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[Rise and Shiny: DragonRealms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/rise-and-shiny-dragonrealms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/rise-and-shiny-dragonrealms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/rise-and-shiny-dragonrealms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DragonRealms website artwork
As a part of MUD May, I just had to play at least one MUD for Rise and Shiny. I have a handful of favorite MUDs, like GemStone IV, BatMUD, and Achaea, but I have never really given DragonRealms a chance. Until now. I've poked into it here and there, but every time I found myself on the Simutronics website, I always logged into GemStone IV. I heard that DragonRealms was a lot different, more hardcore, and filled with PvP, and after spending an initial week with the game and the killer community, I can say that it is different, but mainly in a few outstanding ways. Of course I might find much more that sets the game apart if I played it for several years like some of the people I met in game, but for now I'll settle with telling you what I've learned so far.

The usual embedded video in this article serves two purposes. First, it's an interview piece I did with Eric Latham, Producer at Simutronics. Next, it's a glance at DragonRealms, from character creation to a bit of gameplay. It's not as in-depth as my other videos, but it keeps in the greater theme of MUD May.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: DragonRealms

MassivelyRise and Shiny: DragonRealms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-onlinebeau-hindmanDragonrealmseric-lathamf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgemstone-ivhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudMUD-MayMUDsmulti-user-domainmulti-user-dungeonrise-and-shinysimutronicsstreamthe-settlers-onlinetwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/betawatch-may-11-17-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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

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

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

Continue reading Betawatch: May 11 - 17, 2013

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasanno-onlinebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betadust-514featuredgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmarvel-heroesmassively-metaopen-betarounduptestingFri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online fulfills its promise to Klingon players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/star-trek-online-fulfills-its-promise-to-klingon-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/star-trek-online-fulfills-its-promise-to-klingon-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/star-trek-online-fulfills-its-promise-to-klingon-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online fulfills its promise to Klingon players
Klingon Defense Force players who have been crying out for years for a significant update to their unfinished faction will have their prayers answered when Star Trek Online's Legacy of Romulus expansion releases next week. Cryptic posted a blog telling these gamers that they have not been forgotten but will be vindicated with a complete experience from level 1 to 50.

"It was always promised that if Star Trek Online was ever going to add a third faction, we would make sure that Klingons would get expanded content first (or at the same time). With Legacy of Romulus adding Romulans as a playable faction, it was a matter of honor that the Klingons get their own content from level 1 to 50," Cryptic wrote.

The devs give slight spoilers to the new, reworked, and revised content that Klingons will be experiencing, such as how players will get their first starship and what iconic locations they'll be visiting (hint: a certain prison planet from Star Trek VI will come into play). The studio is also adding a pair of new KDF ships to the store when the expansion hits.

MassivelyStar Trek Online fulfills its promise to Klingon players originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdev-diarydev-postexpansionf2pfree-to-playkdfklingonklingon-defense-forceklingonslegacy-of-romulusperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweremusromulussci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 17 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/rift-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-f2p-item-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/rift-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-f2p-item-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/rift-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-f2p-item-shop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop
What will RIFT's free-to-play version look like? While we won't get to see it in action until the game makes the transition on June 12th, Trion Worlds has posted a screenshot of the new item store and some of its offerings for players to peruse.

The store screenshot includes a preview pane of a character wearing a fancy outfit and a top hat, as well as a list of several items. These include 30-day patron pass, faction changing scroll, character rename scroll, rename guild scroll, transfiguration bauble, rune unsocketing apparatus, and planar essence removal device. Later on in the thread, the studio posted a picture of a different cosmetic outfit being worn by a female character.

To "ensure a successful transition," Trion has sent out surveys to all current subscribers about the free-to-play switch.

MassivelyRIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopconquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playitem-storepvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-hattriontrion-worldsFri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Heroes prepares for the end at the beginning]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/marvel-heroes-prepares-for-the-end-at-the-beginning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/marvel-heroes-prepares-for-the-end-at-the-beginning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/marvel-heroes-prepares-for-the-end-at-the-beginning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Marvel Heroes prepares for the end at the beginning

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-mmocabledavid-brevikendgamef2pfeaturedfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentiron-manmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuosecret-identitysuperherosuperheroesThu, 16 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/unicorn-poop-beer-cans-and-housing-dungeons-wildstars-jeremy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsbetabeta-testbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studioscb2closed-betaclosed-beta-2dominiondungeonfeaturedhousinghoustoninterviewinterviewsjeremy-gaffneymodsncsoftplayer-housingpreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fitestingwildstarwsWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

RIFT announces freetoplay,
Trion Worlds has just announced that fantasy MMO RIFT will be headed free-to-play on June 12th. Though former studio reps were once adamant that the game would remain a subscription MMO, the team has apparently decided it can better compete in a F2P world by being F2P. The hybrid model will include an optional sub with fully free content like dungeons and questing; consumables, cosmetics, and even gear will make up the cash shop.

We asked Creative Director Bill Fisher to explain the whys and wherefores of this decision. Check out our interview after the jump!

[Updated: The official site has also posted a handy chart to show you what you're getting at different tiers.]

Continue reading RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps'

MassivelyRIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-fisherconquestempyreal-assaultf2pfantasyfree-to-playhybridinterviewinterviewspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cutting to the heart of extraction in The Repopulation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/cutting-to-the-heart-of-extraction-in-the-repopulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/cutting-to-the-heart-of-extraction-in-the-repopulation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/cutting-to-the-heart-of-extraction-in-the-repopulation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiescraftingextractiongame-mechanicsgatheringgathering-systemsitemsrepopulationresourcessandboxsci-fithe-repopulationMon, 13 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pathfinder Online never closes a door without opening a PvP window]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/pathfinder-online-never-closes-a-door-without-opening-a-pvp-wind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/pathfinder-online-never-closes-a-door-without-opening-a-pvp-wind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/pathfinder-online-never-closes-a-door-without-opening-a-pvp-wind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I'm sure he just wants to show off his new knife.
Having a settlement you worked hard to build be under constant attack just isn't fun. Pathfinder Online realizes this, which is why settlements are normally defended by large numbers of respawning NPC guards. Not too many to prevent players from scouting a town or stealing a few things, but enough to make a frontal assault fruitless unless you want your corpses to litter the outskirts of town.

If that were always the case, though, attacking a settlement would be pointless. So during a brief window every day, the guard respawn rate decreases, numbers thin, and suddenly the town looks much more vulnerable to attack. A well-developed settlement will still have guards, but a coordinated force will be able to eliminate them... unless players step in to defend the settlement. This also solves the problem of having massive attacks come when no one is awake to know what's happening. Read the full details in the latest development blog on the official site.

MassivelyPathfinder Online never closes a door without opening a PvP window originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlineplayer-settlementsplayer-structurespnppvppvp-windowsandboxsandparkterritory-controlFri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic unveils dye module preview video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-unveils-dye-module-preview-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-unveils-dye-module-preview-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/star-wars-the-old-republic-unveils-dye-module-preview-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic is about to get a little more colorful. The upcoming game update 2.1, as you may remember, will herald the arrival of a number of new dye modules that players can use to satisfy their inner fashionistas. Well today, the fine folks at BioWare have released a new video to give players a sneak peek at some of the lovely tints they'll be able to get their nerf-herding little hands on when 2.1 goes live. So what're hue waiting for (ha ha)? Click on past the cut to check out the full video.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic unveils dye module preview video

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic unveils dye module preview video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredyedyeseaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playlucasartssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 10 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Exploring a tiny universe in Pocket Galaxy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mmobility-exploring-a-tiny-universe-in-pocket-galaxy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mmobility-exploring-a-tiny-universe-in-pocket-galaxy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mmobility-exploring-a-tiny-universe-in-pocket-galaxy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pocket Galaxy screenshot
Pocket Galaxy, a new sci-fi mobile MMO, is relatively impressive at first. It's a nice looking game that feels like a cross between Dark Orbit, Asteroids, and EVE Online and seems to be pretty casual and cheap to play. These things make me happy. I've adopted a casual playstyle because of my need to be the guy who plays every single game he sees, and that has had the side effect of making casual gaming perfect for me.

For example, a Pocket Galaxy player who wants to craft more ammo for one of her guns needs to create the items by waiting a certain amount of real time that can be shortened by using cash. Many players might see this as some sort of money-grab. I see it as a casual game with the option to speed up build times, but then again... I'm patient.

Gallery: Pocket Galaxy screenshots

Continue reading MMObility: Exploring a tiny universe in Pocket Galaxy

MassivelyMMObility: Exploring a tiny universe in Pocket Galaxy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddual-stick-shooterfeaturedmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepocket-galaxysci-fiscience-fictionsmartphoneFri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online announces Tribble Test Weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/star-trek-online-announces-tribble-test-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/star-trek-online-announces-tribble-test-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/star-trek-online-announces-tribble-test-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online's first expansion, Legacy of Romulus, is going to be launching in less than two weeks, and to build up some hype for the new addition, the folks at Cryptic have deemed this weekend a Tribble Test Weekend. Beginning tomorrow, players can log on to the Tribble test server and get their first look at the new content coming when Legacy of Romulus goes live on the 21st.

But if that's not enough to enthuse you to play on the test server, Cryptic is sweetening the deal. Any players who log in and play on the Tribble server for at least one hour over the course of the weekend will receive a special to-be-announced reward after Legacy of Romulus is released. For the full details on this Tribble Test Weekend, just head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyStar Trek Online announces Tribble Test Weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosexpansionexpansionsf2pfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusopen-betaperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotribbletribble-test-weekendThu, 09 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter teases module 1 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/neverwinter-teases-module-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/neverwinter-teases-module-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/neverwinter-teases-module-1-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter teases module 1 update
Cryptic's got a tiny surprise for Neverwinter players today: a teaser page for its module 1 update. The studio posted a splash page featuring a mystical forest with the phrase "They would seize from the moon the way to ruin and riches" floating above it.

In an interview with Massively a few weeks ago, Lead Producer Andy Velasquez acknowledged that the team was hard at work on this update even before Neverwinter went into open beta: "For the rest of the team, they've spent the last couple of weeks working on the first update which will come out a couple of months after the launch."

Cryptic says that more details on module 1 are coming soon, but in the meanwhile, why don't we engage in a fun round of speculation as to what this update could be?

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyNeverwinter teases module 1 update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playmodule-1neverwinterpatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpwesplash-pageteaserupdateThu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range
It's no secret that many folks like to see what they are getting into... or in the case of MMOs not yet available in all markets, what they'd like to get into. So those looking forward to playing NCsoft's martial arts fantasy Blade & Soul should appreciate this newly released visual tour of the White Blue Mountain Range area.

Although lacking any English subtitles, the video contains over six minutes of footage from various locales. From verdant vistas to wintery caverns, quaint villages to majestic cities, get a taste of the ambiance and architecture of the White Blue Mountain Range region in the trailer after the break.

Continue reading New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range

MassivelyNew Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatrailervideovideo-tourWhite-Blue-Mountain-RangeThu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New WildStar video is all about smooth moves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-wildstar-video-is-all-about-smooth-moves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-wildstar-video-is-all-about-smooth-moves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-wildstar-video-is-all-about-smooth-moves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

He's either angry or getting up after a nap. I give even odds either way.
Movement is always important in MMOs; you can't get into arguments about who's standing in the fire if everyone is rooted in place, after all. Since WildStar is promising active combat, it needs to have even more movement than normal so that you can find new and exciting ways not to stand in new and exciting sorts of fire. And the newest DevSpeak video is all about that.

"That" being movement. Not new and exciting sorts of fire. It's still pretty much normal fire.

Some elements will be immediately familiar to anyone who has played a video game on a computer within the past decade. Some elements are a bit more uncommon, like double-jumping or giving every class access to a quick dashing roll. And some elements, like switching positions with a target by tearing a hole in space itself, are pretty well unique. Take a look at all of them just past the break.

[Source: NCsoft press release]

Continue reading New WildStar video is all about smooth moves

MassivelyNew WildStar video is all about smooth moves originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosdodgingdont-stand-in-the-fireexplorationjumping-puzzlesmovementncsoftnewsobstaclessandparksci-fantasysci-fivideovideoswildstarwsThu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Making friends and recruiting officers in Star Trek Online's expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/making-friends-and-recruiting-officers-in-star-trek-onlines-exp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/making-friends-and-recruiting-officers-in-star-trek-onlines-exp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/making-friends-and-recruiting-officers-in-star-trek-onlines-exp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of those unique traits is backstabbing, presumably.
When Star Trek Online rolls out its Legacy of Romulus expansion on May 21st, you'll be playing a Romulan (or Reman) captain on a Romulan ship. But you will be allying with either the Klingons or the Federation, and so you might worry that you'll be surrounded by distinctly non-Romulan officers. Never fear, as the latest development blog makes it very clear that Romulan characters will be able to access a unique pool of Duty Officers and Bridge Officers unavailable to the other factions.

While Klingon or Federation characters may occasionally earn a Reman or Romulan Duty Officer, these are rare recruits that can only be obtained after exceptional effort. Actual Romulans will be able to recruit new officers of these races with unique traits simply by visiting New Romulus. They will also have access to recruitment from their allied factions, ensuring that the ship may have a mix of races while still remaining Romulan at its core.

MassivelyMaking friends and recruiting officers in Star Trek Online's expansion originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridge-officerscrypticcryptic-studiosduty-officersexpansionf2pfactionsfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusofficersperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweremansremusromulansromulussci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 08 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Drinking and fighting are encouraged in Age of Wushu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/drinking-and-fighting-are-encouraged-in-age-of-wushu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/drinking-and-fighting-are-encouraged-in-age-of-wushu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/drinking-and-fighting-are-encouraged-in-age-of-wushu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I drink a whiskey drink, I drink a vodka drink, I drink a lager drink, I'm no longer wearing pants.
Sobriety is overrated. Sure, a lot of games give players the options to get characters plastered, but Age of Wushu takes it one step further by incorporating the pop culture notion of drunken fighting into the game. A character with a high alcohol tolerance won't just be able to fight after tipping back a few drinks; he'll actually be able to fight better due to an Evade buff granted after imbibing. Characters with lower tolerance, meanwhile, will just stagger and find themselves unable to react appropriately.

That's not the limit of what you can do with liquor in a fight, though. You can also spray your opponent with spirits in mid-battle, hopefully intoxicating and disorienting the other fighter. Of course, if you attempt to use this technique on someone with a predilection for potables, you might find that you've just handed your nemesis a major advantage. Take a look at some plastered punching in the preview video just past the break.

Continue reading Drinking and fighting are encouraged in Age of Wushu

MassivelyDrinking and fighting are encouraged in Age of Wushu originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuasiachinachinesechinese-mmodrunken-fightinggame-mechanicsgpotatogvgkidnappingmartial-artsming-dynastynewspreviewpvpsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usavideovideoswushuwuxiaTue, 07 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online answers all your questions, assuming they're about lore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-all-your-questions-assuming-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-all-your-questions-assuming-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-all-your-questions-assuming-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Here's your lore. There are giant spiders. Kill them. What else is relevant?
We're not kidding about that title. The latest set of answers for The Elder Scrolls Online's Ask Me Anything is full of lore. Spilling over with lore. Its lore cup runneth over. Do you want to know how old an elf has to be before he's actually old? 200-300 years is old. Want to know if there will be any Dragonborn running around a la Skyrim? Nope, and shouts are a thing of legend. It's all the lore you've wanted and were clearly not afraid to ask about.

There are some other answers in the mix as well. Players will have to guess about the abilities of their opponents in PvP to some extent, since the armor system will not allow you to guess at abilities by appearance. Players can also expect to find puzzles in the game rather than pure combat encounters, although no details are given. So while you'll find the most meat if you're looking for lore, even more system-focused players will find some relevant answers in the full set.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online answers all your questions, assuming they're about lore originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-me-anythingbackgroundbackstorybethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcommunity-q-and-adaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsloremorrowindoblivionpvpq-and-arvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 06 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Heroes and Generals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/rise-and-shiny-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/rise-and-shiny-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/rise-and-shiny-heroes-and-generals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Heroes and Generals screenshot
Heroes and Generals is a new browser-based game set in the wonderfully bright and shiny world of... World War II. OK, so it's really a gritty game, and it's sluggish at best, but I have a feeling that combat during that amazing time was from the "two steps forward, one step back" school of warfare anyway. I tried to keep that in mind as I slogged through round after round of being shot in the head.

It's not that the game is boring. It's fun-ish, but when I compare it to many other MMOFPS titles, I find it small and slow. It's an instanced-based lobby sort of design. That's not normally a bad thing, and we certainly cover that style of game here on Massively, but this one just sort of felt a bit too small. There's more coming, I hear, so maybe in the future, the game will feel larger.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Heroes and Generals

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Heroes and Generals originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You can't be a prophet and wear pants. That's not how it works.
Here's the problem with having a destined hero -- no matter how specific you make the criteria for being the chosen one, there's always the chance you'll wind up with the chosen two or four or whatever. That's the case in Dragon Nest, where the new character Kali is a second prophet in addition to the prophet Rose. While Rose seemed to be the chosen one, Kali wields the same amount of power, albeit in a very different fashion.

As demonstrated in the preview video, Kali revels in dark magic and spirit attacks, mixing up large magical attacks flowing melee strikes. She's advertised as moving quickly between targets, and certainly seems built for speed and multi-target abilities over single hits or durability. But you don't have to take our word for it, as you can check out some of Kali's moves for yourself in the video embedded just past the break.

[Source: Nexon press release]

Continue reading Dragon Nest reveals its newest character, Kali

MassivelyDragon Nest reveals its newest character, Kali originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycharactersclassesdragon-nestf2pfantasyfree-to-playkalilorenew-charactersnexonnexon-americanexon-koreapreviewpreviewstrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 03 May 2013 19:00:00 EST