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[Brainsss and brawn: Zombie apocalypse hitting Champions Online today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/brainsss-and-brawn-zombie-apocalypse-hitting-champions-online-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/brainsss-and-brawn-zombie-apocalypse-hitting-champions-online-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/brainsss-and-brawn-zombie-apocalypse-hitting-champions-online-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Is there a zombie on your lawn? Are you out of happy plants to fight them? No worries, mere citizen! Champions Online's cadre of super-wonders is rushing to protect your home and brains from unwanted undead intrusion!

Cryptic announced that it is bringing back the Zombie Apocalypse event today in Champions Online for a couple of hours. Level 40 players are welcome to fight off the horde from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. EDT and again from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The GM running the event will be in Millennium City beforehand to help answer any questions.

During the event, superheroes are challenged with warding off wave after wave of hungry zombies. The twist is that those who fall in battle respawn as zombies themselves and end up fighting against their former compatriots. Hopefully there will be no hard feelings when your best friend is trying to gnaw on your skull!

MassivelyBrainsss and brawn: Zombie apocalypse hitting Champions Online today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studioseventgm-eventin-game-eventsuperheroes-vs-zombiestheres-a-zombie-on-my-lawnzombiezombie-apocalypsezombiesTue, 12 Apr 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blood Moon event running in Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/blood-moon-event-running-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/blood-moon-event-running-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/blood-moon-event-running-in-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Why are you still alive in Champions Online when everyone else is dead? Because you follow the rules. Rule number one -- cardio. The ones without travel powers are the first to go. Rule number two -- double-tap. You never know when someone's going to claim the other zombie you want to kill, after all. Yes, the Blood Moon is rising once again, and that means a few days of zombie-killing fun for the heroes of Millennium City.

Running for the first time since the game's free-to-play conversion, the event is currently open and will run until 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday. The full outline of the event lists all of the rewards open to players who take part in thwarting the onslaught of undead, werewolves, and other dark magic. Champions Online players can log in and start enjoying the madness right away, and of course the game's business model means anyone can jump in for a bit of event fun.

MassivelyBlood Moon event running in Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-moonchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studioseventf2pfree-to-playin-game-eventnewsspecial-eventundeadzombie-apocalypsezombiesFri, 25 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Illuminating answers about the upcoming patch for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The first adventure pack for Champions Online is due out this month, although we don't know quite when just yet. But there are a lot of things coming along with the new pack, such as the promised return of Blood Moon and the addition of a difficulty slider. If you're curious about what all of this means from a gameplay perspective, you're coming to it at the right time, as the most recent Ask Cryptic has just been released, covering most of what players might be wondering about.

The difficulty slider will be responsible for improved drops, but costume pieces are likely to remain just as frequent (or infrequent) as they currently are. Players who have watched the development of Star Trek Online might be saddened to know that the resistance bonuses and such coming with the Accolade system in that game will not be copied for Champions Online's Perks system. But there's also the prospect of expanding smaller regions into full-sized explorable zones, and some details on the next few adventure packs heading down the pipeline. It should be good news for the game's players, and it certainly helps keep the interest stoked for the coming release of Serpent Lantern.

MassivelyIlluminating answers about the upcoming patch for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packareasask-crypticbalanceblood-moonchampions-onlinecocoming-patchescoming-sooncrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosexpandingpatchesperkspreviewsserpent-lanternzonesSun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's State of the Game for April]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/champions-onlines-state-of-the-game-for-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/champions-onlines-state-of-the-game-for-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/champions-onlines-state-of-the-game-for-april/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Six months out, Champions Online has taken some punches here and given a few as well, but the game continues to press forward. With the most recent changes to leadership, it's fitting that the game has dropped a new address on the current state of the game, covering everything from the recent mini-expansion to the upcoming power revisions and future changes. Considering that the test build of the recent power changes has stirred up a fair boil of controversy over on the test forums, more communication from the development team is probably a very good thing at the moment.

The next patch is apparently slated to contain not just the Supernatural and Melee adjustments, but also changes to offensive passive abilities and the recurrence of Blood Moon on the full moon. After that, the first major Adventure Pack is slated for sometime between late May and early June. Named the Serpent Lantern, the long string of missions will lead any hero level 11 or up on a quest into Africa to uncover the source of VIPER's power. The team seems to be hard at work bringing Champions Online up to being the best game it can be, which is good news for the fans.

MassivelyChampions Online's State of the Game for April originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packblood-moonchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiospower-adjustmentsstate-of-the-gametest-buildtest-serverTue, 06 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Roper on Champions' free weekends, nemesis and content updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/bill-roper-on-champions-free-weekends-nemesis-and-content-upda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/bill-roper-on-champions-free-weekends-nemesis-and-content-upda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/bill-roper-on-champions-free-weekends-nemesis-and-content-upda/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With two content updates behind the game and 2010 looming just over the horizon, we spoke briefly with Bill Roper on a multitude of Champions Online topics. Specifically, you'll find discussion on Cryptic's free weekends, Nemesis Confrontation and even a hint at future updates in the coming weeks and months.

So follow along after the jump for our talk with the executive producer, and be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest news on the game through our Champions Online page.

Continue reading Bill Roper on Champions' free weekends, nemesis and content updates

MassivelyBill Roper on Champions' free weekends, nemesis and content updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribill-roperblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedfree-weekendinterviewnemesis-confrontationTue, 08 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Applying Foxbat liberally to Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/the-digital-continuum-applying-foxbat-liberally-to-champions-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/the-digital-continuum-applying-foxbat-liberally-to-champions-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/the-digital-continuum-applying-foxbat-liberally-to-champions-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I thought about writing about a lot of different subjects this week. I knew that I wanted to discuss Champions Online, but I couldn't decide on a topic until I played a lowbie character and re-experienced the amazing Foxbat mission in the teen levels. Then it occurred to me, that what this game sorely needs, is an event of epic proportions centered around the maniacal -- yet lovable -- super villain.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Applying Foxbat liberally to Champions Online

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Applying Foxbat liberally to Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedfoxbatin-game-eventnemesis-confrontationnemesis-systemopinionthe-digital-continuumMon, 07 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you been playing the Champions Online free weekend?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/the-daily-grind-have-you-been-playing-the-champions-online-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/the-daily-grind-have-you-been-playing-the-champions-online-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/29/the-daily-grind-have-you-been-playing-the-champions-online-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It was certainly a nice surprise when we found out that Champions Online was going to run another free weekend over the Thanksgiving holiday. Not the biggest news, certainly, but nice in a "finding two dollars in your wallet that you didn't know you had" sort of way. And of course, there are always people who will take a gander at something if it's free, people who've been interested in seeing the latest updates to the game, and folks who wanted to take part in the Blood Moon event but had certain... technical issues.

There's a bit more than a day left, so today we ask: have you been taking part in the free Champions Online goodness? Has it improved or gotten worse, if you played before? If you're new the game, was it enjoyable or underwhelming? And if you had specifically opted out, why did you decide not to give it a chance? We're interested to hear your impressions, positive and negative. And if you're already playing the game, have you noticed more new faces running around this weekend?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Have you been playing the Champions Online free weekend? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfree-weekendopinionpreviewtdgthe-daily-grindSun, 29 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: It pays to be paranoid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/anti-aliased-it-pays-to-be-paranoid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/anti-aliased-it-pays-to-be-paranoid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/anti-aliased-it-pays-to-be-paranoid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Blame Shawn Schuster. No, really, it's applicable this time and I'm not just pulling your leg.

Many of you were wondering why we hadn't talked about the Champions Online failures this past weekend -- The "Blood Moon Blunder." Well, it was because pretty much the second we started getting reports from you guys about the client not working on Steam, or subscribing players complaining of the lag that the servers had over the weekend, Shawn turned to me, slapped the story on my desk and said, "All yours for Anti-Aliased."

And I sat there, smiled, and politely responded, "Oh crap. This is going to drive them all up the wall even further than last week's article. I'll do it."

So was the Champions free weekend a failure? Absolutely, but not for the reasons you may think. Come on, follow me after the break, and we'll go into yet another (and hopefully the last for a while) opinion column on Champions.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: It pays to be paranoid

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: It pays to be paranoid originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedblood-moonbusinesschampionschampions-onlinecryptic-studiosfeaturedfree-weekendhalloween-eventmmo-industryopinionThu, 05 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blood Moon releases, hints of future content for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/blood-moon-releases-hints-of-future-content-for-champions-onlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/blood-moon-releases-hints-of-future-content-for-champions-onlin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/28/blood-moon-releases-hints-of-future-content-for-champions-onlin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Blood Moon is out and Cryptic is ensuring everyone knows all about what's being offered in the first free content update / seasonal event in their newest State of the Game address. First and foremost is the news that Cryptic will be keeping their promise of people being able to earn things like retcons and additional characters slots simply by playing the game. You can still buy this for cold hard- er, Cryptic Points, but it's not the only path to acquiring said bonuses.

Also, remember those new costume pieces we told you about? They're real, and really free, too -- along with a handful of other new pieces that came with the update. In addition to the pieces everyone gets from patching, there are new unlocks earned by playing Blood Moon content.

Continue reading Blood Moon releases, hints of future content for Champions Online

MassivelyBlood Moon releases, hints of future content for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010atariblood-mooncontentcostumecostume-piecescostumescrypticcryptic-pointscryptic-studiosdecemberstate-of-the-gameWed, 28 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online gives away a free retcon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/champions-online-gives-away-a-free-retcon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/champions-online-gives-away-a-free-retcon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/champions-online-gives-away-a-free-retcon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Retcons are valuable things in Champions Online, and they are used only with care, as their effects can be far-reaching and are assured to be constant for quite some time. (This marks a major point of divergence between Champions Online and most current comic books, but we'll leave that to one side for the time being.) So it's a bit significant when Cryptic announces that everyone will be getting a free retcon on October 27th, just in time for the Blood Moon event to kick off in full swing.

Cryptic's official explanation is that the free retcon comes as a result of server troubles over the weekend, and is their little way of extending an olive branch to the community. It does come with a bit of a caveat, however -- if you've been banking up your previous free retcon in anticipation of needing it later, they won't stack. You just get the one free.

But that's not such a big issue, when you get right down to it -- you can use the retcon if you need it, and start enjoying the zombie-smashing fun. And if you aren't already playing, perhaps now is a fine time to mention that there's a free weekend starting on Friday?

MassivelyChampions Online gives away a free retcon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studiosfree-respecfree-retcongame-mechanicsin-game-eventnews-itemssuperheroesTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online Blood Moon launch trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/champions-online-blood-moon-launch-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/champions-online-blood-moon-launch-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/champions-online-blood-moon-launch-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With Blood Moon dropping tomorrow, it should be an exciting day for Champions Online players. Until then, however, you can watch this brand new trailer detailing all the new content available with the patch. We're pretty pleased with everything we saw, especially the level of zombies shuffling about, ready for players to pummel them into zombgoo. Also: Fighting undead reincarnates of classic Champions tabletop heroes and then descending into an evil portal to free their souls looks like a whole heap of fun.

We do have one beef with the content, and that's the location of the Zombie Apocalypse map: Canada. Has anyone over at Cryptic read World War Z? If they had, then it would've been obvious that setting a zombie map in the one place where the creature's lack of blood flow causes them to freeze over incredibly easily is a bad choice -- we're nitpicking here, though.

Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Champions Online Blood Moon launch trailer

MassivelyChampions Online Blood Moon launch trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-mooncanadachampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosmax-brooksworld-war-zzombgoozombiezombiesTue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic talks Blood Moon in dev chat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/cryptic-talks-blood-moon-in-dev-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/cryptic-talks-blood-moon-in-dev-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/cryptic-talks-blood-moon-in-dev-chat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last week's Champions Online dev chat was all about Blood Moon, and Cryptic had a great team on hand to answer questions. Community Rep David "Daeke" Bass, Executive Producer Bill Roper, Lead Designer Randy "Arkayne" Mosiondz, Systems Designer Brian "Balseraph" Urbanek, and Rewards System Designer Cormac "AntiProton" Russell made up the group and ensured that someone would be able to answer pretty much any questions players could throw at them.

Player interest covered a wide range, from game mechanics and balance to some fun "what if" questions (all-Foxbat April Fool's event, anyone?). The dev team got a chance to discuss some skills and balance issues that have been on everyone's mind. Overall, players apparently like what they see, because there were several requests for more of the same: fans wanted to know if the Blood Moon event would be repeated next year, if Blood Moon content and characters would continue to be available after Halloween, and if more events were in the works.

The dev chat team did a great job answering questions and having fun with CO players -- check out the full transcript here.

MassivelyCryptic talks Blood Moon in dev chat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-moonchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdev-chatMon, 26 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online offers free weekend during Blood Moon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/champions-online-offers-free-weekend-during-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/champions-online-offers-free-weekend-during-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/24/champions-online-offers-free-weekend-during-blood-moon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Player response has been great since the launch of Champions Online September 1st, and Blood Moon generated even more excitement. If you haven't tried it yet, Cryptic Studios is aiming to change that in the same way so many games do: give you a little bit free to draw you in. Next weekend, you can give the game a try during their free Blood Moon Weekend.

The official site asks you "Hate zombies? Abhor mummies? Detest the dreaded undead? Like to play MMOs for free? You could be the one. You could be the Champion we need!" It's probably safe to say that most of us meet the criteria, especially that last one. A free weekend combined with the ongoing buzz about Champions Online should be all of the reason you need to try it out if you haven't yet. The free weekend begins Friday, October 30th and runs until Monday, November 2nd. (If only employers had such a generous definition of "weekend") Since the Blood Moon event begins on the 27th, you'll get to experience that along with the rest of the game.

Visit the official site to sign up, download, and log in.

MassivelyChampions Online offers free weekend during Blood Moon originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-moonchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosfree-weekendSat, 24 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dev blog sheds light on Champions' Zombie Apocalypse]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/dev-blog-sheds-light-on-champions-zombie-apocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/dev-blog-sheds-light-on-champions-zombie-apocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/dev-blog-sheds-light-on-champions-zombie-apocalypse/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the coolest features coming with Champions Online's October 27th Blood Moon update is the addition of Zombie Apocalypse, a PvP map that features a scenario instead of the typical objective involving kill scores. Sound interesting to you? Then we highly recommend this developer blog discussing the entire process of creating the ruleset, as it awards a keen insight on the how and why of said rules.

There are two good things happening here: One is the obvious, that Cryptic is adding a new PvP map that's something more than the launch offerings. The other is that they're being communicative with a new piece of content's development process. This seems like a minor plus but in truth, when a developer demystifies the reasoning behind their content it only serves to elevate player perception and appreciation of said work. Our only suggestion would be to boost the presentation of these dev blogs (behind the scenes in-game pictures are always cool) in order to draw even more attention to them.

MassivelyDev blog sheds light on Champions' Zombie Apocalypse originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdev-blogdeveloper-blogpvpzombiezombie-apocalypsezombiesThu, 22 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online devchat Thursday: Blood Moon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/champions-online-devchat-thursday-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/champions-online-devchat-thursday-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/champions-online-devchat-thursday-blood-moon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There is a lot of excitement about the upcoming Blood Moon event in Champions Online, and we've seen enough information this month to make us very anxious for the 27th. We're about to get more, and this time it's all about what you want to know. This Thursday's Champions Online devchat will be all about Blood Moon: zombies and brains, werewolves and hunters.

The majority of the questions will be pulled from the devchat question thread in the forums, so if you've got one, that's the place to ask it. (As one forum poster pointed out, it wouldn't be the worst idea to check out the Blood Moon wiki first and see what's already been answered.) If your forum question doesn't get answered during the chat, you'll have a second chance when they open it up to questions from the audience at the end.

The devchat will be this Thursday (the 22nd) in their IRC chatroom at 4:30 PM PDT. Enjoy!

MassivelyChampions Online devchat Thursday: Blood Moon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blood-moonchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdev-chatdevchatTue, 20 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blood Moon info released, we spy new costume pieces]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/new-blood-moon-info-released-we-spy-new-costume-pieces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/new-blood-moon-info-released-we-spy-new-costume-pieces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/13/new-blood-moon-info-released-we-spy-new-costume-pieces/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you needed proof that October 27th was just a couple weeks away (aside from a calendar, of course) then look no further than this massive update to the Blood Moon page on the official Champions Online website. The page is filled with event-exclusive perks, rewards, item drops, screens and even a snazzy Takofanes wallpaper. The zombie Foxbat toy in particular will be a wonderful way of making all your friends jealous, assuming you can get it to drop.

Those new screens are actually pretty key here, because they reveal something about Blood Moon we didn't specifically know yet: the new costume pieces. Looking through the screens, we noticed player characters who're obviously using the new Celestial powers. However, some of them -- like the character above this post -- are sporting outfit pieces that we're wholly unfamiliar with from our time in the game.

Now, it could be that we haven't come across these angelically inspired outfits yet, but something tells us this just isn't the case. We're sure to hear something more official in the next week or so, but you heard it here first!

Gallery: Champions Online: Blood Moon

MassivelyNew Blood Moon info released, we spy new costume pieces originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-mooncelestialchampionschampions-onlinecostumecrypticcryptic-studiosfoxbatoctoberzombiezombiesTue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Champions Online's first content lap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/the-digital-continuum-champions-onlines-first-content-lap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/the-digital-continuum-champions-onlines-first-content-lap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/the-digital-continuum-champions-onlines-first-content-lap/#commentsFiled under: , ,


October is here and with it comes Champions Online's first month of heavy content updates. There's all sorts of improvements and additions hitting in the coming weeks to discuss, let alone what to expect for November and beyond. Plus, the Blood Moon update sounds like a whole lot of seasonal fun. I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish there was a repeatable mission where I got to kill moping vampires.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Champions Online's first content lap

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Champions Online's first content lap originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecontentcrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedgroupingmissionsopinionpatchpvepvpthe-digital-continuumupdateTue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online October changes, Blood Moon releasing on the 27th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/champions-online-october-changes-blood-moon-releasing-on-the-27/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/champions-online-october-changes-blood-moon-releasing-on-the-27/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/champions-online-october-changes-blood-moon-releasing-on-the-27/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Champions Online has seen a lot of update love since launch. By all accounts it's continuing to throughout October with this look at what's to come by Cryptic. The addition of more missions is always welcome, especially in combination with the mission tracking improvements that'll make grouping easier. Even better is the Power House 2.0 that'll come with a new live combat training room and power tips from trainers. Those power tips are going to help a lot of confused players create builds that both suite and actually work for them.

Last but not least is Blood Moon, which will be released on October 27th and promises to bring a hefty chunk of content for all levels to enjoy. The new PvP map known as Zombie Apocalypse sounds like something out of Left 4 Dead and blasting the undead with superpowers is a wholly new concept that we're behind 100%.

Check after the break for a full rundown of what's coming to Champions Online in the month of October.

Continue reading Champions Online October changes, Blood Moon releasing on the 27th

MassivelyChampions Online October changes, Blood Moon releasing on the 27th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosoctoberpower-housepvpzombie-apocalypsezombiesMon, 05 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[There's more to the lore of Champions Online's Blood Moon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/theres-more-to-the-lore-of-champions-onlines-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/theres-more-to-the-lore-of-champions-onlines-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/01/theres-more-to-the-lore-of-champions-onlines-blood-moon/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's much to be discovered in the lore of Champions Online's Blood Moon. For instance, players will have the opportunity to do battle with zombie versions of 13 of the greatest heroes to have fallen in the Battle of Detroit. After defeating these undead abominations, it will then be time to descend into Takofanes' crypts and free the entrapped spirits of those 13 heroes before even more evil can be done.

Even more curiously, Takofanes -- the main villain of Blood Moon -- is making predictions that this assault is merely the first wave of an ensuing apocalypse that will swallow the very world whole. And when is this dark omen occurring? Sooner than we think, apparently.

MassivelyThere's more to the lore of Champions Online's Blood Moon originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribattle-of-detroitblood-moonchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosjohn-laymanloretakofanesThu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out the Champions Online Anthem trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/check-out-the-champions-online-anthem-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/check-out-the-champions-online-anthem-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/check-out-the-champions-online-anthem-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Champions Online has been out for almost a month now, but there's always a group of people who have yet to learn what the game is all about. That's where this Anthem trailer comes in, full of action and dramatic flair of the slightly cheesy variety. It does a great job at conveying the feel and nature of the game, and we really can't get enough of Defender tossing ultimatums at Dr. Destroyer.

It even concludes with a big huge brawl, well sort of... There is a little tease at the end, but we won't spoil it. You'll just have to watch it yourselves to find out! Check out the video after the break and bask in all its superhero glory.

Continue reading Check out the Champions Online Anthem trailer

MassivelyCheck out the Champions Online Anthem trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthematariblood-moonchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdefenderdr-destroyerexclusivetrailervideoWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more-par/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more-par/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more part 2

MassivelyChampions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperblood-moonc-storechampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosinterviewretconMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/21/champions-onlines-bill-roper-talks-retcons-powers-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've been having a lot of fun with Champions Online here at Massively, but with the launch of any MMO there are always questions of how current issues will be handled and what's coming in the near future. So, we spoke with the game's Design Director Bill Roper on several subjects ranging from powers balancing to the upcoming free content update Blood Moon and the reinforcement system.

Continue reading Champions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more

MassivelyChampions Online's Bill Roper talks retcons, powers and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperblood-moonchampions-onlinecombatcrypticcryptic-studiosdifficultyfeaturedpatchpatchesretconMon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Champions Online launch edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/the-digital-continuum-champions-online-launch-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/the-digital-continuum-champions-online-launch-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/the-digital-continuum-champions-online-launch-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It's been about a couple weeks since Champions Online launched, and I've been enjoying the game through the good and the bad. Yes, there have been some rough patches - particularly for early start players whose characters were designed before the big launch-day patch. So let's talk about a few of the issues some people are having with the game. Namely, I want to address the difficulty complaints that some people have been voicing, because they're not entirely wrong.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Champions Online launch edition

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Champions Online launch edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampions-onlinecontentcrime-computercrypticcryptic-studiosdifficultyfeaturedmissionsopinionthe-digital-continuumMon, 14 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Revealed: Champions Online's first update, Blood Moon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/revealed-champions-onlines-first-update-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/revealed-champions-onlines-first-update-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/revealed-champions-onlines-first-update-blood-moon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Champions Online's Blood Moon update has finally been revealed, and wow does it sound pretty cool. Beginning in October, the update will add the Celestial powerset, which sounds like a versatile arrangement of powers allowing you to heal allies or harm enemies.

The actual in-game event itself looks to be exciting, as it involves fighting off a dark sorcerer known as Takofanes. We're decidedly excited about the 'Zombie Apocalypse' rising in Canada. Zombies in PVP? Yes please. And when a player falls in combat, they'll return as one of the undead, bound to fight in Takofanes' name. There will also be werewolves to fight, although what their dark bite does to a player isn't as clear just yet.

We really love is how the lore is being tied into the event. Millennium City was built on the smoldering crater where Detroit once stood. For the Blood Moon event, players will have the chance to fight against heroes who fought in the Battle of Detroit and free their souls from Takofanes' evil necromancy. It all ends in a big throw down with Takofanes himself. We'll hear more about the details in the coming weeks. Maybe we'll even get some additional info from Cryptic at PAX this weekend!

MassivelyRevealed: Champions Online's first update, Blood Moon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-mooncanadacelestialchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosin-game-eventmillennium-citytakofanesundeadupdatewerewolveszombiesWed, 02 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Champions Online launch day edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/the-daily-grind-champions-online-launch-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/the-daily-grind-champions-online-launch-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/01/the-daily-grind-champions-online-launch-day-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Today marks the first official day Champions Online is fully available, and it also marks the first post-launch state of the game as well. Cryptic hasn't taken the smooth early start as an opportunity to slow down on adjusting and tweaking things in the game for the better. More importantly, though, this state of the game hints at the first free game update, which is being announced today.

It's titled Blood Moon, and according to Cryptic we'll be hearing more about it later today. Other than that, we really don't know what it's going to be in it. We're fairly sure that new Celestial power framework is probably going to be included though, and potentially some kind of in-game event. But our guess is as good as yours, so what do you guys think?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Champions Online launch day edition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-moonchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studioslaunchstate-of-the-gamethe-daily-grindTue, 01 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST