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[Has the free-to-play bubble burst?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/09/has-the-free-to-play-bubble-burst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/09/has-the-free-to-play-bubble-burst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/07/09/has-the-free-to-play-bubble-burst/#commentsFiled under: , ,

CSR Racing
Richard Bartle isn't alone in thinking the free-to-play bubble is soon to burst. Talking at this week's Develop Conference in Brighton, UK, three mobile game designers with an expertise in free-to-play discussed the negative direction that F2P titles are headed and why that may be coming to an end.

"I would rather have 10,000 people who play my game for two years, than a million people who only play for a short time," Matthew Wiggins of mobile studio Jiggery Pokery states. The discussion, as reported by Gamasutra, focused on the unsavory practices of quick in-and-out publishers who were only out to make gobs of cash as quickly as possible.

But one industry vet thinks that the F2P bubble has burst. "I think we're moving away from the aggressive initial monetization," CSR Racing studio boss Jason Avent says. "Those people who love your game are happy to pay for it. It's getting people into that longer game... We need to move away from exploiting a small number of people, and instead work to make lots of people stick around."

MassivelyHas the free-to-play bubble burst? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brightonbubbleburstbusiness-modelscsr-racingdevelop-conferencef2pfree-to-playftpjason-aventWed, 09 Jul 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Breaking a world record with Age of Ascent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/14/the-stream-team-breaking-a-world-record-with-age-of-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/14/the-stream-team-breaking-a-world-record-with-age-of-ascent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/14/the-stream-team-breaking-a-world-record-with-age-of-ascent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Age of Ascent screenshot
If you've ever wanted to be part of gaming history, check out this livestream with Massively's Beau Hindman and members of the Age of Ascent developer team. They'll be attempting to literally break a Guinness World Record for the largest videogame PvP battle, currently standing at 4,075 players! Age of Ascent launched its Kickstarter yesterday and is offering pledge rewards from special in-game ships to dinner with the devs. Join us live at 3 p.m. EDT.

Game: Age of Ascent
Host: Beau Hindman
Date: Friday, March 14th, 2014
Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Breaking a world record with Age of Ascent

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Breaking a world record with Age of Ascent originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-ascentbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedcrowdfundingf2pfree-to-playftpillyriad-gamesjames-niesewandkickstarterlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvsci-fistreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvFri, 14 Mar 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dungeons & Dragons Online video interviews Forgotten Realms creator Ed Greenwood]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/new-dungeons-and-dragons-online-video-interviews-forgotten-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/new-dungeons-and-dragons-online-video-interviews-forgotten-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/26/new-dungeons-and-dragons-online-video-interviews-forgotten-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screencap -- Ed Greenwood DDO interview video
Earlier this month, Turbine announced that it would be partnering with Ed Greenwood, creator of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for the Dungeons and Dragons pen-and-paper game, to bring his classic module Haunted Halls of the Eveningstar into the world of Dungeons and Dragons Online. Today, Turbine released a new video wherein Community Specialist Jerry Snook sits down with Greenwood himself to discuss the process of bringing his beloved tabletop adventure into the digital realm of DDO.

During the interview, Greenwood details the obvious challenges of translating an adventure written for the pen-and-paper game, wherein players have nearly limitless ways of interacting with the world, to its MMORPG incarnation, which is decidedly more limited in its possibilities. Greenwood also speaks a bit about the content that was cut from the original pen-and-paper module, originally written as an entire campaign before being whittled down to a single dungeon, and how the digital remake gave him the opportunity to work in some of that lost material. It's certainly worth a watch, if only to hear a Dungeons and Dragons legend's thoughts on his time in the business and the future of D&D in the digital space.

MassivelyNew Dungeons & Dragons Online video interviews Forgotten Realms creator Ed Greenwood originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragons-onlineed-greenwoodf2pforgotten-realmsfree-2-playfree-to-playftphaunted-halls-of-eveningstarinterviewinterviewsturbinevideovideosWed, 26 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT announces account-wide premium mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/21/rift-announces-account-wide-premium-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/21/rift-announces-account-wide-premium-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/21/rift-announces-account-wide-premium-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
Mount aficionados of Telara have reason to celebrate, as Trion Worlds has announced that RIFT's premium mounts are available account-wide. Now, all of a player's premium mounts will be available to every character on his account, regardless of which character acquired the mount in the first place.

Trion has also announced that all premium mounts will be 25 percent off in the game's shop from today, February 21st, until February 23rd. For the full list of account-wide mounts, plus some notes on other features introduced in the game's latest patch, check out the full post on RIFT's official site.

MassivelyRIFT announces account-wide premium mounts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-2-playfree-to-playftpmountmountspatchpatchespremium-mountpremium-mountsriftrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsupdateupdatesFri, 21 Feb 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wakfu announces plans for crafting revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/17/wakfu-announces-plans-for-crafting-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/17/wakfu-announces-plans-for-crafting-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/17/wakfu-announces-plans-for-crafting-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wakfu crafting system WIP art
Ankama Games' quirky, cel-shaded, turn-based title Wakfu is tearing down its old crafting system and rebuilding it into something totally new. While the dev blog on the topic makes it clear that the final version of the crafting revamp is still subject to many changes, the basic idea behind it is to recreate crafting as a time-based system in which players assign crafting tasks to their (NPC) workers, with each task taking a variable amount of time to complete. Players can continue their adventures as usual while their workers complete a task, so there's no need to park your character and go make a sandwich while he crafts.

Each crafting task occupies a craft slot, with each character beginning their crafting career with a single slot. Players can unlock additional task slots (allowing more crafting tasks to be completed simultaneously) by completing crafting achievements, up to a maximum of nine slots. In addition to this new crafting system, the revamp will also introduce a contract system that will allow buyers to place orders with their crafters of choice, complete with the tools for price negotiation and the ability for buyers to supply the required materials to the crafters. When a contract is completed, the item is delivered directly to the buyer's inventory upon its completion, making for a hassle-free shopping experience. All the finer details on Wakfu's proposed crafting revamp can be found in the full dev blog on the game's official site.

[Thanks to Avaera for the tip!]

MassivelyWakfu announces plans for crafting revamp originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamescraftingcrafting-systemdev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarydeveloper-blogdeveloper-blogsdeveloper-diariesdeveloper-diaryf2pfree-2-playfree-to-playftprevamprevampsturn-basedturn-based-strategywakfuMon, 17 Feb 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mabinogi update introduces Doki Doki Island, Valentine's Day events]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/mabinogi-update-introduces-doki-doki-island-valentines-day-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/mabinogi-update-introduces-doki-doki-island-valentines-day-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/mabinogi-update-introduces-doki-doki-island-valentines-day-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mabinogi -- Doki Doki Island banner
Just in time for Valentine's Day, Nexon America has announced a new update to its free-to-play title Mabinogi that will add the romantic Doki Doki Island to the game. The new area will also introduce the Soulmate system, which makes romance more of a game than it already is. On the island, players can "create a profile" by talking to the Matchmaker, who will then match them with their "soulmate." Side-by-side, players and their soulmates can "explore charming landmarks such as the Harmony Torch in the town square and participate in events to accumulate Romantic Points." When enough Romantic Points have been earned, soulmates gain the ability to fly, presumably through the power of love or something equally inspirational.

Aside from hanging out with their hopefully-not-axe-murderer soulmates, players can also take part in a variety of new minigames and daily quests centered around Doki Doki Island or scour the beaches for cat's eye gems that can be exchanged for items such as an exclusive armor set. To top it all off, beginning on February 26th players will be able to celebrate their newfound powers of flight by taking part in the Seize the Skies event, which will allow players to test their aeronautical prowess against one another in competitions for prizes and bragging rights. If this romantic getaway sounds up your alley, you can join the fun over at Mabinogi's official site.

[Source: Nexon America press release]

MassivelyMabinogi update introduces Doki Doki Island, Valentine's Day events originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Feb 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doki-doki-islandeventeventsf2pfree-2-playfree-to-playftpin-game-eventin-game-eventsmabinoginexonnexon-americapatchpatchesupdateupdatesvalentinevalentines-dayThu, 13 Feb 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes of the Storm client screenshots and character list leaked]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/heroes-of-the-storm-client-screenshots-and-character-list-leaked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/heroes-of-the-storm-client-screenshots-and-character-list-leaked/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/13/heroes-of-the-storm-client-screenshots-and-character-list-leaked/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Heroes of the Storm
Blizzard's upcoming universe mash-up MOBA, Heroes of the Storm, has sprung a bit of a leak as screenshots of the game client's login screen and option menus have hit the internet along with a list of the game's playable characters. Massively's sister site WoW Insider reports that many of the playable heroes on the list have been public knowledge for some time now, but there are still a few new contenders, including Warcraft's Muradin Bronzebeard and Zeratul, Tychus, and Sgt. Hammer of Starcraft fame.

And while the leaked screenshots aren't particularly interesting since they only display your standard array of PC game options, WoW Insider notes that the more exciting implication behind the screenshots is that the game's beta may be coming soon, though it's worth noting that the screenshots are watermarked as alpha. We'll just have to wait and see about that, but if you need a quick Heroes of the Storm fix, you can check out the full character list, complete with stats and descriptions, at the link below.

MassivelyHeroes of the Storm client screenshots and character list leaked originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentf2pfree-2-playfree-to-playftpheroes-of-the-stormhotsleakleaksmobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenaThu, 13 Feb 2014 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Braving Inferno Legend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/the-stream-team-inferno-legend-with-beau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/the-stream-team-inferno-legend-with-beau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/10/the-stream-team-inferno-legend-with-beau/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Inferno Legend screenshot
Inferno Legend is a new title from ChangYou, the former publisher of Zentia and many other current games. Will this game have the same magic that Zentia did? Beau's about to find out. Join him in the chat room to ask about the game!

Game: Inferno Legend
Host: Beau Hindman
Date: Monday, February 10th, 2014
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Stream Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Braving Inferno Legend

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Braving Inferno Legend originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Feb 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserChangyouf2pfree-to-playftpinferno-legendlivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 10 Feb 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Neverwinter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/why-i-play-neverwinter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/why-i-play-neverwinter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/why-i-play-neverwinter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter screenshot
I have to say that for all of my yapping about needing to play MMOs that allow me to freely roam and to explore a virtual world and live a virtual life, I sure am a fan of linear themeparks. Who isn't? In fact, show me someone who now claims to be the enemy of all things themed, and I'll show you someone who at some point enjoyed the benefits of a good themepark, most likely World of Warcraft. I'm not sure why there's any shame in admitting that one enjoys a good romp through a virtual storybook, but I sure do. In fact, I often depend on it in order to get me over lazy sandbox slumps.

Neverwinter is one of my favorite themeparks out there. There are quite a few reasons it works so well, many of them obvious. I'd like also to point out some of the reasons Neverwinter might work so well for certain types of players.

Continue reading Why I Play: Neverwinter

MassivelyWhy I Play: Neverwinter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmaneditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgraphicsmassively-metametaneverwinternostalgiaop-edopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentvideowhy-i-playWed, 05 Feb 2014 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT announces Dream Weaver patch date, introduces new Budgie mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/rift-announces-dream-weaver-patch-date-introduces-new-budgie-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/rift-announces-dream-weaver-patch-date-introduces-new-budgie-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/05/rift-announces-dream-weaver-patch-date-introduces-new-budgie-mo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
Telarans anxiously awaiting the next RIFT update won't have to wait much longer because Trion Worlds has announced that patch 2.6, Dream Weaver, will go live on February 12th. The update brings with it a slew of new features, perhaps the most notable of which is an entirely new crafting class: the titular Dream Weaver. The Dream Weaver tradeskill allows players to craft keys for 15 new dimensions and create a number of lighting and particle effects that can be used to add a little pizzaz to your dimension. The update will also kick off a new Air Saga storyline that takes players back in time to relive the story of Crucia, the dragon goddess of air, and will see the addition of the new bounty system, new combat pet skins, and unstable artifact sets.

But if you just can't wait one week to get your RIFT fix, perhaps you could pass the time trying to acquire an adorable new mount, the Frosty Budgie. Until February 11th, players can compete in daily Budgie races in Silverwood (for Guardians), Freemarch (for Defiant), Pelladane, and Cape Jule. Completing all three races will earn an achievement and a Budgie Trove, which has a chance to contain the rare Frosty Budgie. Players can also complete new daily quests in the aforementioned zones to earn bird seed, which can be used to purchase the new Ashen Budgie mount. For players who absolutely must have these new mounts can purchase additional bird seed and Budgie Troves via the in-game cash shop.

MassivelyRIFT announces Dream Weaver patch date, introduces new Budgie mounts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashen-budgiecruciadream-weaverf2pfree-2-playfree-to-playfrosty-budgieftppatchpatch-2.6patchesriftrift-literift-planes-of-telaraupdateupdatesWed, 05 Feb 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Thoughts on SOE's mass MMO sunset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/free-for-all-thoughts-on-soes-mass-mmo-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/free-for-all-thoughts-on-soes-mass-mmo-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/29/free-for-all-thoughts-on-soes-mass-mmo-sunset/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
Sony Online Entertainment recently announced the upcoming closure of not one or two but four of its titles. Those titles are Free Realms, Clone Wars Adventures, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, and Wizardry Online. The announcement hit most of us pretty hard, even those who weren't active or interested players. Four titles just feels much more like a move of desperation than one or even two games. And for players like yours truly, MMOs like Free Realms and especially Vanguard hold a very special place in our hearts.

Having said that, I will never wager solely on perception. It's my guess that SOE does indeed know what it is doing and that some of this is due to licensing issues, new games from similar developers, or an attempt to streamline an already fat lineup in order to get ready for one or two massive new titles. In other words, there is no conspiracy. It's most likely that this decision was due to boring old business.

I decided to break down what each game meant to me in the hopes that the confessional will get me ready for the upcoming sunsets. Here's to hoping.

Continue reading Free for All: Thoughts on SOE's mass MMO sunset

MassivelyFree for All: Thoughts on SOE's mass MMO sunset originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanClone-Wars-Adventuresclosingsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumftpjohn-smedleyopinionSOESony-Online-EntertainmentvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewizardry-onlineWed, 29 Jan 2014 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Alganon's new expansion with Beau and the devs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/27/the-stream-team-alganons-new-expansion-with-beau-and-the-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/27/the-stream-team-alganons-new-expansion-with-beau-and-the-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/27/the-stream-team-alganons-new-expansion-with-beau-and-the-devs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Alganon screenshot
Join Beau Hindman and members of the Alganon team as they explore some of the features of the brand-new and long-awaited expansion. Come ask questions, or if you've never seen it before, check out the gameplay during our livestream!

Game: Alganon
Host: Beau Hindman
Date: Monday, January 27th, 2014
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Alganon's new expansion with Beau and the devs

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Alganon's new expansion with Beau and the devs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonbeau-hindmanderek-smartexpansionf2pfree-to-playftplivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 27 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My three favorite MMOFPS games have a shoot-out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/free-for-all-my-three-favorite-mmofps-games-have-a-shoot-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/free-for-all-my-three-favorite-mmofps-games-have-a-shoot-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/22/free-for-all-my-three-favorite-mmofps-games-have-a-shoot-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MMOFPS screenshots
I love a good MMOFPS or MMOTPS. A good one. Currently, I have three favorites: PlanetSide 2, Defiance, and Firefall. I have enjoyed other shooters in the past, games like Mechwarrior Online and APB: Reloaded and even a handful of standalone titles. There's something in a shooter that satisfies on a primitive level, some sort of textural quality that when done right can generate a good gaming session of zoned-out, open-mouthed pleasure. There's something even cooler about a multiplayer version of the same genre. I don't mind killing baddies alone, but blasting the face off of a monster is a lot more fun with dozens of other players around.

As you can see, I have a problem. Let's forget the fact that I play way too many MMOs as it is because between these three games I can easily kill a weekend and leave no room for games that I need to write about. That means I need to pick a favorite. Let this be a shootout to determine which MMOFPS will be my home. My awesome, loud, deadly home.

I've nominated three categories and will pick a winner for each. May the best shooter win!

Continue reading Free for All: My three favorite MMOFPS games have a shoot-out

MassivelyFree for All: My three favorite MMOFPS games have a shoot-out originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandefiancef2pfeaturedffafirefallfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpopinionplanetside-2red-5-studiosSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmenttriontrion-worldsvelvet-ropeWed, 22 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First impressions of Archeblade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/20/first-impressions-of-archeblade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/20/first-impressions-of-archeblade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/20/first-impressions-of-archeblade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Archeblade screenshot
Archeblade is a new action-based, arena-based, multiplayer game by Codebrush games. I've been told that fans who enjoy fighting games like Street Fighter or MOBAs should enjoy this title. Even though I'm not a huge fan of these genres, I enjoyed the game more than I thought I would, but what it offers is not that surprising or unique.

Players will find mostly standard gameplay in Archeblade. There are a dozen or more characters to choose from, each one offering a unique way to play inside the sometimes claustrophobic maps. Each character has a basic attack on his left mouse button and special attack on his right and will build up rage as he fights and take damage. Once the rage meter fills up, a special attack can be released; the special attacks range from valuable heals to damage buffs. And as is often the case in MOBA-styled games, the large number of character types does not stop the usual character roles from being featured. Players can choose to melee, assassinate, or kill from a range.

Continue reading First impressions of Archeblade

MassivelyFirst impressions of Archeblade originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-basedaction-based-combatarchebladebeau-hindmancash-shopcodebrushcodebrush-gamesf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphands-onMOBAstreet-fighterMon, 20 Jan 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Wracking our brains in Brain Storm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/06/the-stream-team-wracking-our-brains-in-brain-storm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/06/the-stream-team-wracking-our-brains-in-brain-storm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/06/the-stream-team-wracking-our-brains-in-brain-storm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brain Storm screenshot
Join us as we explore Brain Storm, an interesting quiz-based, browser-based MMORTS. Yes, it's a real thing and so far looks pretty cool, so join Massively's Beau Hindman in the chat room and ask your curious questions!

Game: Brain Storm
Host: Beau
Date: Monday, January 6th, 2013
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Wracking our brains in Brain Storm

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Wracking our brains in Brain Storm originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrain-stormbrowserf2pfree-to-playftpgenialivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvpuzzlequizquiz-showstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 06 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot traps you for hours of fun]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/29/the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-traps-you-for-hours-of-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/29/the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-traps-you-for-hours-of-fun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/29/the-mighty-quest-for-epic-loot-traps-you-for-hours-of-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot screenshot
It might sound like a bad thing, but my favorite part of playing Ubisoft's The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot is logging into the game. I just love it when I get past the loading screen that warns "closed beta" to see who has attacked my castle and how the attackers fared during the attempt. Usually they have just blown past my defenses and humiliated me, but thanks to a wonderful replay feature, I can see exactly where my castle is at its weakest and can adjust accordingly.

Every player in the game gets a castle like mine. They're all floating in the sky, chock-full of riches that are up for grabs as long as the attacking player can get past the castle's defenses. The gameplay is nothing really new. We have been playing castle defense or action-based puzzlers for a long time, but The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot delivers everything in such a polished, unique-looking package that it gets props for being unique.

There's much more to the game, but you'll have to get past my glue traps to read the details!

Continue reading The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot traps you for hours of fun

MassivelyThe Mighty Quest for Epic Loot traps you for hours of fun originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Dec 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerbeau-hindmandungeon-grinderdungeonsf2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playftpknightlootmagemmortsthe-mighty-quest-for-epic-loottower-defenseUbisoftSun, 29 Dec 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Checking into Aura Kingdom with Beau and the devs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/the-stream-team-checking-into-aura-kingdom-with-beau-and-the-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/the-stream-team-checking-into-aura-kingdom-with-beau-and-the-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/17/the-stream-team-checking-into-aura-kingdom-with-beau-and-the-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Aura Kingdom screenshot
Join Beau and members of the Aura Kingdom developer team as they show off this brand new Anime-inspired MMORPG. If you want to get an early look at the game or feel like asking the developers some questions, come check it out!

Game: Aura Kingdom
Host: Beau
Date: Tuesday, December 17th, 2013
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Checking into Aura Kingdom with Beau and the devs

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Checking into Aura Kingdom with Beau and the devs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesAura-Kingdombeau-hindmanf2pfree-to-playftplivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvTue, 17 Dec 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Two weeks on a private Infestation server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/free-for-all-two-weeks-on-a-private-infestation-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/free-for-all-two-weeks-on-a-private-infestation-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/free-for-all-two-weeks-on-a-private-infestation-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Infestation screenshot
I remember when I first laid eyes on Infestation: Survivor Stories. It was GDC Online in 2012, and I did an interview with Alex Josef, Hammperpoint's PR consultant We made a quick trip to the press room, where he popped out a large gaming laptop to show me the game. I was really impressed with how simple its premise was: You're dropped in the middle of the wilderness, there are zombies all around, and you can starve to death. It felt great, as well, sporting realistic lighting effects and systems to simulate hunger, thirst, and sound.

So much has happened since that first meeting. I am very, very aware of all of the drama concerning the developers -- the name changes, the patches, the community issues, and so on. I am not writing this to discuss that part of the story. My specific goal over the last couple of weeks was to see whether playing on a private, paid-for server would give me a different experience than Massively's Mike Foster's. During his time with the game at launch he was, to put it mildly, miserable.

Continue reading Free for All: Two weeks on a private Infestation server

MassivelyFree for All: Two weeks on a private Infestation server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex-josefbeau-hindmandevils-advocatef2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftphammerpointhammerpoint-interactiveinfestationinfestation-survivor-storiesopinionpost-apocalypticthe-war-ztwitchvelvet-ropewar-zzombiezombiesWed, 11 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First impressions of Heroes of the Obelisk]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/10/first-impressions-of-heroes-of-the-obelisk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/10/first-impressions-of-heroes-of-the-obelisk/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/10/first-impressions-of-heroes-of-the-obelisk/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Heroes of the Obelisk screenshot
Heroes of the Obelisk might look familiar, probably because its developers are the same folks who brought us Luna Online and Legend of Edda. I really enjoy its art style, one that puts us in control of Chibi-style, juvenile characters. The backgrounds are pretty, and there are some nice modern bells and whistles like distance blur and glow effects. As is normally the case with an Anime-based game that comes to us from the East, the game looks like a carbon copy of other titles, at least at first glance. The details make all of the difference, however, and there are a few things in this title that manage to just barely keep it out of "clone" territory.

I do take issue with the fact that the developers refer to it as a hack-and-slash title, though. Heroes of the Obelisk is not what you think of when you think of action combat. Games like Vindictus, Neverwinter, and Dungeons and Dragons Online are action-based gaming. Heroes of the Obelisk is standard, class-based, hotbar-mashing combat.

Continue reading First impressions of Heroes of the Obelisk

MassivelyFirst impressions of Heroes of the Obelisk originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animechibiclass-basedclick-to-moveddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphands-onheroes-of-the-obeliskhotolegend-of-eddaluna-onlineneverwinterpreviewpreviewsvindictusTue, 10 Dec 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Stream Team: Browsing Eldevin with Beau]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/the-stream-team-browsing-eldevin-with-beau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/the-stream-team-browsing-eldevin-with-beau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/the-stream-team-browsing-eldevin-with-beau/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Eldevin screenshot
Do you like new browser games with an isometric view? If you're not sure, you should join Massively's Beau Hindman as he streams Eldevin, a newly launched MMO by Hunted Cow studios! Join us live at 4:00 p.m.

Game: Eldevin
Host: Beau
Date: Monday, December 9th, 2013
Time: 4:00 p.m. EST

Enjoy our Steam Team video below.

Continue reading The Stream Team: Browsing Eldevin with Beau

MassivelyThe Stream Team: Browsing Eldevin with Beau originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedeldevinf2pfree-to-playftplivestreamlivestreaminglivestreamsmassively-metamassively-tvmv-tvmvtvstreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamthe-stream-teamtwitchtwitch-tvMon, 09 Dec 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide vs. PlanetSide 2: The key differences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/05/planetside-vs-planetside-2-the-key-differences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/05/planetside-vs-planetside-2-the-key-differences/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/05/planetside-vs-planetside-2-the-key-differences/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide screenshot
If you're a PlanetSide player who has been around since the beginning, I don't need to explain the differences between the original and its follow-up, PlanetSide 2. But if you're an old-school player who has never touched the second version, a new-school player who's never played the original, or a player who's brand-new to the universe completely, then this article about the PlanetSide duo and what sets the two games apart is for you.

The first and most important difference is each game's population. I am not exaggerating when I say that the original PlanetSide is today merely a shell of its former self. I tried on several occasions to find a fight to join and was only once able to locate a tiny battle in one small corner of the world. That's something to keep in mind if you give the elder game a deeper look.

Continue reading PlanetSide vs. PlanetSide 2: The key differences

MassivelyPlanetSide vs. PlanetSide 2: The key differences originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanclassic-mmof2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playftpmargaret-krohnmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2sandboxsci-fishooterSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmentsubscriptionThu, 05 Dec 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven zombie-infested MMOs for the survivalist in you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/seven-zombie-infested-mmos-for-the-survivalist-in-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/seven-zombie-infested-mmos-for-the-survivalist-in-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/seven-zombie-infested-mmos-for-the-survivalist-in-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Infestation Survivor Stories screenshot
Let's talk zombies and post-apocalyptic futures. Sure, the undead have become an overused and watered-down genre, but it's easy to see just why it's so successful -- it practically has something for everyone. The horror fans love it for obvious reasons; there's nothing scarier than the reanimated dead. Sandbox fans and survivalist maniacs love that it represents what happens to society when everything -- and I mean everything -- breaks down. MMO fans adore it because it's all about teamwork and developing a society from the ground up alongside other people. So even though the genre is getting spread a bit thin, it's still as promising as any other.

I thought it'd be a good idea to round up many of the current zombie MMOs and pseudo-MMOs so that over the holidays you can celebrate by ignoring your family to bash in a few previously deceased skulls. You can thank me later when all of the training you receive while playing these games helps you survive the coming zombie apocalypse.

Continue reading Seven zombie-infested MMOs for the survivalist in you

MassivelySeven zombie-infested MMOs for the survivalist in you originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arma-2arma-iidayzdead-frontierdie2nitefeaturedfree-2-playfree-to-playftpgarrys-modgrand-theft-autoinfestation-survivor-storiespost-apocalypticruststate-of-decaySTEAMSurvival-Horrorthe-war-zundead-labswar-zzombiezombie-pandemiczombiesWed, 27 Nov 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why MMOs are still the greatest value in gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/free-for-all-why-mmos-are-still-the-greatest-value-in-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/free-for-all-why-mmos-are-still-the-greatest-value-in-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/06/free-for-all-why-mmos-are-still-the-greatest-value-in-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard Saga of Heroes screenshot
If you are the type of gamer who has access to a number of ways to game, then you probably do not need me to remind you that the hobby can be an expensive one. Consoles are becoming slicker, and the games they run are sure to go up in price, maybe someday soon close to $100 for a single game. A good gaming PC can still be an expensive thing to build and maintain especially as newer and better graphics cards and processors are introduced at a higher rate than we've ever seen before.

Luckily, we have outlets like Steam that offer staggering sales and indie titles that can be bought for close to nothing. There's also the mobile market with its tens of thousands of games that can be played essentially for free. So while the prices at the highest end of technology go up, there are still plenty of places to get a cheap yet fulfilling gaming fix.

Even with all of the deals out there, however, there is no better value than a modern MMO.

Continue reading Free for All: Why MMOs are still the greatest value in gaming

MassivelyFree for All: Why MMOs are still the greatest value in gaming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Nov 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBlizzard-Entertainmentcash-shopeditorialf2pfeaturedfreefree-for-allfree-to-playftpGuild-Wars-2mmo-genremmorpgopinionrappelzsecond-lifethe-secret-worldWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 06 Nov 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan screenshot
I remember playing Age of Conan when it first came out; it seems like an eternity ago. So many titles have been released and failed since then that it's easy to get it all mixed up, and it doesn't help when many of those titles are sub-par or just plain boring and forgettable. Age of Conan sort of messed with my head with its insistent instancing and odd combat mechanics. I just couldn't wrap my head around what the game was trying to do.

Is it a hardcore PvP-centric MMO? Many would say so. Is it a grand, single-player adventure? In some ways. Is it an immersive romp through the long-lived lore of Conan the Barbarian? I guess so. It's a bit of all of these but does none of them perfectly. I decided to jump back into the game because the last time I played it was when it switched over to its odd freemium model that is all-too-common in Western MMOs these days.

Continue reading Second Wind: Age of Conan

MassivelySecond Wind: Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbeau-hindmanconanf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpfuncomhyboriapost-launchre-reviewreviewroundtablesecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windtranscriptunchainedupdated-impressionsFri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE 'harasses' players with a massive PlanetSide 2 patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/soe-harasses-players-with-a-massive-planetside-2-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/soe-harasses-players-with-a-massive-planetside-2-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/soe-harasses-players-with-a-massive-planetside-2-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 Harasser screenshot
If SOE was going for the Award for Largest Patch Notes in Recent Memory, it just might have achieved it with its recent update to PlanetSide 2. Just for the sake of journalismistic investigationism, we did a rough count and discovered over 3600 words in the official post. And it's not just a patch about a few bugs and bits of tweaking; there's a new vehicle in town called the Harasser. According to its description, the Harasser is a "speedy armored assault buggy that plays a dual role as both a transport and strike vehicle." It also carries three units: the passenger (who can be a MAX unit), a driver, and a gunner. We imagine it running up, guns blazin', dropping a heavy and tearing away to pick up another. Brilliant!

Among the changes is a tweak to certifications for the Lightning, the best small tank in the world of PlanetSide 2. But we might be a tad biased. Check out the game for free on the official site.

MassivelySOE 'harasses' players with a massive PlanetSide 2 patch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfpsfree-to-playftpmargaret-krohnmmo-shootermmofpspatchesplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishooterSOEsonySony-Online-Entertainmentthe-harasserThu, 02 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

APB reloaded screenshot
I could make this a very short piece by saying that APB: Reloaded is simply as fun now as it has ever been. The game is a blast in more ways than one. Heck, I could close it right now by telling you that not only was my return to the game well worth the effort but also that it also served to slap me on the side of the head to say, "Hey, dummy, remember how fun it is to run over people?" I'd rather give you more details, though, especially for those of you who might not have played the game or haven't played it in a long time.

APB: Reloaded is essentially a lobby-based shooter. The lobby -- or social district, as it is called -- and the instanced battle arenas are massive places. While I livestreamed the game last week (you can watch the embedded video after the cut), someone accurately commented that watching it was like watching "GTA Online." I agree, but it's also so much more than that. Join me past the cut and I promise not to run you over.

(EDIT: I was able to order an APB: Reloaded box from Newegg.com for $7.99 USD which contains "over $50 value" like a permanent Magnum gun, a Cisco car, 500 G1 credits and 30 days of premium. I paid no shipping fees at all and received it within three days of ordering, but after this article went live.)

Continue reading Second Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded

MassivelySecond Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimbotsall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedbeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgamersfirsthackersmmofpspost-launchre-reviewsecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windupdated-impressionsFri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Shadow of Fear screenshot
EverQuest's Shadow of Fear just launched; it's the update and second part to the Rain of Fear expansion that released in November. Yes, you read that right: This is the old-school MMO's 19th expansion. If that's not impressive enough for, the list of content that comes with the patch should hold over vets for a long time. If you're level 100, you'll be able to enjoy new zones and content and brand-new mechanics.

The essence of fear is literally raining down in the form of crystalline shards. While players fight to restore balance, an ancient city has been resurrected with no explanation. Mysteries? New content? New spells, items, missions, raids quests, and storylines to discover? Yeah, we wanted in on that. We hung out with producer Thom Terrazas, lead designer Jonathan Caraker, assistant lead designer Julie Burness, and assistant lead game designer and Douglas Cronkhite for a video tour of the new update. Read on to hear what we thought and catch the brand-new trailer too.

Gallery: EverQuest Shadow of Fear expansion screenshots

Continue reading EverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin

MassivelyEverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Douglas-Cronkhiteeqeq1everquestexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryJonathan-Carakerlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesluclinpreviewpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsshadow-of-fearSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmenttrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Villagers and Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Villagers and Heroes screenshots
Villagers and Heroes, formerly called A Mystical Land, surprised me. I had gone several weeks if not a few months without logging in to the game for longer than a half an hour, so you can imagine my surprise when I realized that the game not only had been improved but had added systems that I thought it never would. In other words, the game was suddenly a world, a fully realized browser-based MMORPG. Despite my feeling that the game was going to languish in state of semi-completion, suddenly it had housing, more crafting, a better UI, and a fully stocked cash shop.

I've streamed the game before, but now I find myself logging in a lot more than ever. And now, after hosting a livestream with associate designer Cameron England (embedded after the cut), I'm really having fun with the game and have noticed that it offers a lot more than games that are much more well-known.

This is why I play Villagers and Heroes.

Continue reading Why I Play: Villagers and Heroes

MassivelyWhy I Play: Villagers and Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedcameron-englandcraftingeditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphousinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromad-otter-gamesmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionSandboxvillagers-and-heroeswhy-i-playFri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asian-themed browser-based MMO Yitien hits open beta tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/asian-themed-browser-based-mmo-yitien-hits-open-beta-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/asian-themed-browser-based-mmo-yitien-hits-open-beta-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/asian-themed-browser-based-mmo-yitien-hits-open-beta-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yitien
Sometimes, one has a particular sort of gaming itch in need of scratching. If your recent itch happens to have been a Chinese-themed high fantasy browser-based game, you are so, so lucky. Yitien, a new title from R2Games, happens to fill that niche ever so nicely, and it's launching into open beta on April 9th.

Yitien is about mastering two legendary weapons, going on quests, slaughterfying other players, mastering the subtleties of Yeti disguises, and minigames. The game already boasts a marriage system, which "provides awesome stat bonuses." So there's... there's that.

[Source: R2Games press release]

MassivelyAsian-themed browser-based MMO Yitien hits open beta tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmochinachinese-mmof2pfree-to-playftpisometricminigamesopen-betar2gamesreality-squared-gamesyitienMon, 08 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese browser MMO Yitien launches alpha on March 29th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/chinese-browser-mmo-yitien-launches-alpha-on-march-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/chinese-browser-mmo-yitien-launches-alpha-on-march-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/chinese-browser-mmo-yitien-launches-alpha-on-march-29th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Yitien alpha artwork
R2Games will be bringing Yitien, a Chinese-themed MMORPG, to browsers starting on March 29th. The developers promise a variety of play, from turn-based battles and multi-player arenas to PvP events and a version of the ever-familiar rock, paper, scissors. In one event, players can sign up at a certain time and enter a zone that transforms every player into a yeti. There will be no way to distinguish players from NPC yetis, but points and treasure are earned as NPCs are defeated and player attacks are successfully repelled. Attacking other players, however, will award you no points.

Players will also participate in a simple board game, rolling dice and moving a number of spaces. The first player to reach a certain location on the board wins the game. Players landing on the same square will battle, while players who run into mysterious warriors will have to fight using rock, paper, scissors for the chance to win lucrative trinkets.

Already available in China, Yitien has accrued 20 million total registered players with an average of 500,000 users logged on at one time. (How many bots are involved with those numbers, we'll never know.) You can sign up now on the official site.

[Source: R2Games press release]

Gallery: Yitien screenshots

MassivelyChinese browser MMO Yitien launches alpha on March 29th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabeta-testbeta-testingboardgamesbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmochinachinese-mmof2pfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryisometricminigamesr2gamesscreenshotscreenshotstestingyitienThu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Taking my turn in Ecol Tactics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/free-for-all-taking-my-turn-in-ecol-tactics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/free-for-all-taking-my-turn-in-ecol-tactics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/free-for-all-taking-my-turn-in-ecol-tactics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ecol Tactics screenshot
Last weekend, I spent some time with Ecol Tactics, a new turn-based MMO brought to us by Games Campus. It features a lot of the same mechanics we have seen before, similar art design to other titles, and a browser-based, Flash-based accessibility that is always welcome. Sure, I was able to enjoy it for only several hours, but during that time, I noted just why Anime and turn-based combat is still successful and why Ecol Tactics is wise to take such a successful genre and launch a new title within it.

Anime is easy to digest. The characters on the screen feel chunky but agile. There's something instantly likeable about the characters in Ecol Tactics. They are detailed like an army of miniature soldiers. Wisely, the developers show you some high-level spells and combat before you even get out of the newbie area. I have to admit that I looked forward to the day I would be able to lay waste to a half-dozen monsters with a single swipe of my weapon.

Gallery: Ecol Tactics online beta gameplay

Continue reading Free for All: Taking my turn in Ecol Tactics

MassivelyFree for All: Taking my turn in Ecol Tactics originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedecol-tacticsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpgameplay-trailergames-campusguild-warsinstancedinstancingopinionSquare-Enixvelvet-ropevideowakfuWed, 23 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's Section X is not a steaming pile of poodoo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-s-section-x-is-not-a-steaming-pile-of-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-s-section-x-is-not-a-steaming-pile-of-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/hyperspace-beacon-swtor-s-section-x-is-not-a-steaming-pile-of-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon SWTOR's Section X is not a steaming pile of poodoo
Although one of the quests in the new daily area of Star Wars: The Old Republic requires you to sift through fecal matter to find a DNA sample, that doesn't mean that quests actually stink. In fact, I believe it's just the opposite. The new quest additions to SWTOR allowed me to overlook some of the issues in the free-to-play model that I mentioned last week.

Subscribers can access the new Section X area for free, and free or preferred accounts can access it for 600 Cartel Coins. The Republic previously abandoned exploration of this area of Belsavis until recent intelligence placed minions of the Dread Master in the area. That, along with the recent discovery of the transport ship known as The Fatality, has piqued both the Republic's and Empire's interest in the area.

Players have two major tasks in the area: The long awaited HK-51 companion quests start here, and a new set of level 50 daily quest are found here. Let's take a moment to examine those two major aspects of Update 1.5.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's Section X is not a steaming pile of poodoo

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's Section X is not a steaming pile of poodoo originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphk-51HK-51-companionhyperspace-beaconimpressionslucasartsopinionsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-1.5Tue, 27 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yo ho ho: Happy 10th birthday, Puzzle Pirates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/yo-ho-ho-happy-10th-birthday-puzzle-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/yo-ho-ho-happy-10th-birthday-puzzle-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/yo-ho-ho-happy-10th-birthday-puzzle-pirates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Puzzle Pirates artwork
Puzzle Pirates is still way ahead of its time, despite the fact that it just turned 10 years old. For many years, MMOs have tried to get players to work together in real time in myriad ways, yet Puzzle Pirates is the only one that has approached the problem exactly in this way: having each player work a different puzzle to represent different activities. One player controls the direction and speed a ship travels, two players work a "bilging" puzzle to help keep water from filling in, perhaps a few more players man the sails, and another plays a puzzle that represents keeping the ship repaired.

What you end up with is a pretty realistic depiction of a team working together to sail the high seas, fight NPCs, and attack other players. This same puzzle-based gameplay works its way throughout the entire game, making for a very unique and in-depth experience. It also ensures that players become experts at certain puzzles, something that easily represents the way a real-life sailor would become an expert at his or her station.

In a word, it's brilliant. Massively checked in with CEO Daniel James on the occasion of the game's birthday. Read on for the scoop!

Continue reading Yo ho ho: Happy 10th birthday, Puzzle Pirates

MassivelyYo ho ho: Happy 10th birthday, Puzzle Pirates originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanbirthdaydaniel-jamesf2pfree-to-playftpinterviewinterviewspuzzlepuzzle-piratespuzzlesSandboxsandbox-mmothree-ringsthree-rings-designtrailersUltima-OnlinevideovideosWed, 24 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic launches the Cartel Market on the PTS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-cartel-market-on-the-pt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-cartel-market-on-the-pt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/star-wars-the-old-republic-launches-the-cartel-market-on-the-pt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Wars The Old Republic launches the Cartel Market on the PTS
Since the free-to-play announcement, Star Wars: The Old Republic fans have been asking what exactly will be offered in SWTOR's microtransaction cash shop. Fans on the public test server now have the chance to find out. This morning, BioWare shut down the PTS for a few hours and brought it back online with a fully installed Cartel Market.

To test out its new market, BioWare set all PTS players to F2P status so the team can fully assess the F2P options. But does that mean that players have to spend real money to test out F2P? No; according the patch notes, "all PTS testers will be periodically granted a small amount of Cartel Coins for the purpose of testing the Cartel Market."

Earlier today, the Hyperspace Beacon talked about the impact of F2P on SWTOR. Log on to the PTS, test out the Cartel Market, then let us know what you think in the comments. How does it stack up to other cash shops? Is this enough to change the course of the game?

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic launches the Cartel Market on the PTS originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecartel-coinscartel-marketcash-shopeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playftplucasartsmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsptspublic-test-serversci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 23 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Will free-to-play save SWTOR?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/hyperspace-beacon-will-free-to-play-save-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/hyperspace-beacon-will-free-to-play-save-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/hyperspace-beacon-will-free-to-play-save-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon Will freetoplay save SWTOR
Last week, I discussed the reasons I still play a game that literally a million people have quit playing. I believe a huge part of that discussion stemmed from my expectations of the game. I truly believe that many people expected Star Wars: The Old Republic to be the answer to all MMO problems and Wookiees. Of course, no game could ever live up to that dream. I attempted to curb some of those expectations in a few of my articles, but some community desires were just beyond the scope of BioWare's plans for SWTOR. This led to disappointment and a lot of unreal prospects for the game.

On that note, I'd like to take a look at the free-to-play plans for our Star Wars MMO. Many players hope that F2P will finally launch SWTOR in the right direction. Others believe that if SWTOR had launched F2P, we wouldn't have seen the mass exodus that we saw in March. (Of course, there are also those who claim that F2P is just the next step toward fail and that the game will shut down in less than a year.)

Personally, I'm a fan, so I'm hopeful. However, I take that hope with the realization that this could definitely be the beginning of the end for SWTOR. Ultimately, the potential for success hinges on the disparity between what the players want and what BioWare delivers. Will F2P save SWTOR?

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Will free-to-play save SWTOR?

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Will free-to-play save SWTOR? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-la-cartebiowareeaEd-Parkelectronic-artsendgamef2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphyperspace-beaconjames-ohlenlucasartsopinionPvEPvProleplayroleplayersroleplayingsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorwarzonesTue, 23 Oct 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: WarMage Battlegrounds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/first-impressions-warmage-battlegrounds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/first-impressions-warmage-battlegrounds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/first-impressions-warmage-battlegrounds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

WarMage Battlegrounds screenshot
WarMage Battlegrounds, by developer Burst Online Entertainment, is as simple game that pops up in a window and requires no large downloads. At first, everything about the game is simple, from the character creation to the layout of the map. However, after spending some time in the game tweaking my army loadout, and worrying about how to get my WarMage's mana pool to refill faster, I have to say that there is quite a bit of in-depth strategy packed into this unassuming indie title.

You play a WarMage, a caster-type who has been set into the world to defend and conquer other WarMages. Your weapons consist of a small army, creatures, and a hotbar filled with scrolls, artifacts, and spells, and you battle it out with other players and NPCs on sometimes large (but always manageable) maps. If you have played Pox Nora, a turn-based title from Sony Online Entertainment, then you will be familiar with WarMage Battlegrounds. But WarMage Battlegrounds does some things that are well ahead of Pox Nora, things that take strategy gaming to newer heights.

Continue reading First Impressions: WarMage Battlegrounds

MassivelyFirst Impressions: WarMage Battlegrounds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanburst-online-entertainmentcash-shopf2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsflashflash-basedfree-to-playfreemiumftphands-onmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsminiaturespremiumpreviewpreviewsstrategytabletopTurn-basedwarmagewarmage-battlegroundsThu, 18 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of September 22nd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On MV TV banner
It's that time of the week again, people! Time for those unlucky few who missed our livestreams as they went live to click beyond the cut and enjoy my favorites of the week. It's hard picking them out, so I reach out to the team and ask which ones deserve to be highlighted. Honestly, all of the livestreams deserve the spotlight, but it should be no surprise to find out that individual streamers find their own streams to be the best of the best. I tend to agree, and every week I am surprised at just how no-nonsense and informative our streams are. Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule calender so that each week you can tune in to your favorite. Feel free to suggest titles for streaming and to chat it up with our streamers live as they play!

This week we have MJ returning with her favorite games like EverQuest II, Aion, The Secret World, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, and Guild Wars 2. Richie joins in with his current favorite, Guild Wars 2, and I round things off with an hour spent with the Ultima Online developer team, a goblinball session with community leaders in Allods Online, and a tutorial on building a house in Wurm Online! Trust me, if there is one goblin-kicking, dev-interviewing, house-building livestream series that you should watch, it's this one!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of September 22nd

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of September 22nd originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallods-onlineanetArena-Netarenanetcash-shopea-mythicEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfaeranfeaturedfree-to-playftpgoblinballGuild-Wars-2housinglivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvMythic-Entertainmentncsoftround-uproundupSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvUltima-Onlinevideovideoswurm-onlineSun, 30 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Six reasons to return for SWTOR update 1.4]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/hyperspace-beacon-six-reasons-to-return-for-swtor-update-1-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/hyperspace-beacon-six-reasons-to-return-for-swtor-update-1-4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/25/hyperspace-beacon-six-reasons-to-return-for-swtor-update-1-4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon Six reasons to return for SWOTR Update 14
I've been playing MMOs for many years, and in that time, I've realized that the big thing they all have in common is that they get better with age. Unlike most single-player games, MMOs are in a constant state of flux. Besides the social interaction, the fact that I can leave a game for a couple of months then come back to find things have changed makes this gaming genre more interesting to me than your average RPG or FPS. Oftentimes, it's fun to come back to a game that I liked but maybe wasn't sticky enough to play all the time just to see what has changed, and maybe I'd like it more the next time around.

That's kind of what happened to me with Star Wars Galaxies. When the game launched, I thought it was great to explore the Star Wars universe I'd grown up with as a kid, but I couldn't latch on to the game because of the bugs and other minor issues. It wasn't until about six months after launch that I was actually able to grasp the game and play it long enough to find out why people were so smitten.

Perhaps Star Wars: The Old Republic will be the same kind of game. When it launched nine months ago, there were bugs, though not as big as SWG's bugs, mind you. The content needed a little tweaking. And certain systems like the Galactic Trade Network did not function well. But now with update 1.4 coming tomorrow and free-to-play on the horizon, it might be a good time to invite your friends to come back or even come back yourself. Let's examine some of the reasons to do so.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Six reasons to return for SWTOR update 1.4

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Six reasons to return for SWTOR update 1.4 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-hypergatesAustin-PeckenpaughBioWareblaine-christinecommunity-q-and-aEAElectronic-Artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgeorge-smithjoveth-gonzalezlivestreamLucasArtsPvEPvPStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORterror-from-beyondthe-old-republicTORupdateupdate-1.4Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of September 15th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-15th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-15th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/23/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-15th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On MV TV banner
Ah, what a week in livestreaming for the Massively crew! Luckily, no one was discouraged by the fact that I was unable to stream my usual amount because I was waiting on a new PC to arrive. What brave soldiers, what fearless souls! I begged them to go on without me, and... well, they did. Pretty easily, actually. Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule page so you won't miss another!

Anyway, what did we do on to stream? Well, tons of stuff. I took some of the very best streams from last week and assembled them in one easy-to-swallow pill. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and watch the wackiness! Like what? Like Richie taking on some more Guild Wars 2 in beautiful HD; MJ leaping bravely into The Secret World, EverQuest II, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, City of Heroes and Aion; and Mike PvPing in EVE Online and World of Tanks. I rounded things off with my one stream of the week: a look at IMVU, a social MMO for those who really, really like to go goth.

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of September 15th

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of September 15th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetccpcity-of-heroesEQ2eve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpGuild-Wars-2IMVUlivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvminingmv-tvmvtvncsoftround-uproundupsocialsocial-mmoSOEsoemoteSONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamsuperherotwitchtwitch-tvvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvideovideosworld-of-tanksSun, 23 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Project Theralon puts players deep in the browser sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/mmobility-project-theralon-puts-players-deep-in-the-browser-san/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/mmobility-project-theralon-puts-players-deep-in-the-browser-san/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/mmobility-project-theralon-puts-players-deep-in-the-browser-san/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Project: Theralon screenshot
If you're a sandbox fan who's not familiar with the browser-based sandbox called Project: Theralon, become familiar with it. For sandboxers as well as browser-based MMO fans, this game will nudge the genre up in quality and help undermine the notion that browser-based gaming is limited, linear, and boring. In Project: Theralon, players will be able to make characters how they want and can eventually become dragon-riders, powerful characters who can fly through the environment causing havoc as they go.

During my interview with the game's Associate Creative Director Sven Ehrentraut and Public Relations Director Piotr Pilich, I watched live as the game was loaded in a browser and a character mounted a dragon, flew through the landscape, and hopped off into a fight. The game has been in development for only six months, but there's already plenty to get excited about. Click past the cut and I'll give you all the details!

Continue reading MMObility: Project Theralon puts players deep in the browser sandbox

MassivelyMMObility: Project Theralon puts players deep in the browser sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanBlizzardbrowserbrowser-basedcryenginecryengine-3f2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpinfernummmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonePiotr-Pilichproject-theralonsandboxsmartphonespellbornSven-Ehrentrautthe-chronicles-of-spellborntheralonWorld-of-WarcraftFri, 07 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST