Massively

Piecing together the details of LEGO Minifigures Online with the Funcom team

Karen Bryan — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Game Mechanics, Interviews, New Titles, PvP, PvE, Kids, Family, Miscellaneous, Player-Generated Content

Brick by virtual brick, the team at Funcom has been busy building the upcoming LEGO Minifigures Online. It's been a quiet fall after the big reveal in August at Gamescom, but that doesn't mean the game isn't making progress. Executive Producer Lawrence Poe and Lead Designer Oscar López Lacalle have lots of details to share about the game, and they took the time to answer some questions here at Massively. Read on for a glimpse of the world, the LEGO minifigures themselves, and how this game will appeal to gamers of all ages.

Continue reading Piecing together the details of LEGO Minifigures Online with the Funcom team

Piecing together the details of LEGO Minifigures Online with the Funcom team originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Oct 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LEGO Legend of Chima Online launches into testing

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Family

We understand if you miss LEGO Universe. It's gone, and unfortunately nothing's going to bring it back. But that doesn't mean you have to give up on the idea of a brick-based MMORPG altogether, especially since another one has just launched into open testing. LEGO Legend of Chima Online, a cooperative venture from LEGO and Warner Bros Games, is now available for everyone to play. And it's got some accessibility upgrades over its predecessor.

Legend of Chima Online focuses on a single LEGO property rather than the franchise as a whole, for starters. It also requires neither up-front payment nor a download, as it utilizes the Unity 3D client for in-browser play. While the game is technically in beta, it's an open beta, and the cash shop is already in and working with no clear plans for a server wipe. Those of you mourning over LEGO Universe can't have the game back, but this might ease the sting.

LEGO Legend of Chima Online launches into testing originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Aug 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

World of Warcraft Mega Bloks commercial airs

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Video, Culture, Crafting

Don't call them "LEGOs" or "Blocks," although we would forgive you if you did make one of these common mistakes when dealing with Mega Bloks. The definitely-not-LEGO toymaker is releasing a series of World of Warcraft sets and now has the commercial to prove it.

The 30-second spot shows the creation of Stormwind castle, one of the Horde zeppelins, and several action figures of WoW characters (including Arthas). Each has interchangable armor, which is right in step for what you'd expect from an MMO franchise.

Spare 30 seconds to watch it after the jump and decide if you're going to buy a few of these for... a lucky little boy or girl whom you might know.

Continue reading World of Warcraft Mega Bloks commercial airs

World of Warcraft Mega Bloks commercial airs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

MMO Family: Roblox first impressions

Karen Bryan — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Opinion, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Hands-On (Massively's), First Impressions, MMO Family, Family, Miscellaneous, Sandbox

In last week's MMO Family, we had the chance to talk to Roblox CEO David Baszucki and hear how he took a physics-based simulation program and turned it into a successful game design tool that's enabled players of all ages to build and explore an endless variety of game worlds.

But what exactly is Roblox? It's been compared to LEGO and Minecraft, but there's actually a lot more to it than that. In this week's MMO Family, we'll dive into the game for some first impressions and explore why everyone, both young and old, should check it out!

Continue reading MMO Family: Roblox first impressions

MMO Family: Roblox first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LEGO plus internet spaceships: The scourge of bare feet everywhere

Matt Daniel — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, EVE Online, Culture, News Items, Sandbox

EVE Online players, have you ever wanted to bring your internet spaceships into the real world? Of course you have, but unfortunately we're still a ways away from interstellar travel, so for now you'll have to settle with the next best thing: LEGO! One particularly creative EVE Online player has posted a LEGO model of the game's Minmatar frigate, the Rifter, to the LEGO CUUSOO site.

If the model garners 10,000 supporters on the CUUSOO site, it will be reviewed by LEGO for the possibility of being manufactured as an official LEGO product. While the licensing issues involved may make that prospect something of a pipe dream, it never hurts to try, right? So go and show your support and maybe someday you can own a LEGO internet spaceship of your very own.

LEGO plus internet spaceships: The scourge of bare feet everywhere originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LEGO Universe goes F2P today

Jef Reahard — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Trailers, Video, Business Models, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, LEGO Universe, Kids, Family, Miscellaneous, Sandbox

Free-to-play conversions have been in the news a lot lately, with games as diverse as Age of Conan and Champions Online throwing open their doors with various flavors of free access. LEGO Universe is the latest freemium convert, and today is the official kickoff for the brick-building MMORPG's new membership tier.

So what can you do for free in LEGO Universe?

Two adventure zones and one player property area are available for starters, and the game also offers up a decent selection of free mini-games, build options, and basic functionality (including the ability to sample faction gear and collect up to 10,000 coins). The LEGO Group is clearly looking to entice gamers to upgrade to a full membership, though, as it only costs $10 a month and it unlocks the full game including over 15 adventuring zones, access to upcoming expansion content, and the ability to join in competitions and community events. Head to the official LEGO Universe website for a full listing of free-to-play offerings and subscriber benefits. You can also click past the cut to see a new free-to-play trailer featuring gameplay and world-building highlights.

Continue reading LEGO Universe goes F2P today

LEGO Universe goes F2P today originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LEGO Universe update adds progression system

Jef Reahard — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, LEGO Universe, Kids, Family

LEGO Universe has the creative aspects of MMOs and online gaming down pat. After all, we're talking ~~LEGOs~~ (edit: LEGO BRICKS OMG, LEGO BRICKS) here, and if there's one word that's synonymous with the long-running Danish toy line, that word is build.

What's there to do in LEGO Universe when your creativity runs dry, though? Thanks to the game's latest content update, traditional MMO character-building is now a viable option. Player minifigures may progress through 40 levels of content, unlocking points, achievements, and equipment along the way.

That's not all, as the latest LEGO Universe patch also features four new faction kits (Specialized Adventurer, Shinobi, Inventor, and Space Ranger), each of them aligned with one of the game's four Nexus Force factions and each offering players the opportunity to rank up and explore "new gear, powers, and abilities." Last but not least, the new LEGO Universe update brings a new instance challenge in the form of the Avant Gardens, and a big nasty known as the Spider Queen awaits players who are creative enough to make it through to the final battle.

LEGO Universe update adds progression system originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The MMO Report: The sad, strange death of Company of Heroes Online

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Super-hero, Video, MMO Industry, Humor, LEGO Universe, DC Universe Online, The MMO Report

Bad puns, sexual innuendo and all the MMO news you can handle are crammed into yet another MMO Report, brought to us by our friends at G4TV. Casey Schreiner and his fabulous tie recall a few of the biggest stories from the previous week.

First up on the docket is the cancellation of two THQ titles previously in development: Company of Heroes Online and WWE Smackdown vs. Raw Online. Both of these games were an attempt by the studio to bring its western-style MMOs to a Korean market, although THQ ultimately decided that this move wasn't at the top of its priority list.

On a more upbeat note, Casey talks up LEGO Universe's Crux Prime update, which came complete with ninjas and multiplayer madness. And yes, Casey, we agree that LEGOs are "awesome."

Other topics for the Report include Undead Labs' "Class 3" single-player XBLA title that's hopefully leading up to the studio's zombie MMO, robo-Batman in a new DCUO video, the announcement of BlizzCon's 2011 dates, and a Blizzard theme park called "Joy Land" in China. Face it: We have a weird hobby.

Hit the jump to watch the full MMO Report!

Continue reading The MMO Report: The sad, strange death of Company of Heroes Online

The MMO Report: The sad, strange death of Company of Heroes Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

LEGO Universe publishes new World Build League zones

Jef Reahard — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Patches, News Items, LEGO Universe, Kids, Family

LEGO Universe hasn't been out that long (it launched on October 26th to be exact), but NetDevil and the LEGO Group are already expanding the family-friendly MMO with three new zones developed by the World Build League. The WBL, formerly known as LEGO Universe Partners, is a group of LEGO fans from around the world who have partnered with NetDevil to create professional-quality player content. To access the new content, travel to Starbase 3001, jump on the launch pad, and select the new area of your choice. DeepFreeze, MoonBase, and Portabello await.

As you might expect, DeepFreeze is a winter-themed zone where you can build a snowman or ride a Zamboni. MoonBase is designed to delight your inner sci-fi geek, as the low gravity atmosphere lets you high-jump to your heart's content while you're keeping a wary eye out for alien encounters. Portabello brings a fantasy feel to the game complete with dragon quest-givers and other genre staples.

Check out the video after the break, and hit up the official website for more details.

Continue reading LEGO Universe publishes new World Build League zones

LEGO Universe publishes new World Build League zones originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

MMO Family: A parent's look at LEGO Universe

Lisa Poisso — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, LEGO Universe, Kids, MMO Family, Family

MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

Most kids who play video games have at least seen one from the LEGO franchise. There are a ton of them -- enough, in fact, for a whole page listing them. They're fun games; I'll bet you've played at least one of them, at least in bits and pieces in a demo somewhere. After all, who doesn't love LEGOs?

Still, there was a decided "ho-hum" reaction among my team of young playtesters when I announced we were going to test the ropes of the brand new LEGO Universe MMO. Oh sure, they were willing enough, but it seemed there was always something shinier and more appealing to play on any given day than the game about good ol' LEGOs.

Until they played LEGO Universe -- and had a (brick-)smashing good time.

Gallery: First Impressions: LEGO Universe

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at LEGO Universe

MMO Family: A parent's look at LEGO Universe originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

E3 2010: Expanding the LEGO Universe

MJ Guthrie — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Interviews, New Titles, LEGO Universe, Kids, Family

While E3 offers a glimpse into the imaginations of many developers, one game stands out as focusing on the imagination and creativity of the user: LEGO Universe. Where else can your mooing chickens randomly attack each other? In fact, creativity and imagination are the focus of this game, literally (imagination is a stat used to power your abilities!). With the game releasing on October 29th, 2010, we spoke with the guys at NetDevil to get a scoop on some of the unique features to look forward to, including customization, safety, levels of building, and their behavior system. Then Creative Director Ryan Seabury treated to an entertaining demonstration.

Build a bridge over the cut for the interview highlights!

Continue reading E3 2010: Expanding the LEGO Universe

E3 2010: Expanding the LEGO Universe originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

GDC08: LEGO Universe more than mere child's play

Chris Chester — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Business Models, Game Mechanics, New Titles, Player Housing, Casual, LEGO Universe

When we first heard that NetDevil was beginning development tentatively titled LEGO Universe late last year, our minds boggled at the creative possibilities. After all, creativity is really what LEGO is all about, using one's imagination to take a mere thought or idea and recreate it with multi-colored blocks. Sure, the game is being aimed primarily at youngsters between the ages of 8 and 12, but that's never stopped me from enjoying or getting excited about the franchise before. The game's main mechanic will essentially give players more blocks to play with and more real estate to play with it the more of the game's colorful work they explore. They describe a world where one player can build a fortified LEGO castle and try and stop a friend from invading it. They make it sound so simple one wonders what's taking Warhammer Online so long?

What's perhaps more interesting is the clever merchandising tie-in being planned for the game that the team is talking about at GDC. According to their director for business development, players will be able to order real, packaged LEGO sets based on their virtual creations. While this has the potential to be extremely cool for savvy youths and eccentric adults alike, it also betrays LEGO's ulterior motive. Not content merely with fistfuls of money from software sales and further brand exposure, now they want to sell you stuff in the game too. Again, there is a potential for something really cool here, but only if their focus is on a fun MMO experience and not on working on a device that prints money. When your director for business development is described as the "guiding force" behind the game instead of a crummy old designer, you've already made the first step towards turning my LEGO-loving heart to stone.

GDC08: LEGO Universe more than mere child's play originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments