Massively

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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: We, the drowned]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/choose-my-adventure-we-the-drowned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/choose-my-adventure-we-the-drowned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/choose-my-adventure-we-the-drowned/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Rumors, Choose My Adventure

Choose My Adventure

By now you're more than aware that Massively, WoW Insider, and Joystiq are not long for this world. Thanks to the type of organizational reshuffling we've so often covered on these very pages, AOL's enthusiast blogs have eaten the sharper end of an axe. We're upset. You're upset. But the core reality is that sometimes bad things happen. All we can do is pick ourselves up, steady our breathing, and leap into the void.

I've been with Massively since 2011. I started as a streamer, evolved into a news/features writer, and finished as the steward of Choose My Adventure. Every moment has been a privilege. Every day exciting.

And it's you I have to thank.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: We, the drowned

Choose My Adventure: We, the drowned originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmafeaturedhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingMon, 02 Feb 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: A bit of TERA sightseeing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/choose-my-adventure-a-bit-of-tera-sightseeing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/choose-my-adventure-a-bit-of-tera-sightseeing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/21/choose-my-adventure-a-bit-of-tera-sightseeing/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, TERA, MMORPG

TERA

There's no question that TERA is one of the most beautiful MMOs on the market. Its open world features gorgeous terrain, cool set pieces, and lots of variation for the screenshot-obsessed. So when Choose My Adventure's voters elected to send me exploring last week, I was more than happy to oblige. I wouldn't accomplish much Fate of Arun stuff, but at least I'd get to see some sights!

I also, somehow, learned a bit more about the Warrior class and how to effectively deploy it in combat. It's been a long, hard crawl, but I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of my combo abilities and my evasion techniques. I'm definitely dying less and even occasionally having moments when I feel totally in control of the actions my character is taking and the reasoning behind them. I almost feel... good.

Until the next BAM smacks me down, of course.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: A bit of TERA sightseeing

Choose My Adventure: A bit of TERA sightseeing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschoose-my-adventurecmaen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfate-of-arunfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionpollpollspremiumreaders-choiceteravotevotingWed, 21 Jan 2015 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Questing into TERA's Fate of Arun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/the-stream-team-questing-into-teras-fate-of-arun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/the-stream-team-questing-into-teras-fate-of-arun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/15/the-stream-team-questing-into-teras-fate-of-arun/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, Expansions, PvE, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Hands-On, TERA, Livestream, The Stream Team, MMORPG

TERA

TERA's Fate of Arun expansion is the topic of this month's Choose My Adventure, and Massively's Mike Foster has a reader-created level 60 Castanic warrior all set to go. Join Mike as he explores the first bits of Fate of Arun's content and presumably fumbles his way through the basics of playing one of TERA's most dynamic classes. The action starts at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Game: TERA
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Thursday, January 15th, 2015
Time: 6:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Questing into TERA's Fate of Arun

The Stream Team: Questing into TERA's Fate of Arun originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschoose-my-adventurecmaen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfate-of-arunfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollspremiumreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamterathe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingThu, 15 Jan 2015 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Air travel is not very safe in TERA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/choose-my-adventure-air-travel-is-not-very-safe-in-tera/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/choose-my-adventure-air-travel-is-not-very-safe-in-tera/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/14/choose-my-adventure-air-travel-is-not-very-safe-in-tera/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, TERA, MMORPG

TERA

Massively multiplayer online games are collections of interlocking systems. A character's skills allow her to interact with the world, interacting with the world gives her experience points, experience points give her levels, levels give her skills, and so on. Inventory, items, professions, quests, and social interactions are also systems, layered on top of the core combat and gameplay mechanics.

When you have mastery over an MMO, you don't just have mastery over skill rotations; you have mastery over all of the systems underneath. By the time a normal person hits 60 in En Masse's TERA, for example, that person can probably tell the difference between good gear and bad gear, organize a character's inventory, and use the game's menus. This is the stuff you take for granted when you've been playing an MMO for weeks, months, or years.

Leaping into expansion content with a near-max-level character but little core game experience is, thus, not very smart. But I did it anyway, charging into TERA's Fate of Arun with a brand-new-yet-level-60 Castanic Warrior for Choose My Adventure.

It went okay.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Air travel is not very safe in TERA

Choose My Adventure: Air travel is not very safe in TERA originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-ass-monstersblueholebluehole-studioschoose-my-adventurecmaen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfate-of-arunfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionpollpollspremiumreaders-choiceteravotevotingWed, 14 Jan 2015 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Ramping up for TERA's Fate of Arun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/the-stream-team-ramping-up-for-teras-fate-of-arun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/the-stream-team-ramping-up-for-teras-fate-of-arun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/the-stream-team-ramping-up-for-teras-fate-of-arun/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, Expansions, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, TERA, Livestream, The Stream Team, MMORPG

TERA

Choose My Adventure is headed into TERA's Fate of Arun expansion, and tonight, Massively's Mike Foster is shaking off the cobwebs by logging in to his old character and tanking whatever he can tank. Next week marks the start of his expansion adventure; tonight's all about remembering what buttons do what. Polls are still live if you want to vote on which type of character Mike will end up with for this month!

Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EST to catch all the action.

Game: TERA
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Thursday, January 8th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Ramping up for TERA's Fate of Arun

The Stream Team: Ramping up for TERA's Fate of Arun originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschoose-my-adventurecmaen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfate-of-arunfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollspremiumreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamterathe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingThu, 08 Jan 2015 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: TERA's Fate of Arun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/choose-my-adventure-tera-s-fate-of-arun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/choose-my-adventure-tera-s-fate-of-arun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/07/choose-my-adventure-tera-s-fate-of-arun/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, TERA, MMORPG

TERA

As was mentioned many times during our end-of-year awards and the comments surrounding them, 2014 was a much better year for adding to existing properties than releasing new ones. Some of the biggest launches of the year came in the form of expansions like Rift's Nightmare Tide, Star Trek Online's Delta Rising, and Star Wars: The Old Republic's Shadow of Revan. Choose My Adventure even took the expansion route last month by investigating World of Warcraft's Warlords of Draenor.

En Masse's TERA, too, received a huge update in 2014, though it launched with significantly less fanfare than some of the other major expansions of the year. Fate of Arun introduced new zones, added new dungeons, and raised the level cap (as expansions are wont to do). It also brought a new game mode in The Coliseum, a PvP/PvE hybrid arena-type thing. Perhaps most notably when compared to the other expansions of 2014, Fate of Arun is free to all TERA players.

Since TERA so often flies under the radar with MMO fans, I thought it might be fun to dedicate this month's CMA to Fate of Arun. So get ready because it's time to start slaying some big-ass monsters.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: TERA's Fate of Arun

Choose My Adventure: TERA's Fate of Arun originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioschoose-my-adventurecmaen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfate-of-arunfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionpollpollspremiumreaders-choiceteravotevotingWed, 07 Jan 2015 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft High]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-high/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-high/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/31/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-high/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft launched on November 23rd, 2004. For anyone having a hard time putting that date into context, consider this: My sister, who's now in college, was eight years old when WoW's gates first opened. Some of our readers with nice jobs and adorable children were still in middle school or high school. I've personally been playing WoW off and on since 2005, giving me about nine years of history with the game.

This month's Choose My Adventure was two parts adventure and one part nostalgia. And as it turns out, sometimes the past really does belong in the past.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft High

Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft High originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 31 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Goodnight, World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/the-stream-team-goodnight-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/the-stream-team-goodnight-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/29/the-stream-team-goodnight-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Video, Expansions, PvE, Hands-On, Livestream, The Stream Team, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft's Choose My Adventure is coming to a close and Massively's Mike Foster is trying to get as much out of it as possible before the new month begins. Join him tonight as he storms a couple of battlegrounds, completes a few quests, and takes advantage of his brand-new garrison buildings. It's the last hurrah for Warlords of Draenor as a CMA subject!

Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EST for all the action.

Game: World of Warcraft
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Monday, December 29th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Goodnight, World of Warcraft

The Stream Team: Goodnight, World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 29 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Warlords of Draenor dungeon fun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/the-stream-team-warlords-of-draenor-dungeon-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/the-stream-team-warlords-of-draenor-dungeon-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/28/the-stream-team-warlords-of-draenor-dungeon-fun/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Video, Expansions, PvE, Hands-On, Livestream, Dungeons, The Stream Team, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

Massively's Mike Foster has been having a grand old time with this month's World of Warcraft-focused Choose My Adventure. Tonight, he ventures into the dungeon finder to check out Warlords of Draenor's new group content, as was requested by voters in last week's polls. Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EST to see his shadow priest in action.

Game: World of Warcraft
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Sunday, December 28th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Warlords of Draenor dungeon fun

The Stream Team: Warlords of Draenor dungeon fun originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 28 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: On autopilot in World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/choose-my-adventure-on-autopilot-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/choose-my-adventure-on-autopilot-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/24/choose-my-adventure-on-autopilot-in-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

Life as a shadow Priest in World of Warcraft is pretty mellow. Mostly you bounce around from quest to quest and enemy to enemy, ticking off objectives by murdering orcs with dark magic and scaring everyone with your spooky shadow face. It's not a career path I'd recommend for your average citizen, but if you're looking to become an instigator in the clan wars of Warlords of Draenor, there are worse paths to take.

We accomplished quite a bit this week in Choose My Adventure. Our Blood Elf Priest gained a couple of levels, DPSed his very first Warlords of Draenor dungeon, and completed the Frostfire Ridge set of story quests. And while it's all been very, very good, I'm still having a hard time connecting to this latest World of Warcraft expansion.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: On autopilot in World of Warcraft

Choose My Adventure: On autopilot in World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesubscriptionvotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 24 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: On to Gorgrond in World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/the-stream-team-on-to-gorgrond-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/the-stream-team-on-to-gorgrond-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/23/the-stream-team-on-to-gorgrond-in-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Video, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Hands-On, Livestream, The Stream Team, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

Choose My Adventure Live continues as Massively's Mike Foster says farewell to Frostfire Ridge and heads into Gorgrond, the second of Warlords of Draenor's all-new zones. Experience World of Warcraft's latest expansion with Mike as he quests, fights, and garrisons his way to level 100 from the perspective of a voter-created shadow Priest.

The action begins at 4:00 p.m. EST.

Game: World of Warcraft
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST.

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: On to Gorgrond in World of Warcraft

The Stream Team: On to Gorgrond in World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 23 Dec 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft and the shadowy priest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-and-the-shadowy-priest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-and-the-shadowy-priest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/choose-my-adventure-world-of-warcraft-and-the-shadowy-priest/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Subscription, MMORPG

It's been one week since Choose My Adventure's voters sent me on the path of darkness in World of Warcraft, daring me to cast off my healing roots and adventure forward as a Priest who deals only in shadow. I've gained a couple of levels, tinkered with my garrison, and killed hundreds and hundreds of orcs. I've even managed to work out some of last week's confusion, finding a spell rotation that works for me and laying waste to any PvE enemies that cross my path.

I've also completed about a million quests, Warlords of Draenor-style.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft and the shadowy priest

Choose My Adventure: World of Warcraft and the shadowy priest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmadraenorexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorwodworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 17 Dec 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: I am so confused in World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-so-confused-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-so-confused-in-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-so-confused-in-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

Last week's Choose My Adventure polls for World of Warcraft set me on a very unexpected path. Male Blood Elf? Really? If you had asked me to predict the result of the class/race/gender/faction polls, I would have been extremely super-wrong. I thought for sure Massively's readership was full of carebear Alliance sympathizers who spend their WoW hours hosting hug parties in Darnassus.

Anyway. This week saw me creating our new character, using the included-with-Warlords of Draenor instant level 90 character boost, and diving through the Dark Portal to experience the starting moments of Blizzard Entertainment's latest bundle of WoW content.

It was... something.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: I am so confused in World of Warcraft

Choose My Adventure: I am so confused in World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmafantasyfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopinionpollpollsreaders-choicevotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 10 Dec 2014 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: World of Warcraft's instant 90]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-stream-team-world-of-warcrafts-instant-90/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-stream-team-world-of-warcrafts-instant-90/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/07/the-stream-team-world-of-warcrafts-instant-90/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Video, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Livestream, The Stream Team, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

Choose My Adventure is heading into World of Warcraft this month, and it all begins with the creation of a brand-new character that will immediately receive an instant boost to level 90. Join Massively's Mike Foster as he investigates the instant-leveling process and explores the tutorial system Blizzard has put in place to explain dozens of skills to a fledgling WoW player.

The chaos begins at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Game: World of Warcraft
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: World of Warcraft's instant 90

The Stream Team: World of Warcraft's instant 90 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmafantasyhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 07 Dec 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Can't stop the World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/choose-my-adventure-can-t-stop-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/choose-my-adventure-can-t-stop-the-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/03/choose-my-adventure-can-t-stop-the-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvP, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Subscription, MMORPG

World of Warcraft

It's been 10 years since Blizzard Entertainment launched World of Warcraft and ignited the great MMO gold rush of the aughts. In that time, World of Warcraft has grown into something more than a game; it's a cultural icon, an immensely valuable piece of intellectual property, and a brooding presence any new MMO has to consider before launch. WoW has gravity.

Just when World of Warcraft's numbers start to slide and the naysayers start planning their "WoW is dead" parties, Blizzard finds a way to make WoW resurgent. Warlords of Draenor, WoW's fifth expansion, launched late last month, bringing three million subscribers back into the game's warm embrace. For those keeping score: That's more subscribers than most MMOs ever see at their peaks.

Warlords of Draenor reworks some core World of Warcraft systems, changes up character models, implements a version of housing, and more. And with so many people returning to check it out, there's no better time for Choose My Adventure to join the fray.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Can't stop the World of Warcraft

Choose My Adventure: Can't stop the World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchoose-my-adventurecmafantasyfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesubscriptionvotevotingwarcraftwarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 03 Dec 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Bashing it up in Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/the-stream-team-bashing-it-up-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/the-stream-team-bashing-it-up-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/the-stream-team-bashing-it-up-in-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, PvE, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Final Fantasy XIV, Livestream, Dungeons, The Stream Team, Subscription, MMORPG

FFXIV

This month's Final Fantasy XIV Choose My Adventure is almost at an end, leaving Massively's Mike Foster with just a few more hours to punch monsters in the face and perform adorable emote dances. Tune in tonight at 7:00 p.m. EST as Mike runs his first dungeon and tries extremely hard to remember all of the positional requirements of his Pugilist's abilities. Spoiler alert: It's not going to go great.

Game: Final Fantasy XIV
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Tuesday, November 25th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Bashing it up in Final Fantasy XIV

The Stream Team: Bashing it up in Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesquaresquare-enixstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingSat, 29 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The final Final Fantasy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/choose-my-adventure-the-final-final-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/choose-my-adventure-the-final-final-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/26/choose-my-adventure-the-final-final-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription, MMORPG

FFXIV

It's amazing how time flies when you're punching things. Just a few weeks ago our Choose My Adventure-forged Final Fantasy XIV pugilist was an aspiring adventurer with no pants; today, she's a certified hero (still with no pants). It's been an impressive ride to say the least. Square Enix has done some things so phenomenally right it's hard to believe the studio botched the game so badly the first time around.

Final Fantasy XIV is definitely a traditional fantasy MMO. But it makes enough changes and innovates in enough places to make itself feel unique and compelling. If I had to pay a subscription for a game (which I hate doing), FFXIV would be the one to get my credit card number.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The final Final Fantasy

Choose My Adventure: The final Final Fantasy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesquaresquare-enixvotevotingWed, 26 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Final Fantasy XIV's thaumaturgery]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/choose-my-adventure-final-fantasy-xiv-s-thaumaturgery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/choose-my-adventure-final-fantasy-xiv-s-thaumaturgery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/19/choose-my-adventure-final-fantasy-xiv-s-thaumaturgery/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription, MMORPG

FFXIV

One of the more frustrating elements of helming Choose My Adventure is that I start every game with hopeless incompetence and spend four weeks trying desperately to reach some level of understanding with that game's core mechanics. MMO players take for granted the basic masteries they have over the systems they command and forget that the first 20 or so levels of any new game are usually spent in a fog of half-understandings and misconceptions.

Because it's so difficult to continually learn a game's idiosyncrasies, I was a bit wary of last week's Choose My Adventure polls. Having just grown comfortable with our Miqo'te Pugilist and the basic rotations that power her damage, I found the thought of taking on an entirely new class fairly intimidating. Aren't Thaumaturges hard to play? Don't they have confusing ability combos and weird buffs?

Luckily, Final Fantasy XIV understands the challenge in switching classes and isn't afraid to babysit you while you re-learn the ropes.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Final Fantasy XIV's thaumaturgery

Choose My Adventure: Final Fantasy XIV's thaumaturgery originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesquaresquare-enixsubscriptionvotevotingWed, 19 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: So much punching in Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/choose-my-adventure-so-much-punching-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/choose-my-adventure-so-much-punching-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/12/choose-my-adventure-so-much-punching-in-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, PvE, Hands-On, Consoles, Choose My Adventure, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription, MMORPG

Final Fantasy XIV

Last week's Choose My Adventure polls on Final Fantasy XIV were very close. With a few more votes in one direction instead of another, we'd be playing a Roegadyn arcanist or a Lalafell thaumaturge. Unfortunately for people who hate human-animal hybrids, voters selected a Miqo'te pugilist by the hair on a cat's tail (Is this a saying? It should be a saying). Consider our character's cat ears the Massively version of growing a Movember moustache.

With our hero forged and her job chosen, it's time to start adventuring.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: So much punching in Final Fantasy XIV

Choose My Adventure: So much punching in Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesquaresquare-enixsubscriptionvotevotingWed, 12 Nov 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Starting out in Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-stream-team-starting-out-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-stream-team-starting-out-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/10/the-stream-team-starting-out-in-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, PvE, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Final Fantasy XIV, Livestream, The Stream Team, Subscription, MMORPG

FFXIV

Massively's Mike Foster is ready to start his career as an adorable Miqo'te pugilist in Final Fantasy XIV, thanks to last week's Choose My Adventure polls and a little bit of leftover currency in his Steam wallet. Tune in tonight as Mike checks out FFXIV's starting levels and works to familiarize himself with the vast, pretty world of Eorzea. The pugilizing starts at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Game: Final Fantasy XIV
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Monday, November 10th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Starting out in Final Fantasy XIV

The Stream Team: Starting out in Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesquaresquare-enixstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtrailertrailerstwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingMon, 10 Nov 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Final Fantasying]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/choose-my-adventure-final-fantasying/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/choose-my-adventure-final-fantasying/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/05/choose-my-adventure-final-fantasying/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Polls, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription, MMORPG

FFXIV

Final Fantasy, born in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, is Square-Enix's most successful franchise with over 100 million units sold in its 27-year history. Final Fantasy is essentially a constant in the games industry; there is always a current Final Fantasy game, and there is always an anticipated Final Fantasy game. No matter the day or time, thousands of people across the globe are playing one Final Fantasy or another. Final Fantasy is a Big Deal.

That's not to say everything has been sunshine and roses for the series. Fans are passionate about the brand and have had some less than stellar reactions to certain decisions in various iterations of the franchise. Perhaps the most notorious story in all of Final Fantasyland was the launch, un-launch, and re-launch of Final Fantasy XIV, which has been discussed in great depth here at Massively.

It's been over a year since Final Fantasy XIV became Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. And with a new expansion on the way and the massive patch 2.4 freshly live, there's no better time to leap into this title to see what we can see in this month's edition of Choose My Adventure.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Final Fantasying

Choose My Adventure: Final Fantasying originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivhands-onopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesquaresquare-enixvotevotingWed, 05 Nov 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Swordsman with a little help from Perfect World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-stream-team-swordsman-with-a-little-help-from-perfect-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-stream-team-swordsman-with-a-little-help-from-perfect-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-stream-team-swordsman-with-a-little-help-from-perfect-world/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Video, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Livestream, The Stream Team, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

Massively's Mike Foster has concluded his October Swordsman Choose My Adventure and can think of no better way to go out than in a blaze of incompetent glory. Join Mike tonight as he hops onto a max-level Swordsman character and runs some late-game instances. The Swordsman team will be in-stream to answer viewer questions and presumably sigh in frustration at Mike's inability to understand his new skills.

The action starts at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Game: Swordsman
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Swordsman with a little help from Perfect World

The Stream Team: Swordsman with a little help from Perfect World originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamswordsmanswordsman-onlinethe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwuxiaThu, 30 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Closing off our time in Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/choose-my-adventure-closing-off-our-time-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/choose-my-adventure-closing-off-our-time-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/29/choose-my-adventure-closing-off-our-time-in-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

I've spent quite a bit of time in Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman this month. Thanks to the unique layout of October 2014, Swordsman ended up getting an extra week compared to most Choose My Adventure endeavors. And while I'm ready to move on to the next game, it was nice to have some extended time with Swordsman before sending it to that magic hard drive in the sky. Sometimes a few extra days can give you time to see things in a game you didn't see before.

Swordsman is definitely a game that grows on you. The experience continually improves. If you're willing to stick through the slow opening and limited early experience, there's a pretty interesting game waiting to be discovered.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Closing off our time in Swordsman

Choose My Adventure: Closing off our time in Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmartial-artsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choiceswordsmanswordsman-onlinevotevotingwuxiaWed, 29 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Dungeoning in Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/the-stream-team-dungeoning-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/the-stream-team-dungeoning-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/the-stream-team-dungeoning-in-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Video, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, Dungeons, The Stream Team, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

According to Perfect World, the real meat of Swordsman is to be found in its dungeon content (and its PvP). Join Massively's Mike Foster tonight as he continues his Choose My Adventure exploration of Swordsman by queuing up for some mid-level instances and seeing where his whips take him. The action starts at 7:00 p.m. EDT -- assuming, of course, that the instance gods show Mike some pity and give him a group.

Game: Swordsman
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Friday, October 24th
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Dungeoning in Swordsman

The Stream Team: Dungeoning in Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamswordsmanswordsman-onlinethe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwuxiaFri, 24 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The once and future Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/choose-my-adventure-the-once-and-future-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/choose-my-adventure-the-once-and-future-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/choose-my-adventure-the-once-and-future-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Polls, Expansions, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

For the last three weeks, I've been whipping and kicking every bad guy I can find in Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman in the hopes of understanding this peculiar wuxia MMORPG. My Choose My Adventure experience thus far has been mixed; I've enjoyed Swordsman's theme and setting, but its mechanics and hard-to-follow narrative have made the experience a touch less manageable. Swordsman from 1-30 seems at best like an extended tutorial and at worst like a game that plays itself.

That's not just my opinion. All of the feedback I can find on the game seems to point in one direction: Swordsman's early levels aren't the main attraction. The real Swordsman exists in PvP (unlocked at level 30), guild quests (unlocked at level 35), and instances (unlocked at 15 -- not bad). Last week's combat discipline discovery at 25 further cemented the idea that Swordsman is a game designed to reward players who stick through the initial grind.

I didn't have much time to play this last week, but I did get a chance to sit down with PWE product manager Gabrielle Heiland to talk about Swordsman's first expansion, the future of the game, and how Perfect World feels about the game's current "wait and see" design.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The once and future Swordsman

Choose My Adventure: The once and future Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaexpansionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumgabrielle-heilandgilded-wastelandhands-onmartial-artsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choiceswordsmanswordsman-onlineWed, 22 Oct 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Sightseeing in Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/the-stream-team-sightseeing-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/the-stream-team-sightseeing-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/the-stream-team-sightseeing-in-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Video, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, The Stream Team, MMORPG, Swordsman

PWE

Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman offers quite a few interesting locales to visit, complete with temples, rickety bridges, and practicing martial artists. Tune in tonight as Massively's Mike Foster takes a laid-back tour of some of Swordsman's zones and checks out each of its martial arts school headquarters.

The wandering begins at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Game: Swordsman
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Wednesday, October 15th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Sightseeing in Swordsman

The Stream Team: Sightseeing in Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-enWed, 15 Oct 2014 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Clicking around in Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/choose-my-adventure-clicking-around-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/choose-my-adventure-clicking-around-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/15/choose-my-adventure-clicking-around-in-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Polls, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

Three weeks into our Choose My Adventure adventure, I'm not sure what to make of Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman. The game boasts a deep literary pedigree and markets itself on its wuxia themes and combat-oriented design. It has a rich, beautiful world that is dripping with powerful design cues and historical influences. Like all PWE games, it is slick and easy to pick up and play.

Swordsman is a well-made MMORPG. It is mechanically sound and conceptually solid. So why am I so bored?

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Clicking around in Swordsman

Choose My Adventure: Clicking around in Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmartial-artsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choiceswordsmanswordsman-onlineWed, 15 Oct 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Swordsman's Five Venoms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/the-stream-team-swordsmans-five-venoms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/the-stream-team-swordsmans-five-venoms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/the-stream-team-swordsmans-five-venoms/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Video, PvE, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, The Stream Team, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

Swordsman is this month's Choose My Adventure game and Massively's Mike Foster is ready to spend his evening whipping bad guys and poisoning their friends with his Five Venoms character. Poll voters wanted to see the female-only martial arts school in action, so tonight's the night. Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EDT to check out Perfect World Entertainment's latest free-to-play juggernaut and to see if Mike can make any sense out of its Mandarin voice acting.

Game: Swordsman
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Wednesday, October 8th
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Swordsman's Five Venoms

The Stream Team: Swordsman's Five Venoms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamswordsmanswordsman-onlinethe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwuxiaWed, 08 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Cracking whips in Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/choose-my-adventure-cracking-whips-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/choose-my-adventure-cracking-whips-in-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/08/choose-my-adventure-cracking-whips-in-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Polls, New Titles, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

In last week's Choose My Adventure poll, I asked two simple questions of the Massively community: Which gender should our character be in Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman, and what path should that character take among the game's 10 available schools of combat? The result was a resounding win for the female-character-exclusive Five Venoms school (probably because whips) and for the creation of a female character.

Since the polls closed on Saturday, I've created our character and spent a little time with Swordsman's intro sequence, tutorial missions, and the earliest chapters of its main storyline. I've whipped a bunch of dudes, summoned giant frogs, and set a few horses on fire. And while it's early yet to declare Swordsman a success, failure, or mediocre in-betweener, thus far I would describe the experience as decidedly mixed.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Cracking whips in Swordsman

Choose My Adventure: Cracking whips in Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmartial-artsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choiceswordsmanswordsman-onlinevotevotingwuxiaWed, 08 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: CMA Live with Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/the-stream-team-cma-live-with-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/the-stream-team-cma-live-with-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/02/the-stream-team-cma-live-with-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Video, New Titles, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, The Stream Team, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman has been officially outed as October's Choose My Adventure title, and Massively's Mike Foster is ready to jump in with his fists flying. Tune in at 7:00 p.m. to get an idea of how Swordsman sets up its story, what options the character creator offers new players, and what the game's action combat looks like in motion.

As an added bonus, there will definitely be at least one quest centered on drinking wine.

Game: Swordsman
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: CMA Live with Swordsman

The Stream Team: CMA Live with Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmartial-artsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamswordsmanswordsman-onlinethe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingwuxiaThu, 02 Oct 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: The proud wanderers of Swordsman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/choose-my-adventure-the-proud-wanderers-of-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/choose-my-adventure-the-proud-wanderers-of-swordsman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/choose-my-adventure-the-proud-wanderers-of-swordsman/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Historical, Polls, New Titles, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, MMORPG, Swordsman

Swordsman

Since commandeering Choose My Adventure in August, I've been on something of a sci-fi rampage. First we took a second look at a post-release Firefall; then we spaced out with a beta build of Frontier's Elite: Dangerous. And while spaceships and rocket boots are certainly wonderful things, Choose My Adventure is as much about investigating new worlds and new genres as it is about checking out new games. Thus, it's time to leave the world of science fiction behind in search of something a bit more classical.

This month, we're adventuring into Imperial China -- as far from deployable sentry guns and pulse lasers as possible -- with Perfect World Entertainment's Swordsman.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: The proud wanderers of Swordsman

Choose My Adventure: The proud wanderers of Swordsman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachoose-my-adventurecmaf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmartial-artsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspremiumpwereaders-choiceswordsmanswordsman-onlinevotevotingwuxiaWed, 01 Oct 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Basically Han Solo in Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/choose-my-adventure-basically-han-solo-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/choose-my-adventure-basically-han-solo-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/choose-my-adventure-basically-han-solo-in-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Elite: Dangerous

When Frontier Developments' Elite: Dangerous eventually launches, I'm guessing there will be two primary types of pilots cruising its vast expanses: quiet, peaceful types who enjoy exploring and courier-ing, and destructive, violent types who prefer interacting with NPCs and other players via pulse lasers. Elite's loose structure has room for other archetypes, though, such as the savvy trader working the marketplace and the under-the-radar smuggler who lives on the wrong side of the law but avoids drawing attention to himself. Being peaceful doesn't mean you have to be lawful.

Last week's Choose My Adventure poll set me on the path of the smuggler, challenging me to secure illegal goods and to sneak those goods by the feds to net a healthy profit.

Results were mixed.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Basically Han Solo in Elite: Dangerous

Choose My Adventure: Basically Han Solo in Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfeaturedfrontierfrontier-developmentshands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstarteropinionpollpollsreaders-choicesandboxsci-fispacespace-simspaceshipstestingvotevotingWed, 24 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Adios, Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/the-stream-team-adios-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/the-stream-team-adios-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/the-stream-team-adios-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Video, PvE, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, Sandbox, The Stream Team, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Frontier Developments

Frontier Developments' Elite: Dangerous has had a good four-week run in September's Choose My Adventure, but it's time to step out of the spaceship and into some heavy armor or a wizard's robe. Join Massively's Mike Foster as he adventures out into Elite's current beta one last time, with Twitch chat as his guide. It's not the end for Elite around here, but it's the last shot we'll get to see the game before Beta 2 launches on the 30th.

Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EDT for all the spacey action.

Game: Elite: Dangerous
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Adios, Elite: Dangerous

The Stream Team: Adios, Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmahands-onlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicestreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamtestingthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingTue, 23 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Exploring exploration via Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/choose-my-adventure-exploring-exploration-via-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/choose-my-adventure-exploring-exploration-via-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/17/choose-my-adventure-exploring-exploration-via-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Polls, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Elite: Dangerous

Being an explorer is overrated. Sure, Lewis and Clark are remembered as bold adventurers who set out across the untamed American west, charting charts and mapping maps and becoming famous along the way. It's less memorable that the expedition frequently feasted on dogs, slept with more locals than a touring indie rock band, and included at least one accidental butt shooting. In other words, between an explorer and fame there lies a whole lot of gristle.

Last week, Choose My Adventure voters set me on the exploration path in Frontier Development's Elite: Dangerous. While exploration hasn't yet been implemented as a viable career, it's still a thing you can do just because you feel like doing it. It's also a pretty great way to see your life end in a cacophony of flames and shrapnel or to find yourself staring at a map in complete and utter confusion.

Still, it beats roasting a Labrador and passing it around the campfire.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Exploring exploration via Elite: Dangerous

Choose My Adventure: Exploring exploration via Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfeaturedfrontierfrontier-developmentshands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstarteropinionpollpollsreaders-choicesandboxsci-fispacespaceshipstestingvotevotingWed, 17 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Black market dealings in Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/the-stream-team-black-market-dealings-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/the-stream-team-black-market-dealings-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/16/the-stream-team-black-market-dealings-in-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Video, PvE, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, Sandbox, The Stream Team, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Elite: Dangerous

Massively's Mike Foster has spent the last two weeks investigating the friendlier and more legal areas of Frontier Developments' Elite: Dangerous. In tonight's stream, however, he'll be investigating the shady underbelly of Elite by attempting to take on (and complete) black market contracts for some of the game's less-than-honorable individuals. Choose My Adventure's voters have spoken; it's time for Mike to get his hands dirty.

Will he end up blown to bits by overzealous federal ships? Or can he make a career as one of Elite's next great outlaws? Tune in at 7:00 p.m. EDT to find out.

Game: Elite: Dangerous
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Tuesday, September 16th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Black market dealings in Elite: Dangerous

The Stream Team: Black market dealings in Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingblack-marketchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfrontierfrontier-developmentshan-soloinghands-onillicit-goodsinternet-spaceshipkickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesandboxsci-fismugglingspacespaceshipsstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamtestingthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosvotevotingTue, 16 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Going deep in Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/the-stream-team-going-deep-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/the-stream-team-going-deep-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/11/the-stream-team-going-deep-in-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Video, PvE, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, Sandbox, The Stream Team, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Elite: Dangerous

Massively's Mike Foster is a big fan of space exploration. Which is why in tonight's Elite: Dangerous stream, he's going to see what the game's current beta has to offer in terms of venturing into the great unknown. Frontier Developments claims that Elite will eventually contain around 400 billion star systems; Mike is content to visit just a few. And with exploration being touted as a viable career path in the launch version of Elite, it's certainly worth investigating even in its bare beta form.

Tune in at 7:00 p.m. to boldly go where no Mike has gone before.

Game: Elite: Dangerous
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Thursday, September 11th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Going deep in Elite: Dangerous

The Stream Team: Going deep in Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfrontierfrontier-developmentshands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvopinionsandboxsci-fispacespaceshipsstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamtestingthe-stream-teamtrailertrailerstwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosThu, 11 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: I am Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/10/choose-my-adventure-i-am-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Polls, PvE, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG, Buy-to-Play

Elite: Dangerous

Space is not a very good place for people to hang out. Humans have a specific list of things that are needed for survival, and space is in a continual state of being fresh out of all of them. Thus, the space race isn't just about firing objects into the universe and seeing how far they can go but about building contraptions that deliver enough tender love and care to keep folks alive for the journey. Space travel is immensely expensive and complicated; humanity is still decades or even centuries away from easily accessible personal spacecraft.

Space sims like Frontier Development's Elite: Dangerous let you skip ahead a bit to see what things might be like when launching yourself into space will come with all the grandiosity of running to the store for some bread. "Yeah, you have a spaceship," Elite says, "but what exactly do you intend to do with it?"

In this, the second week of our Elite-focused Choose My Adventure, we'll be seeking an answer to that very question.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: I am Elite: Dangerous

Choose My Adventure: I am Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousfeaturedfrontierfrontier-developmentshands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstarteropinionpollpollsreaders-choicesandboxsci-fispacespaceshipstestingvotevotingWed, 10 Sep 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Getting spacey with Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/the-stream-team-getting-spacey-with-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/the-stream-team-getting-spacey-with-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/04/the-stream-team-getting-spacey-with-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Video, PvE, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Hands-On, Livestream, Sandbox, The Stream Team, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG

Elite Dangerous

What happens when you take a space sim rookie, strap him into a starship, and tell him he's free to explore the stars as he pleases? Join Massively's Mike Foster as he discovers the answer to just that question in the current beta build of Elite: Dangerous. Elite, built by Frontier Developments and funded by the crowd, is the subject of this month's Choose My Adventure, and there's no better way to start our journey than by broadcasting our maiden voyage for all to see.

The death parade beings at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

Game: Elite: Dangerous
Host: Mike Foster
Date: Thursday, September 4th, 2014
Time: 7:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Getting spacey with Elite: Dangerous

The Stream Team: Getting spacey with Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousf2pfree-to-playfreemiumfrontierfrontier-developmentshands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmv-tvmvtvopinionpremiumsandboxsci-fispacespaceshipsstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamtestingthe-stream-teamtrailertrailerstwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosThu, 04 Sep 2014 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: It's lonely out in Elite: Dangerous]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/03/choose-my-adventure-it-s-lonely-out-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/03/choose-my-adventure-it-s-lonely-out-in-elite-dangerous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/03/choose-my-adventure-it-s-lonely-out-in-elite-dangerous/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Polls, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Choose My Adventure, Sandbox, Crowdfunding, Elite: Dangerous, MMORPG

Elite: Dangerous

In 1990, hurtling across the edge of our solar system at around 40,000 miles per hour, NASA's Voyager 1 space probe performed a quick rotation and snapped a parting photograph of the planet on which it had been conceived, built, and launched. The resulting image, known as the Pale Blue Dot photo, features a tiny Earth surrounded on all sides by an infinite blackness. It was this image, transmitted a distance of 3.7 billion miles at the speed of light, that inspired Carl Sagan to write, "There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world."

In other words, space is big. Really big. And it is into this great unknown, this unimaginable void wrapped in darkness and silence, that Choose My Adventure now boldly goes via Elite: Dangerous, a crowdfunded space simulator (no, not that crowdfunded space simulator) from Frontier Developments. With 55 star systems and 38,000 cubic light-years of space to explore, Elite's Beta 1 release should offer us plenty of freedom to sate our interstellar cravings and to thrive or die as an independent pilot.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: It's lonely out in Elite: Dangerous

Choose My Adventure: It's lonely out in Elite: Dangerous originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingchoose-my-adventurecmadangerousdavid-brabeneliteelite-dangerousf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumfrontierfrontier-developmentshands-oninternet-spaceshipkickstartermicrotransactionmicrotransactionsopinionpollpollspremiumreaders-choicesandboxsci-fispacespaceshipstestingvotevotingWed, 03 Sep 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Firefall as it stands]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/choose-my-adventure-firefall-as-it-stands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/choose-my-adventure-firefall-as-it-stands/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/08/27/choose-my-adventure-firefall-as-it-stands/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi, Polls, PvE, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, MMOFPS, Choose My Adventure, Post-Apocalyptic, Firefall, MMORPG

Firefall

As I noted in the first week of this month's truncated Choose My Adventure, Firefall is finally an honest to goodness real-life video game. The extended extended beta is over, the launch trailer has released, and the game has been cut loose into the world. One might argue that Red 5 is now officially out of excuses; if something isn't satisfactory in Firefall, it must be unsatisfactory by design. We have stepped beyond the point where "it's a beta" is a fair explanation of the game's rougher edges.

Because what we're dealing with is theoretically intended to be a full retail product, it's not useful to talk about what Firefall used to be, nor is it useful to speculate on what Firefall might become. The only honest evaluation of the game, if evaluation is the goal, must center on the current iteration of the product, the one that Red 5 considered complete enough to release as the finished version of its vision. Is Firefall, in its current state, worth playing? Does it offer enough content to keep players engaged? Is it finally delivering on the promise we have glimpsed in its systems?

For the first time since my initial encounter with the game in early 2013, I'd say the answer is yes.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Firefall as it stands

Choose My Adventure: Firefall as it stands originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmaf2pfeaturedfirefallfpsfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmmo-shooteropinionpollpollspremiumpvpreaders-choicered-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shootervotevotingwarWed, 27 Aug 2014 12:00:00 EST