Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/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/<![CDATA[First impressions of FFXIV closed beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/first-impressions-of-ffxiv-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/first-impressions-of-ffxiv-closed-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/first-impressions-of-ffxiv-closed-beta/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Final Fantasy XIV's beta 2 stage is underway, and 1Up's Michael Vreeland is one of the lucky holders of a beta key. He's been playing the game for a few weeks, and yesterday he had a chance to post his first impressions.

He began with character creation, describing a detailed process that allows the levels of customization we've been anticipating. There were a few exceptions here and there, but the developers promise more options before launch.

The next step was exploration of the starting areas and early Guildleves -- both what they look like and how they work for the player. Finally, character growth gets a brief overview. Character growth is said to be the primary theme of FFXIV, and increased character customization with each level is a big advantage.

Take a look at the complete story and a new screenshot gallery on 1UP.com.

MassivelyFirst impressions of FFXIV closed beta originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up.combetaclosed-betaffxivFinal-Fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmichael-vreelandscreenshotsSquare-EnixTue, 03 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google takes a long sideways look at gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/google-takes-a-long-sideways-look-at-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/google-takes-a-long-sideways-look-at-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/google-takes-a-long-sideways-look-at-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,

You might want to strap in, for the road connecting the facts on this one is bumpy indeed -- but intriguing as well. Via 1UP comes the word that search engine giant Google has hired Mark DeLoura to work on game development for the Android and Chrome OS. DeLoura brings with him a truckload of game consulting experience, and had a few interesting comments about the new job on his blog:

"Over the years I've seen Google ship products that seemed very useful for game developers, like Google SketchUp and 3D Warehouse. I always wondered why they didn't dive into games further - or, perhaps they were, and they were doing it in secret! :-) Google Lively was probably the closest thing to a game that they produced. When I started hearing about their work on O3D, I began to get very curious about what Google was planning. Clearly there are a number of initiatives going on at Google that can relate to games in some way. Those of you who attended GDC for example saw a massive push for games for Android, with Google giving away perhaps thousands of Android devices. Now seemed like the perfect time to join Google!"

So what does this have to do with the world of MMOs? Perhaps nothing, perhaps a great deal. If you'll recall, Google experimented with an online avatar experience called Lively that was closed in early 2009. Even though Lively was not a roaring success, Google's interest in the games market and their prior foray into online worlds could signal a possible future contender in our neck of the woods.

MassivelyGoogle takes a long sideways look at gaming originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upandroidchromechrome-osgooglelivelymark-delouraThu, 15 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Progression and building in LEGO Universe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/progression-and-building-in-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/progression-and-building-in-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/progression-and-building-in-lego-universe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Information on LEGO Universe has been somewhat thin as of late, but that's beginning to change. Over at 1up you'll find a meaty preview that covers quite a bit of ground, including basic MMO features like progression to LEGO specific stuff like building quests. The building mode is of course the keystone to this game, and the fact that a player cannot be harmed when entering the mode speaks volumes about its importance.

Aside from building mode, zones in LEGO Universe are likely to be distinctly memorable due to the licenses' ability to have pirate, ninja, robot or even Star Wars themed planets -- assuming they're capable of using any of their real world toy lines within the game. And as for combat? If you've played any of the console LEGO games, then you'll know what to expect, which is essentially action-based combat. There's a lot more detail in the actual preview, so check it out if building with bricks is how you get your kicks.

MassivelyProgression and building in LEGO Universe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upgazilliongazillion-entertainmenthearstlegolego-universenetdevilninjaspiratespreviewrobotsstar-warsTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online video footage an early look at starship combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/star-trek-online-video-footage-an-early-look-at-starship-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/star-trek-online-video-footage-an-early-look-at-starship-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/05/star-trek-online-video-footage-an-early-look-at-starship-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Massively team wasn't at Gamescom this year but if we had been, the Cryptic Studios video presentation for Star Trek Online and its space combat definitely would've caught our attention. Our friend Gary Gannon from the Game Breakr podcast pointed us in the direction of some 1up video footage showing all manner of space carnage in Star Trek Online, with some footage of away mission encounters as well.

It's not an official trailer by any means, but it is a closer look at the gameplay of Star Trek Online. We've got an embed of the video for you after the jump.

Continue reading Star Trek Online video footage an early look at starship combat

MassivelyStar Trek Online video footage an early look at starship combat originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upaway-missionscombatcrypticcryptic-studiosmmo-industrynew-titlessci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestovideoSat, 05 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online open beta coming in August]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/champions-online-open-beta-coming-in-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/champions-online-open-beta-coming-in-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/champions-online-open-beta-coming-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mark your calendars, because according to fansite Champions Online Daily News -- and confirmed by Cryptic themselves -- August will be the month when everyone can flood into Champions Online's open beta. This information came from Daily News' recent visit to Cryptic's actual studio in Los Gatos, CA where it sounds as though the design team is sweating plutonium to get the game ready for public play.

We know many of you have been waiting to hear this news. With the game launching in September, it was only a question of whether or not a beta would happen -- August was mostly a foregone conclusion. Still, now that it's officially coming you can toss up your hats (or whatever article of clothing you would like to remove and hurl into the air) and celebrate. Beta's only a couple months away... just a couple more months.

[via 1up; Thanks, Kinnetik!]

MassivelyChampions Online open beta coming in August originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upataribetabreakingcaliforniachampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studioslos-gatosFri, 26 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Notable Final Fantasy XI column returns as part of 1up's "The Grind"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/notable-final-fantasy-xi-column-returns-as-part-of-1ups-the-gr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/notable-final-fantasy-xi-column-returns-as-part-of-1ups-the-gr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/notable-final-fantasy-xi-column-returns-as-part-of-1ups-the-gr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Game journalist James Mielke resumes his on-again, off-again relationship with Final Fantasy XI in the fledgling 1up blog "The Grind". Mielke's extended hiatus from his "My Life in Vana'diel" column was a blend of time constraints and some degree of burn-out as well. But it seems he missed the game, particularly after the years already spent playing it, hence his column has returned... again.

On the subject of returning to the game, Mielke writes, "People ask me to this day whether FFXI is still worth investing time into it, and to that I say: Now's a better time than ever to join the game." He writes that Square Enix has implemented a number of features that reduces the grind and, hopefully for some, brings more fun back to the game. Mielke specifically points out the beauty of the level-sync feature, allowing people to party with higher level characters, and the Fields of Valor quests that have fired up his interest in FFXI once again. If you've been away from the game for a while, have a look at James Mielke's "Reboot" and see what you're missing.

MassivelyNotable Final Fantasy XI column returns as part of 1up's "The Grind" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upfantasyfields-of-valorjames-mielkelevel-synclinkshelllinkshellsmielkemy-life-in-vana-dielquestssquare-enixthe-grindThu, 05 Feb 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest 1UP blog a haven for RPG and MMO fans alike]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/newest-1up-blog-a-haven-for-rpg-and-mmo-fans-alike/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/newest-1up-blog-a-haven-for-rpg-and-mmo-fans-alike/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/newest-1up-blog-a-haven-for-rpg-and-mmo-fans-alike/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's a saying that goes, "Teach a man to level up, and you'll satisfy him for a lifetime. But teach a man to grind, and you'll satisfy him for several hundred hours bereft of showering."

We don't really know where these wise words came from, but they obviously reached the ears of the very first MMORPG developers. Today, if you're not grinding away at something, then you're obviously doing something incorrectly. And it seems like the guys 'n gals over at 1UP.com would agree. Their newest blog to focus on one aspect in videogaming is, in fact, all about the many facets of RPGs -- including the massively multiplayer online variety.

While there isn't anything about our beloved persistent online worlds up just yet, we're sure there'll be tasty words to chew upon soon enough. We'll be keeping a lookout for you, just in case your busy day can't handle the kind of obsessive news and information tendencies we here at Massively indulge in at a constant tick.

MassivelyNewest 1UP blog a haven for RPG and MMO fans alike originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up.comdikudikumudjeremy-parishmmommorpgrpg-blogFri, 30 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Petroglyph discusses design and microtransactions for Mytheon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/petroglyph-discusses-design-and-microtransactions-for-mytheon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/petroglyph-discusses-design-and-microtransactions-for-mytheon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/10/petroglyph-discusses-design-and-microtransactions-for-mytheon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For a lot of people, the MMO/RTS hybrid has been an unwieldy beast at times. That's not to say there aren't interesting titles to check out, such as Dreamlords, Atlantica and SAGA. However, nobody has quite made a huge splash with an MMORTS just yet. So could the recently announced Mytheon be the first game to catch a lot of people's attention? Well, why don't you see for yourself in this 1UP interview with the game's developer, Petroglyph -- whose previous games include Universe at War and Star Wars: Empire at War.

Since there haven't been any screens -- and probably won't be for a while -- it's hard to make too many judgments at this point. The interview promises some interesting, if not vague, features. So you can bet we'll be on the lookout for any future information about Mytheon in the coming months.

MassivelyPetroglyph discusses design and microtransactions for Mytheon originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upatlantica-onlinedreamlordsmytheonpetroglyphsagastar-wars-empire-at-waruniverse-at-warSat, 10 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP layoffs and the ripples therein]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/1up-layoffs-and-the-ripples-therein/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/1up-layoffs-and-the-ripples-therein/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/07/1up-layoffs-and-the-ripples-therein/#commentsFiled under: ,


When half of the staff leave/are laid off from a gaming site as notable as 1UP, it affects essentially everyone within the industry -- as does the closure of EGM, one of the very best gaming magazines around. Their excellent coverage of games like Final Fantasy XI, Warhammer Online and World of Warcraft (to name just a few) have always been the sort of things we here at Massively strive for in our own features. Whether it was podcasts like Legendary Thread or the infamous live reading of a certain Age of Conan incident on GFW Radio, the group working at 1UP were always in it to entertain, inform and hopefully make everyone think a little bit about their favorite pasttime.

Understandably, the massive layoffs have created a sort of hate brush fire that's been roaring across the internet mostly via message boards fueled by a mix of ex-1UP Twitters and hearsay. While it pains us as fans to see so many talented and hard-working writers let go, there's some truth to the saying, "You can't win 'em all" in this situation. Our own searing anger was doused a little upon reading a lucid post detailing the why behind the whole debacle.

Continue reading 1UP layoffs and the ripples therein

Massively1UP layoffs and the ripples therein originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upegmffxifinal-fantasy-xigfw-radiojoystiqlan-partylegendary-threadugowarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview with Final Fantasy XI developers talks upcoming mini-expansions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/interview-with-final-fantasy-xi-developers-talks-upcoming-mini-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/interview-with-final-fantasy-xi-developers-talks-upcoming-mini-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/interview-with-final-fantasy-xi-developers-talks-upcoming-mini-e/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


During their time at the Final Fantasy XI Fanfest 2008, the 1up guys had the chance to sit down with the game developers and ask them, well, a ton of questions. The interview spans three pages and a lot of topic matter about the present and future of Square Enix's game. Not only that, but there's a rather good two page preview after the interview itself, just to make sure your mind explodes with information about the game.

Much of the interview is focused on the upcoming mini-expansions, their pricing, whether or not they'll be retail boxed or digital and of course any hints of what their content may entail. There's even a very interesting question asked about whether or not the development team would be interested in creating a Bee Mage class. So check out the interview if you've got even a passing interest in the game, as it's one of the few times we ever hear directly from the development team.

MassivelyInterview with Final Fantasy XI developers talks upcoming mini-expansions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upfanfest-2008ffxifinal-fantasy-xiplaystation-3ps3square-enixvanadielTue, 09 Dec 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No love for Final Fantasy XI on PS3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/no-love-for-final-fantasy-xi-on-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/no-love-for-final-fantasy-xi-on-ps3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/no-love-for-final-fantasy-xi-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Square Enix's MMO title Final Fantasy XI has been popular on PlayStation 2 for years, but despite its availability for Xbox 360 and PC, it seems FFXI won't be making an appearance on the PS3 anytime soon. While some of the older PS3 models boasted PlayStation 2 emulation, moving forward gamers purchasing the PlayStation 3 won't enjoy this backwards compatibility.

Given this limitation, and the simple fact that many gamers are leaving the PS2 behind as they look ahead, why hasn't Final Fantasy XI migrated to the PS3? You'd envision this being the logical next step for the title, particularly given the new breed of console-based MMOs coming to PS3 -- namely, superhero MMO DC Universe Online, spy-centric The Agency, and of course Free Realms. As it turns out, Square Enix did intend to move up to the PS3, according to a recent report from Kris Pigna over at 1UP.

Continue reading No love for Final Fantasy XI on PS3

MassivelyNo love for Final Fantasy XI on PS3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upconsoleconsole-mmodc-universe-onlinefinal-fantasy-xifree-realmshiromichi-tanakakris-pignaplaystation-2playstation-3ps2ps3square-enixthe-agencyMon, 08 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI Fanfest 2008 information overload]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/final-fantasy-xi-fanfest-2008-information-overload/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/final-fantasy-xi-fanfest-2008-information-overload/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/final-fantasy-xi-fanfest-2008-information-overload/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The 2008 Final Fantasy XI Fanfest has wrapped up and 1up.com has collected all sorts of information from it. From the looks of things, the future is very bright for denizens of Vana'diel. The new Level Sync functionality -- which lowers high-level players' level so they can play with friends -- is getting more updates in the future, as are many of the game's systems in an effort to enable everyone to play less time and receive more experience. Or in other words, the development team is working to make the game less frustrating for new and old players.

The other big news to come out of the Fanfest was that in the coming year Square Enix will be developing the storyline brought into the game with Wings of the Goddess. Apparently players can expect loads of Cait Sith, a Gigas assault on Jeuno, and some type of sultry new villainess. We're curious how much of this is going to be incorporated into the trio of mini-expansions coming for the game.

The player base in Final Fantasy XI may not be huge, but the group is incredibly dedicated. Plus, as one of the very few Japanese MMOs (and the only Final Fantasy one) the game garners many Japanese players who share their servers with North Americans. With these forthcoming updates, the servers are likely to surge with new and old subscribers.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI Fanfest 2008 information overload originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upfanfestfanfest-2008final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xisquaresquare-enixvanadielwings-of-the-goddessMon, 08 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player reactions to WoW zombie plague are both positive and negative]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/player-reactions-to-wow-zombie-plague-are-both-positive-and-nega/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/player-reactions-to-wow-zombie-plague-are-both-positive-and-nega/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/25/player-reactions-to-wow-zombie-plague-are-both-positive-and-nega/#commentsFiled under: , ,


What do you do when a developer takes strides to do something dynamic and interesting in a typically static virtual world like World of Warcraft? Many people seem to be enjoying the rare chance to spread a zombiefying plague across lands both friend and foe. Others, however, are not happy at all. It seems as though in a world that's mostly static, many want it to stay that way.

1up.com took a look at player reactions on the official World of Warcraft forums and what they found was a slightly mixed response. While our guess is that this is a vocal minority, some players are calling this temporary event a contradiction to the very notion of PvE servers. While that may be true if this were a permanent change, it's an event, and with the launch of war upon Lich King Arthas, we'd like to think that some people would be a bit more accepting of a one-time-only experience like this one. Oh well, at least it looks like most are enjoying their brain-eating moments.

MassivelyPlayer reactions to WoW zombie plague are both positive and negative originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upactivision-blizzardblizzardwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowzombiezombie-eventzombiesSat, 25 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Psychologists talk gaming addiction, online friendships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/psychologists-talk-gaming-addiction-online-friendships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/psychologists-talk-gaming-addiction-online-friendships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/psychologists-talk-gaming-addiction-online-friendships/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


1UP's Scott Sharkey has written an article titled "Hook It to My Veins: Can Videogaming be an Addiction?" in which he provides anecdotal experiences with excessive gaming and conversations with two experts -- researcher/author Neils Clark and psychology lecturer Dr. Nadine Pelling. The conclusion is made pretty quickly: yes, video games can be an addiction. Big surprise there! But the details can be wishy-washy, it turns out.

Virtual worlds are the subject of in-depth analysis. Clark borrows from a theory by J.R.R. Tolkien by suggesting that gaming addiction is about a conflict between what ought to be a primary world, and a secondary fantasy world. Gamers with a problem have difficulty prioritizing, or even acknowledging that the gaming world is secondary. Immersion is an important part of enjoying a game, right? But if you're thinking about how you need to make sure the primary world gets its due attention, then you're not immersed anymore -- so begins the problem.

Continue reading Psychologists talk gaming addiction, online friendships

MassivelyPsychologists talk gaming addiction, online friendships originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upaddictionfriendshipsimmersionnadine-pellingneils-clarkprimary-worldpsychologyrelationshipsresearchresearchersecondary-worldvirtual-worldsworld-of-warcraftSun, 31 Aug 2008 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Flagship Studios' founder finally speaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/flagship-studios-founder-finally-speaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/flagship-studios-founder-finally-speaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/flagship-studios-founder-finally-speaks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you've been wondering just exactly what happened with Flagship Studios over the past year or so, then you should really give a listen to the thoughts of Bill Roper, founder of Flagship. The poor guy pretty much spills his guts to 1up.com's Jeff Green about everything that happened and is happening with the people and projects from Flagship. It's a surprisingly lengthy interview, clocking in at eight pages. It's totally worth the read if you want a gritty insight into just how much went into not only Hellgate: London and Mythos, but the team that put those titles together.

It's not often that we get such a wide and deep look into a developer. We're counting ourselves lucky that Bill seems to be such a open and forthcoming guy, otherwise we might have never known anything beyond rumors and speculation. If everyone previously involved with Flagship lands on their feet, it will be in no small part due to Bill Roper's efforts.

MassivelyFlagship Studios' founder finally speaks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbill-roperflagshipflagship-studioshellgate-londonmythosMon, 18 Aug 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Square Enix's next MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/the-digital-continuum-square-enixs-next-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/the-digital-continuum-square-enixs-next-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/21/the-digital-continuum-square-enixs-next-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This recent interview with the Final Fantasy XI team by James "Milkman' Mielky of 1up.com internet fame got me thinking about the next MMO to come from the Square Enix camp. There isn't much meat on them bones as far as the next project goes, but the interview does get the team to talk just a little bit about it. It seems as though one thing is clear: Their newest MMO won't be too similar to Final Fantasy XI. While the developer says that they've learned through mistakes and player response with their original game, it seems that they really want to try something different.

I'd be decidedly surprised if Square Enix didn't make a new MMO somehow based in the Final Fantasy universe considering the popularity of the franchise. It's very possible that when FFXI producer Hiromichi Tanaka said, "-we're not going to make something that'll be exactly like FFXI" He merely meant that mechanically speaking the new game would be very different. Which quite honestly should be a given considering the somewhat esoteric and now archaic control/menu system featured in their first game. Also, it would be nice to play a Final Fantasy MMO that wasn't so harsh on players who died -- losing experience is a deal-breaker for many players these days.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Square Enix's next MMO

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Square Enix's next MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upfeaturedffviffviiffxiffxiifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-tacticsfinal-fantasy-vifinal-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xiihiromichi-tanakaivalicejoystiqfeaturesmilkmansquare-enixsquare-enix-mmovana-dielvanadielSat, 21 Jun 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Petition for the black bar of censorship in Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/petition-for-the-black-bar-of-censorship-in-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/petition-for-the-black-bar-of-censorship-in-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/petition-for-the-black-bar-of-censorship-in-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Apparently people already want the black bars slapped on the chests of the fine ladies of Hyboria, as 1UP got wind of a petition being crafted to add a nudity toggle to Age of Conan.

Now, obviously everyone anticipated that the nudity would be a hot button issue - the developers already added an option to turn off nipples in the game. The source post in the forums though does add a decent option - simply a switch to give ladies bras for players who would like to play the game without the nudity.

1UP, however, went a step further and created some pretty funny ways of blocking out nudity in AoC. If you haven't dropped by yet, you should check it out. They have a considerable amount of fun with a simple black bar.

[Via 1UP]

MassivelyPetition for the black bar of censorship in Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upage-of-conanaocfuncommmo-industrynewsnuditynudity-toggleFri, 09 May 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in The Day?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/whats-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/whats-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/whats-in-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Precious little information has been revealed about Reloaded Studios' upcoming sci-fi MMO, The Day. Jino Lee, the game's lead producer, recently sat down with 1up and revealed a bit more about what we should expect to see. Players choose to be the "nobly oppressed" or the "power-hungry dominators" and fight via PvP battles to literally control time. A third unplayable "bad guy" class, referred to as "The Arch Enemy," helps drive the story along.

The Day involves something that hasn't been attempted before on such a grand scale: time travel. Players (even low level ones) will have the ability to jump through time and visit the near future as well as the distant past.

Continue reading What's in The Day?

MassivelyWhat's in The Day? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1uparc-de-triomphejino-leejulian-murdochnapoleonic-warsparisreloaded-studiostime-travelFri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Champions Online preview hints at villains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/new-champions-online-preview-hints-at-villains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/new-champions-online-preview-hints-at-villains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/new-champions-online-preview-hints-at-villains/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The guys over at 1up.com have a great two page preview/interview covering Champions Online. The preview itself covers quite a bit, including Cryptic's time with the Marvel MMO, customization in Champions Online, combat, the Xbox 360 version and of course some hints at what we may see for villains. Overall the preview expands on a lot of these subjects, with quotes for Jack Emmert giving away a detail or two here and there.

The big tease about the villains has really piqued our curiosity, as Emmert says, "But it's something we're thinking about in Champions: Is the gameplay experience the same for a hero and a villain? But that's part of our top-secret plan we're not talking about."

A lot of people on the official forums have been clamoring for some kind of villain gameplay and Cryptic has previously shown they pay attention to the community. We would love to see the villain side play dramatically different from the hero side of Champions Online. The big question left to Cryptic is exactly how villains will be a different experience from heroes?

MassivelyNew Champions Online preview hints at villains originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbreakingchampionschampions-onlinecombatcrypticcryptic-studiosjack-emmertvillainsxbox-360Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The saga of Mythica (and other tales of MMO death and delay)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/the-saga-of-mythica-and-other-tales-of-mmo-death-and-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/the-saga-of-mythica-and-other-tales-of-mmo-death-and-delay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/the-saga-of-mythica-and-other-tales-of-mmo-death-and-delay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

To say that delays are common in the MMO production schedule would be a fantastic understatement. Warhammer Online and Age of Conan's now almost-comical dancing act away from a release date can probably be traced right back to last year's launch of Vanguard: Saga of Heroes. Rob Pardo's well-known mantra of "polish, polish, polish" finally has a sort of anti-hero poster boy; a sterling example of what not to do when making one of these games. But, of course, WAR and AoC are just the latest examples of this trend. MMOs have been delaying or dying off since the days of Ultima Online.

Over at 1up they have a whole feature dedicated to notable game delays, and the Massive genre is proudly represented among those titles. At least, standing cheek-by-jowl with the likes of Daikatana and Sin Episodes, the MMOs on the list represent a lot of (wasted) potential. From the recent Gods and Heroes collapse all the way back to the on-again-off-again development of Ultima Online 2, the list takes in the long messy road of dead and dying MMOs. Probably the one I regret most is the 2004 cancellation of Microsoft's Mythica - a unique norse-themed instanced heavy fantasy title. Everyone that even knew about MMOs back then was very excited for it, as the designers and developers were very gung-ho about the creation of real storytelling experiences inside these crazy 'instance' things. Whole tiny pocket worlds! Amazing!

Living the dream, of course, was not to be. At least the game's idea lives on - along with the likes of Auto Assault, Imperator, and the quirky title-that-never was: Middle Earth Online.

MassivelyThe saga of Mythica (and other tales of MMO death and delay) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upauto-assaultdead-mmosgods-and-heroesimperatormiddle-earth-onlinemythicaultima-online-2vanguardFri, 04 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan gets new ground]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/age-of-conan-gets-new-ground/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/age-of-conan-gets-new-ground/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/16/age-of-conan-gets-new-ground/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We're sure that when you think of Age of Conan, you think about ground texture optimization. If that's not the first thing that pops into your head, it should be. All right, so maybe it shouldn't be, but it's still rather important -- we promise. If you don't believe us, just go check out the new AoC developer blog at 1up.com for proof.

We have to admit to being skeptical ourselves until we saw the before and after screenshots. Not only does the ground art look much better, it also takes up less system resources -- which is always a huge plus. We wonder if this kind of dedication goes into the other visual aspects of Age of Conan.

Would we rather see talk about some other topics? Sure, but it's always nice to see some examples of how Age of Conan has been optimized to run smoother. With the release date only a couple months away, the stream of information continues to grow -- with an exception for the occasional trickle now and then.

[via RPGDot]

MassivelyAge of Conan gets new ground originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upaocfuncom-age-of-conangame-optimizationground-texturessystem-requirementstexturesSun, 16 Mar 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP thinks the Force is with the BioWare MMO (again)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/1up-thinks-the-force-is-with-the-bioware-mmo-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/1up-thinks-the-force-is-with-the-bioware-mmo-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/1up-thinks-the-force-is-with-the-bioware-mmo-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We cannot foresee the details of BioWare's MMO; shrouded in mystery they are. The biggest rumor has always been that it's based on the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic IP. And what a ride that rumor has been. Just since the beginning of this year it's already been falsely confirmed once and denied twice.

It's the most popular nonexistent game in the known universe, but is it really nonexistent after all? Oh no, here we go again! As our own Mike Schramm commented after the most recent denial: "If you strike this rumor down, it will only come back more powerful than you can possibly imagine." Prophetic words, those.

A tipster sent 1UP an excerpt from an MMO script, allegedly from within BioWare. The script doesn't sound very MMO-like, but according to 1UP's Steve Watts, it resembles dialogue in previous BioWare works, and it's "set in the historical past of the Star Wars universe." Sounds like KotOR to us! 1UP poked LucasArts for a comment, and basically got the "no comment" comment.

Massively1UP thinks the Force is with the BioWare MMO (again) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upaustinbiowareknights-of-the-old-republickotorkotoroleaklucasartsrumorrumorsscriptstar-warsswtorFri, 07 Mar 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft Prez Chris Chung talks shop with GI and 1UP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/ncsoft-prez-chris-chung-talks-shop-with-gi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/ncsoft-prez-chris-chung-talks-shop-with-gi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/ncsoft-prez-chris-chung-talks-shop-with-gi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Game Informer and 1UP both recently had the privilege of sitting down with NCSoft President Chris Chung to talk about what direction he plans to take the company in 2008. Some of the things that Chung spoke about (and there was much overlap between the two interviews) were reminiscent of the comments that Richard Garriott made in his speech at George Washington University late last year. Garriott had talked about how NCsoft was looking to make their stable of MMOs more integrated with one another so that as players tire of one game and move onto another (a phenomenon referred to as "churn" within the industry), they can ensure that it will be another of their products.

He also spoke briefly about NCsoft's current approach to console games, and he sounded considerably more tentative on the subject than we had originally been led to believe. He was complimentary of Sony's network model, and stated that he believed it was more in line with their policies than the competition. If we had to speculate, this would seem to indicate that Microsoft's Xbox Live service, which not only requires propriety features be included but also requires a subscription fee, was not their cup of tea. 1UP was more direct about this line of questioning, going so far as to ask out-right if City of Heroes was making its way to consoles. Chung refused to give a direct answer, but he didn't deny anything either, which is intriguing. It's an interesting interview, and sheds the NCsoft President (who only officially stepped into the role two weeks ago) in a favorable light.

MassivelyNCsoft Prez Chris Chung talks shop with GI and 1UP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up2008chris-chungconsolesgame-informerinterviewncsoftps3richard-garriottFri, 18 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP asks for your input on game of the year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/1up-asks-for-your-input-on-game-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/1up-asks-for-your-input-on-game-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/1up-asks-for-your-input-on-game-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


After one of the most hectic release schedules in recent years, finally just about every big game is out, and the 1UP network are running their 2007 1UP Awards. The awards are voted on by readers of the site, and print magazines Electronic Gaming Monthly and Games for Windows. The games are first broken down in to categories, like "Best Action Game", and there's a final "Game of the Year" category with pre-selected titles.

Among all of the other superb games on the lists, there are a couple of MMO nominations. In the "Best Multiplayer Game" category, World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade and The Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar are included, and both of these appear again in the important "Game of the Year" section. These games have each already won some awards this year at the Golden Joysticks, with LotRO taking best PC game, and WoW:TBC getting online game of the year.

In both of the areas they are competing, there is stiff competition for the two MMO entries, but if you feel that one of these games deserves to be acknowledged then head on over to the 1UP Awards page and cast your vote.

Massively1UP asks for your input on game of the year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up-awards2007best-multiplayer-gameegmelectronic-gaming-monthlygame-of-the-yeargames-for-windowsgfwlotrowowTue, 04 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[1UP weighs evidence for and against the KotOR MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/1up-weighs-evidence-for-and-against-the-kotor-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/1up-weighs-evidence-for-and-against-the-kotor-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/1up-weighs-evidence-for-and-against-the-kotor-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The gaming community has been a-buzz with all sorts of speculation since LucasArts and BioWare announced that they'd be partnering up for a new project. The most popular theory: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is going massively multi-player. This theory isn't a total shot in the dark, but it's not without its flaws either, and if you're looking for conclusive answers, you won't yet find any.

But maybe you just can't let it go. Maybe you can't wait until LucasArts and BioWare officially say something one way or the other; the possibility of a KotOR MMO is so cool, it nags at you, even if you won't get to play it for two long years. 1UP feels you. That's why they've written up a succinct overview of everything we know (and don't know) so far.

You'll still be left wondering, but hey, at least it will be a sort of informed wondering, if that makes any sense at all.

[Via TenTonHammer]

Massively1UP weighs evidence for and against the KotOR MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1upbiowareevidencehk-47kotorkotor-mmolucasartsspeculationstar-warsThu, 01 Nov 2007 23:23:00 EST