Today, Piranha Games is giving players an inside look at the MechLab, which is the in-game interface players will use to modify their machines of death and destruction.

The MechLab uses what the studio calls a hardpoint system, which essentially means that weapons can only be swapped out for other weapons of the same type. For instance, energy weapons can be swapped only for other energy weapons, while ballistic weapons can be changed out only for other ballistic weapons. 'Mech customization also relies on a weight system meaning that each 'Mech has a maximum weight that it cannot exceed, so players will have to pick and choose between numerous lightweight enhancements or fewer, heavier ones (or some combination thereof). The full system, as fans of the series undoubtedly expect, is quite robust, so hop in the cockpit and jump-jet your way over to the official dev blog for the full details.

MassivelyStep inside MechWarrior Online's MechLab and choose your weapon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customizationf2pfree-to-playmechmechlabmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemodificationmwopiranhapiranha-gamessci-fiWed, 04 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Center your sights with MechWarrior Online's latest dev Q&A]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/center-your-sights-with-mechwarrior-onlines-latest-dev-qanda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/center-your-sights-with-mechwarrior-onlines-latest-dev-qanda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/center-your-sights-with-mechwarrior-onlines-latest-dev-qanda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Concept Art -- MechWarrior Online
MechWarriors, start your engines. It's time for another Q&A session with the fine folks at Piranha Games, the studio behind the upcoming free-to-play MechWarrior Online. Combat is the name of the game today, and developers Matt Craig, Paul Inouye, David Bradley, and Garth Eriam have taken some time to answer players' burning questions.

The Q&A covers topics ranging from the game's reticle convergence mechanics to how exactly one goes about disabling an enemy 'Mech, and just as there's more than one way to skin a cat, there are myriad methods with which to bring destruction to your foes. Players will be able to bring down an enemy BattleMech by destroying the head, disabling the torso, or literally bringing the 'Mech to its knees by crippling its legs. But of course, that's much easier said than done. The game's reticle convergence system will require players to aim their shots well and time them even better if they plan to survive for long.

The full details, for those interested in the mechanics of combat, are available for perusal at the official MWO site.

MassivelyCenter your sights with MechWarrior Online's latest dev Q&A originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcommunity-q-and-acommunity-qaf2pfree-to-playmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamesq-and-aqareticle-convergencesci-fiwarfareWed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scope out MechWarrior Online's high-octane action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/scope-out-mechwarrior-onlines-high-octane-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/scope-out-mechwarrior-onlines-high-octane-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/scope-out-mechwarrior-onlines-high-octane-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online
It's one thing to hear about how exciting an upcoming game might be, but it's something else to see it for yourself. While we were certainly impressed with what we heard and saw about MechWarrior Online from this past week's GDC, we weren't able to show you how the game actually plays. Until now, that is!

Piranha Games just released its first public video showing in-game footage of MechWarrior Online. In it, three 'Mechs -- an Atlas, a Jenner, and a Hunchback -- are duking it out in one of the game's wilderness arenas. While the video is short, there's plenty of sweet details to pick out, such as a barrage of missiles arcing toward a foe, battle-damage on enemy 'Mechs, and serious-looking warnings that pop up on the player's HUD.

MechWarrior Online is slated for a summer 2012 release. You can check out the gameplay video after the jump!

Continue reading Scope out MechWarrior Online's high-octane action

MassivelyScope out MechWarrior Online's high-octane action originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgameplay-footagein-game-footagemechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemoviemwopiranhapiranha-gamessci-fitrailervideoTue, 13 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/massively-speaking-episode-190-gdc-wednesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/massively-speaking-episode-190-gdc-wednesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/massively-speaking-episode-190-gdc-wednesday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 190 brings us another installment of the wild and wacky adventures of Massively's GDC crew. Today the entire ensemble has assembled, with Shawn, Jef, Karen, and MJ hogging the mike and sharing their impressions and experiences from the convention. Also, Karen rules from the Iron Throne, so do not mess with her or she'll send you to the Wall.

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

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 190: GDC Wednesday originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesbattleshipbattleshipsbigpointbiowarebrantbrianna-royceccpccp-gamesconsoledark-legendsdustdust-514eveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgame-of-throneshistoricalhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmechmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemmofpsmwoopinionpiranhapiranha-gamesplaneplanesplaystationplaystation-3podcastpodcastingpodcastsps3pvpsci-fishooterspacetime-studiostanktanksthe9triontrion-worldswarwargaming-netwargaming.netwarplanewarplaneswobworld-of-battleshipsworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplaneswotwowpThu, 08 Mar 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 190Massively.com Staff00:28:20podcasts<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/gdc-2012-locking-on-to-mechwarrior-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online
The notion of strapping oneself into a massive battle robot chassis and duking it out with other 'Mechs appeals to the inner child in all of us (or it should), so it's hard not to feel a tingle of excitement when the makers of MechWarrior Online promise that we'll soon be able to do just that. We caught up with the Piranha Games crew at GDC to become one of the very first non-studio witnesses of MWO's in-game footage and to hear why this is a title that should be on all of our radars.

The team is filled with huge fans of the MechWarrior and BattleTech franchises, so the devs were eager to construct a proper MechWarrior title when Piranha got ahold of the license this year. The studio seized upon the free-to-play model early on as the best way to draw in as many potential 'Mech pilots as possible. It also snagged the CryEngine 3 to provide the best possible graphical fidelity for its product. Unfortunately, it's going to be hard to categorize MWO as "massively," as its non-persistent arena maps will host up to only 24 players in 12v12 fights.

Setting-wise, MechWarrior Online begins in 3049, but that date will keep tempo with the real-world calendar (so tomorrow it'll be March 9th, 3049, and so on). As events happen in the story according to the game's canon, the game will change to reflect that in real-time.

Read on to hear what the devs had to say about two of the game's four pillars: mech warfare and role warfare.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online

MassivelyGDC 2012: Locking on to MechWarrior Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12v12community-warfareconconferenceconventionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012mechmech-warfaremechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemobamwopiranhapiranha-gamesrole-warfaresci-fiworld-of-tanksThu, 08 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online kicks off Mech Warfare Month]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mechwarrior-online-kicks-off-mech-warfare-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mechwarrior-online-kicks-off-mech-warfare-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/mechwarrior-online-kicks-off-mech-warfare-month/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MechWarrior Online
Driving a multi-ton battle 'Mech isn't like picking your friend up at the 7-11 in your dad's Prius; it's a massive, complicated war machine that has to be understood before it can be wielded against foes. So if you think that piloting one in MechWarrior Online will be as simple as hitting the WASD keys and the occasional 1 or 2, think again.

This is why Piranha Games has launched Mech Warfare Month on the official MWO site, giving us a full run-down of how movement and combat is handled in the game. Concepts such as 'Mech "torso twists," jump jets, environmental obstacles, and heat management have to be taken into account from the onset. To bring down the hammer on enemy 'Mechs, players will use a balance of energy, projectile, and ballistic weapons -- and they have to keep track of ammo while doing so.

Piranha wraps up the post with a lengthy list of keyboard and mouse commands that will be necessary to learn for safe 'Mech operation. While the full list of controls and HUD details may send some running for their nearest touch-screen device, this level of detail is exactly what attracts such a devoted fanbase to the franchise.

We're speaking with Piranha Games at GDC this week, so stay tuned for an in-depth interview as to how this game is shaping up!

[Thanks to Nimsy for the tip!]

MassivelyMechWarrior Online kicks off Mech Warfare Month originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcombat-systemscontrolsf2pfree-to-playheat-managementhudjump-jetsmechmech-warfare-monthmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-mmomechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamessci-fitorso-twistwarfareWed, 07 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First official MechWarrior Online trailer drops into action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/first-official-mechwarrior-online-trailer-drops-into-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/first-official-mechwarrior-online-trailer-drops-into-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/first-official-mechwarrior-online-trailer-drops-into-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MechWarrior Online trailer still
For some time now, the folks at Piranha Games have been teasing us with 'Mech reveals, Q&As, and steady info drips. Now, finally, we get to see those big badass 'bots in action, as the studio has just unveiled the first official trailer for MechWarrior Online. The short teaser trailer takes fans inside the cockpit of one of the game's monumental BattleMechs as its pilot prepares for an aerial drop.

But you know what they say -- a picture's worth a thousand words. We're not sure what a video's worth, but we do know that we don't have that much room, so just click on past the cut and feast your eyes on MechWarrior Online's premiere trailer.

Continue reading First official MechWarrior Online trailer drops into action

MassivelyFirst official MechWarrior Online trailer drops into action originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlemechbattlemechsbattletechf2pfree-to-playmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamestrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 28 Feb 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online discusses the fine details of advancement]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/mechwarrior-online-discusses-the-fine-details-of-advancement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/mechwarrior-online-discusses-the-fine-details-of-advancement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/15/mechwarrior-online-discusses-the-fine-details-of-advancement/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Centurions have never looked quite so impressive.
MechWarrior Online continues its march along in development, but that's no reason for fans to just wait and see what happens. A new installment in the developer blog that answers community questions has just been unveiled, tackling a variety of different topics. The primary focus is on customizing your 'Mech and advancing your character skills, building off of the recent discussion regarding the means of advancement and how players can upgrade their skills.

As outlined by the questions, the experience system will in some ways be reminiscent of EVE Online's -- players won't be able to respec, but there will be no limitations on starting to put points in a new tree while retaining the benefits of previously spent points. It's also confirmed that your experience with a given chassis remains even if you move on from the 'Mech in question should you later choose to return. If you're worried about the fine details of self-improvement in the upcoming game, the latest answer should put most of your questions to rest.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online discusses the fine details of advancement originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>improvementslevelingmechwarrior-onlinemwopilot-skillspirahnapirahna-gamespreviwesq-and-aquestions-and-answersskillsupdatesupgradesWed, 15 Feb 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online previews BattleMech upgrades and pilot skill trees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/mechwarrior-online-previews-battlemech-upgrades-and-pilot-skill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/mechwarrior-online-previews-battlemech-upgrades-and-pilot-skill/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/mechwarrior-online-previews-battlemech-upgrades-and-pilot-skill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Concept Art -- MechWarrior Online
A couple of days ago, Piranha Games -- the studio behind the upcoming MechWarrior Online -- gave us a look at the role-based warfare and character progression we can expect from the robot-fighting title. As we reported last week, players in MWO will fall into of four roles: scout, assault, defense, or command. Today's update on the game's official site gives us a closer look at the various ways that players can earn XP and on what they can spend it. For instance, every 'Mech will have an upgrade tree, which is divided into tiers. Players must spend experience in order to purchase all of the upgrades on a given tier before they are able to access the subsequent tier.

To get a look at the various abilities and skill trees through which players will be progressing when they finally find themselves in the cockpit, just click on through the link below to the official MechWarrior Online site.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online previews BattleMech upgrades and pilot skill trees originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Art -- MechWarrior Online
Last week, we got to take a look at MechWarrior Online's freshly introduced CN9-A Centurion BattleMech. This week, however, the folks at Piranha Games want to give you some insight on what to do once you're seated in the cockpit of your giant robot, so they've dropped a new blog post titled Role Warfare for fans' consumption. The post first introduces players to the various roles available to MechWarrior Online players: scouting, assault, defense, and command. The roles are exactly what they sound like. Scouts gather intel, while assault 'Mechs assault and defense 'Mechs defend. Command mechs, believe it or not, command their respective teams.

But how do you customize your 'Mech to fill one of these roles? As players progress through their matches, the BattleMechs that they use in battle will gain XP according to their battle performance. This XP can be spent to unlock upgrades in the BattleMech's tech tree. Each BattleMech will have its own distinct tech tree, and therefore its own distinct upgrade options. At certain points within the Tech Tree, players will receive Pilot Points, which are assigned directly to the player's pilot avatar and are used to purchase pilot abilities in the Pilot Skill Tree. Finally, players can purchase BattleMech modules with their C-Bills, which allows for the final layer of specialization on the customization cake.

For the full details on the game's customization and upgrade system, and to get a run down of some recommended loadouts for various roles, click on through to MWO's official site below.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online delves into the art of role warfare originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlemechbattletechcustomizationf2pfree-to-playmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemodulesmwopilot-pointspilot-skill-treepilot-skill-treespilot-treepilot-treespiranhapiranha-gamesprogressionrole-warfarerolestech-treetech-treesWed, 01 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online unveils the classic CN9-A Centurion BattleMech]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mechwarrior-online-unveils-the-classic-cn9-a-centurion-battlemec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mechwarrior-online-unveils-the-classic-cn9-a-centurion-battlemec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/mechwarrior-online-unveils-the-classic-cn9-a-centurion-battlemec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

CN9-A Centurion
Giant robot fans everywhere are getting pumped up for Piranha Games' upcoming MechWarrior Online, but what's a MechWarrior game without lots of badass BattleMechs? Boring, that's what. Fortunately, however, there's plenty of giant robot lovin' to go around in MWO, and today the team is revealing the newest (though we use that term loosely) addition to the roster: the Centurion.

The CN9-A Centurion is a long-time favorite of anyone who has hung around in the MechWarrior universe for long enough, and it's easy enough to see why. Armed with weapons suitable for any range, the Centurion is a force to be reckoned with no matter where he is on the battlefield. Whether it's launching LRM-10 missiles across the battlefield or wrecking someone's day personally with its AC/10 autocannon and medium lasers, you can bet the Centurion will be making a triumphant return in MechWarrior Online.

For the full details on the newly revealed BattleMech, just jump on over to the game's official site.

[Thanks to nimzy for the tip!]

MassivelyMechWarrior Online unveils the classic CN9-A Centurion BattleMech originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlemechbattlemechscenturionCN9-A-Centurionf2pfree-to-playmechmech-revealmechsmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemwopiranhapiranha-gamesrevealrobotrobotsWed, 25 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online Q&A gives you six devs for the price of none]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/mechwarrior-online-qanda-gives-you-six-devs-for-the-price-of-none/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/mechwarrior-online-qanda-gives-you-six-devs-for-the-price-of-none/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/mechwarrior-online-qanda-gives-you-six-devs-for-the-price-of-none/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Concept art -- MechWarrior Online
MechWarrior Online continues to unleash a steady barrage of new information with today's newly released developer Q&A. Piranha Games has outdone itself with the latest post, which brings you answers from not one, not two, but six MWO developers. The devs begin by giving fans some insight into how BattleMech modules will work to augment pilot abilities; for example players can sacrifice night-vision distance for higher visual detail. The remainder of the Q&A covers a great wealth of different topics, such as intelligence-gathering, the BattleGrid, and -- most importantly -- hula girls. For the full Q&A, just click on through the link below to the MechWarrior Online official forums.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online Q&A gives you six devs for the price of none originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlegriddev-q-and-adev-qaf2pfree-to-playhula-girlsmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemodulemodulesmwopiranhapiranha-gamesq-and-aqaWed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online interviews a trio of devs, hilarity ensues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mechwarrior-online-interviews-a-trio-of-devs-hilarity-ensues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mechwarrior-online-interviews-a-trio-of-devs-hilarity-ensues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/mechwarrior-online-interviews-a-trio-of-devs-hilarity-ensues/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MechWarrior Online concept art
Piranha Games, the studio behind the upcoming MechWarrior Online, has Hposted a new developer interview with not one, not two, but three members of the MWO team: David Bradley, Bryan Ekman, and Paul Inouye.The devs give a short history of their gaming industry experiences before being pelted with a barrage of questions detailing what they bring to the game, what makes MechWarrior Online different from their past projects, what playstyles they prefer, and more. There are a few nuggets of good information in the post, as well as some great humor as the devs banter with and antagonize one another. For the full Q&A, just head on over to the MechWarrior Online official forums.

MassivelyMechWarrior Online interviews a trio of devs, hilarity ensues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bryan-ekmandavid-bradleyf2pfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsmechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemwopaul-inouyepiranhapiranha-gamesq-and-aqaWed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online fights with knowledge as well as lasers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/mechwarrior-online-fights-with-knowledge-as-well-as-lasers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/mechwarrior-online-fights-with-knowledge-as-well-as-lasers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/04/mechwarrior-online-fights-with-knowledge-as-well-as-lasers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MechWarrior Online
In any combat situation it is key to be as well-informed as possible: to know where your enemy is (hopefully not right behind you), what resources you have on hand (dual Twinkies), what you're up against (spouse aggro), and so on. The makers of the upcoming MechWarrior Online have devoted their second dev blog to the importance of information -- or as they put it, "knowledge is power!"

To aid with information warfare, the designers will provide to players a key tool called a BattleGrid, which will function like a pumped-up interactive map during in-game conflicts. Through the BattleGrid, players will be able to get a good idea of what's going on in the field quickly and what orders are coming through for the attack.

The blog post also mentions the concept of "modules" that allow pilots to customize their 'Mechs, and it gives a brief overview of the line-of-sight targeting system and how players can work together to share battlefield information as well as how they can confuse the enemy. Hiding and seeking in the game will require a good combination of both detection and "spoofing" modules to keep your team alive while exposing the opposite one.

[Thanks to Nimsy for the tip!]

MassivelyMechWarrior Online fights with knowledge as well as lasers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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