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[Blade & Soul raid boss looks grumpy at its future prospects]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/blade-and-soul-raid-boss-looks-grumpy-at-its-future-prospects/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/blade-and-soul-raid-boss-looks-grumpy-at-its-future-prospects/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/12/blade-and-soul-raid-boss-looks-grumpy-at-its-future-prospects/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

blade and soul
Blade & Soul will soon have a new 24-person raid boss to fight, and if a teased poster is any indication, the big bad doesn't look happy at being at the bottom of a pile-on. However, it does look competent, as evidenced by all of the dead bodies at its feet.

MMO Culture reports that the raid will be tailored to include the upcoming Warlock class, although there are no other details or specifics to absorb at the moment. Until we know more, content yourself to gaze into the eyes of madness after the break and know that this beast holds the key to all of your loot dreams... at least if you're in Korea. The rest of us are still impatiently awaiting the game in the West.

Continue reading Blade & Soul raid boss looks grumpy at its future prospects

MassivelyBlade & Soul raid boss looks grumpy at its future prospects originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaposterraidraid-bossteaserwarlockMon, 12 Jan 2015 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Water-walker]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/one-shots-water-walker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/one-shots-water-walker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/one-shots-water-walker/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

blade and soul
What MMOs will be releasing this year in the west? It's hard to say, exactly, although there are those who hold out hope that Blade & Soul might finally make the leap to the Americas and Europe. If pictures like this are any indication, we are missing out.

"I've recently stepped back into the game with the Chinese release and while I'm not very far along into the game (it's a little tough when I don't understand the language!) I'm completely in love with the art style and combat mechanics," reader Dynatos said. "I don't usually go the cute fluffy look, but I wanted to create a Summoner character to play with the mechanics of the class. Here he is gliding gracefully through the air after learning the first Qing Gong. Next up -- running on water!"

Want to be featured in a future edition of One Shots? Send your favorite MMO screenshots to oneshots@massively.com, and don't forget to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of the scene. Large, colorful, UI-free shots that tell a story and really show off the game make for the best images. Look ma, we brought back One Shots!

MassivelyOne Shots: Water-walker originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulbring-back-one-shotsfantasygalleriesgallerymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotsuser-submissionsThu, 01 Jan 2015 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warlock class welcomed to Blade & Soul with new trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/warlock-class-welcomed-to-blade-and-soul-with-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/warlock-class-welcomed-to-blade-and-soul-with-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/30/warlock-class-welcomed-to-blade-and-soul-with-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The eighth class for Blade & Soul was formally revealed at Tencent Game's annual Carnival (TGC2014). Together with NCsoft, the studio announced that the Warlock is joining the lineup and revealed a trailer to give a hint of the class's abilities.

Similar to a Summoner, the Warlock calls various companions to his side in battle and uses a variety of spells to inflict damage and erase buffs on enemies. An interesting Warlock ability manifests itself in PvP: They can steal the abilities of enemy players and use said abilities against them. The Warlock will be available on the Korean server this December and will arrive on the Chinese server at an undisclosed future date. Want a small taste of what's to come? Check out the action in the clip below.

Continue reading Warlock class welcomed to Blade & Soul with new trailer

MassivelyWarlock class welcomed to Blade & Soul with new trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Nov 2014 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatencenttencent-gamestencent-games-carnivalTencent-Games-Carnival-2014trailertrailersvideovideosSun, 30 Nov 2014 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project HON trailer offers half an hour of mechanized action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/project-hon-trailer-offers-half-an-hour-of-mechanized-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/project-hon-trailer-offers-half-an-hour-of-mechanized-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/project-hon-trailer-offers-half-an-hour-of-mechanized-action/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mai waifu
Project HON appears to be more or less the sum total of everything you could expect to see from a mecha shooter. What's the story? What's the main game mechanic? What's the business model? The correct answer to all of those questions, as you can see in the trailer past the cut, is that none of those questions matter right now because just look at how gorgeous it all is.

And it's not just the Unreal Engine 4 graphics on display. Over the course of the video you will see a robot that transforms into an aerial weapon platform or a motorcycle, a robot wall-running while shooting, and giant robots that climb into and dock with even bigger robots to have a Pacific Rim-style smackdown fight. No other details needed. Jump on past the break to watch the full trailer; let's not sully this moment any further with words.

Continue reading Project HON trailer offers half an hour of mechanized action

MassivelyProject HON trailer offers half an hour of mechanized action originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giant-robotshonmechamecha-gamesncsoftncsoft-koreanewsnews-itemspreviewproject-honrobotrobotsshootertrailertrailersvideovideosyes-pleaseMon, 24 Nov 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul teases a new Shaman trailer, gives us a sad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/blade-and-soul-teases-a-new-shaman-trailer-gives-us-a-sad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/blade-and-soul-teases-a-new-shaman-trailer-gives-us-a-sad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/blade-and-soul-teases-a-new-shaman-trailer-gives-us-a-sad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul
Have you got 35 seconds? Good! Because 35 seconds is all you'll need to watch this new Blade & Soul trailer featuring the Shaman class, whose pistols and magic cards are probably not what most western fantasy fans think of when they think of Shamans, that's for sure. Then you can feel free to spend the next couple hours moping because we still don't know whether the game will ever land on our hard drives. Enjoy!

Continue reading Blade & Soul teases a new Shaman trailer, gives us a sad

MassivelyBlade & Soul teases a new Shaman trailer, gives us a sad originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulclassclassesfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreashamantrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 24 Nov 2014 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft releases more Project HON trailers for G-Star 2014]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/ncsoft-releases-more-project-hon-trailers-for-g-star-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/ncsoft-releases-more-project-hon-trailers-for-g-star-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/ncsoft-releases-more-project-hon-trailers-for-g-star-2014/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Don't call me hon.
As part of its G-Star 2014 push, NCsoft has revealed another set of teasers for mech-happy maybe-MMOFPS Project HON. Steparu reports that Korean media outlets are publishing conflicting descriptions of the game; some say it's a "mecha MMORPG," while others argue it's a "third-person shooter with RPG mechanics." There's no culture divide here, folks; the debate over what constitutes an MMO is in fact the universal language.

Check out the new trailers below.

Continue reading NCsoft releases more Project HON trailers for G-Star 2014

MassivelyNCsoft releases more Project HON trailers for G-Star 2014 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>g-starg-star-2014ncosftncsoft-koreaproject-honteam-hontrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 18 Nov 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul and Aion mobile games announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/blade-and-soul-and-aion-mobile-games-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/blade-and-soul-and-aion-mobile-games-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/18/blade-and-soul-and-aion-mobile-games-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

While mobile MMO development seems to be at an all-time low in the West, it might be up to our Asian friends to pick up the slack. Ahead of G-Star-2014 this week, NCsoft has announced that both Blade & Soul and Aion will be getting mobile spin-offs in the near future.

Aion: Legion will be a tactical RPG with plenty of strategy, tactics, and raids. It's being planned for both iOS and Android devices and should run fine on phones and tablets even a couple of years old. Then there's Blade & Soul: Mobile, which will boast a cuter look and a love-story focus. There have been no release dates or windows announced for either title.

We've got the G-Star trailers for both games after the break, so let us know if they get you revved up!

Continue reading Blade & Soul and Aion mobile games announced

MassivelyBlade & Soul and Aion mobile games announced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-legionsandroidascensionblade-and-soulblade-and-soul-mobilef2pfantasyfree-to-playg-starg-star-2014iosmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmomobilencsoftncsoft-koreatrailertrailerstruly-freevideovideosTue, 18 Nov 2014 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Blade & Soul 2 is under development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/rumor-blade-and-soul-2-is-under-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/rumor-blade-and-soul-2-is-under-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/24/rumor-blade-and-soul-2-is-under-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yes, it's a screenshot that actually doesn't look completely cheesecake, miraculously.
If you're still holding out hope for a Blade & Soul release in North America, you have an admirable amount of patience. But a recent rumor might sink that hope a bit further. Website 2P.com claims to have insider information that points to the development of a Blade & Soul 2, which is good news if you're a fan of the game but bad news if you're still hoping to see an official release of the original.

The Shanghai studio behind the concept art was a part of the original team responsible for the game's art direction, so it could very well point to something new in the works. Whether that means a sequel, an expansion, or even an actual release on this side of the pond is all up for speculation. It's too early to flag as anything but a rumor, although the concept art that's been leaked certainly looks as if it comes from the game in question.

MassivelyRumor: Blade & Soul 2 is under development originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-2cheesecakeconcept-artkoreakoreanncsoftncsoft-koreanewsnews-itemsrumorrumorssequelsWed, 24 Sep 2014 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: My hypersexualization conundrum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/the-soapbox-my-hypersexualization-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/the-soapbox-my-hypersexualization-conundrum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/18/the-soapbox-my-hypersexualization-conundrum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV
Every now and then here at Massively, we receive an email that isn't super nice. I know this may come as a shock to many of you -- the internet is, after all, a place of tolerance and constructive debate -- but sometimes the Massively inbox is no place any sane person would want to be. One reader recently took the opportunity to offer some choice thoughts on Massively staffers. And amidst the jumble of insults and generalizations, the reader levied the ever-powerful "hypocrisy" charge at us for claiming to care about hypersexualized designs of female characters in MMOs while simultaneously playing as those very hypersexualized characters. How could we possibly purport to care about the presentation of women in games if we're all running around in chainmail bikinis?

Generally speaking, I prefer to not have my habits and behavior challenged via ad hominem attacks and false comparisons. But I have to admit that this one particular charge piqued my curiosity. Why is it that the majority of my characters are female? Am I, as a person who looks down on hypersexualized designs in games, committing an act of hypocrisy every time I create a female character?

Let's sort it out. And before we begin, remember that the Soapbox, like most of our editorials, is just one person's opinion and doesn't represent the thoughts of Massively as a whole.

Continue reading The Soapbox: My hypersexualization conundrum

MassivelyThe Soapbox: My hypersexualization conundrum originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Feb 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftblade-and-soulBlizzardblizzard-all-starsblizzard-dotaBlizzard-Entertainmentblueholebluehole-studioscarbinecarbine-studiosconsoleconsolesdaggerfalleditorialelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteqeq-nexteq-next-landmarkeqneqn-landmarkesoeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfactionsfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfreemiumheroes-of-the-stormlandmarkmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmomicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmobamorrowindncsoftncsoft-koreaoblivionop-edopinionpremiumpvprantrantsrvrsandboxsandparksci-fantasysci-fisexismskyrimsoapboxsoesony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixtamrielteratestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-soapboxthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpwildstarwszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 18 Feb 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Valentine's Day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/massivelys-valentines-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/massivelys-valentines-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/14/massivelys-valentines-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When a mob hits your eye with a big sharpened spike... that's not really amore! In fact, it's downright painful. But it's February -- a time when love is in the air, hearts are aflutter everywhere, and pink and red festoon your favorite MMOs. So in the spirit of the season, go ahead and give that mob an extra-hard love tap, right from... er, to the heart! And don't forget to collect whatever treasures it had for you because we all know Valentine's Day isn't all about the love; no, it's about the loot!

Want to know where to get your hands on something special for this holiday? There are plenty of celebrations throughout the MMOverse offering a plethora of events and goodies. Check out some of the various Valentine's events and specials going on now.

Continue reading Massively's Valentine's Day roundup

MassivelyMassively's Valentine's Day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Feb 2014 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionage-of-wulinage-of-wushuaionanno-onlineascensionasiablade-and-soulblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studiosbrowserbrowser-basedchampionschampions-onlinechampschinachinesechinese-mmoclassic-mmococonsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodotae-sporten-masseen-masse-entertainmenteqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiiesporteventseverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivforsaken-worldfpsfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegameforgegameforge-berlingpotatogvgholidayin-game-eventsjagexjagex-games-studiokidnappingleagueleague-of-legendslineagelineage-2lineage-iilolmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoming-dynastymmo-shootermmofpsmobancsoftncsoft-koreaperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3ps2ps3pvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarariotriot-gamesromrsrunes-of-magicrunescaperunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentrvrsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisegashootersnail-gamessnail-games-usasoesonysony-online-entertainmentspiral-knightssquaresquare-enixsteamsuperherosuperheroestaboreaterathree-faction-pvpthree-ringsthree-rings-designthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldstruly-freeValentines-DayValentines-Day-2014warcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwushuwuxiaFri, 14 Feb 2014 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Teaser page confirms Blade & Soul is heading to Japan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/03/teaser-page-confirms-blade-and-soul-is-heading-to-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/03/teaser-page-confirms-blade-and-soul-is-heading-to-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/02/03/teaser-page-confirms-blade-and-soul-is-heading-to-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Confirmation for Blade & Soul's trip to Japan was just provided by a teaser page released by NCsoft. Steparu discovered the page, which boasts the URL 1.0/secret, when it appeared on the studio's official Japan website. Although the images are shrouded in shadow, the forms and armor are recognizable. Unfortunately, there are no other details available; it is unknown if the Japanese version of Blade & Soul will be IP blocked or if it will follow in the Korean version's footsteps and be censor free.

While this shows the game is moving into yet another international market, there is still no word (or image) on the game coming to the West.

MassivelyTeaser page confirms Blade & Soul is heading to Japan originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Feb 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasyJapanmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaMon, 03 Feb 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: ArcheAge vs. Blade & Soul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/leaderboard-archeage-vs-blade-and-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/leaderboard-archeage-vs-blade-and-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/15/leaderboard-archeage-vs-blade-and-soul/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul - Coming to Western PCs in 2045
I'm feeling a bit ornery today, so you'll have to excuse this Leaderboard's angry-gamer outlook when it comes to Korean imports and the W-word. See, I like Korean MMOs a whole lot, but I don't particularly like Westernization because a) one of the main reasons to play a culturally divergent MMO is to experience said divergent culture and b) Westernization takes for-frickin'-ever.

How long have we been waiting on ArcheAge now? And what about Blade & Soul? And yeah, I know Trion is purportedly in friends-and-family alpha now. That's better than Blade & Soul, at least, about which NCsoft has said absolutely nothing in regards to the Western market.

So for today's poll, let's assume that you have to choose between ArcheAge and Blade & Soul. The Westernization gods will only allow of one of them to make it out of Korea in our lifetime, and it's up to you to decide which it'll be! Would you rather play XL's ginormous fantasy sandpark or do you prefer NCsoft's martial arts fantasy title? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: ArcheAge vs. Blade & Soul

MassivelyLeaderboard: ArcheAge vs. Blade & Soul originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblade-and-soulfantasyleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesWed, 15 Jan 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul tops 1.5M concurrent users in China]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/10/blade-and-soul-tops-1-5m-concurrent-users-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/10/blade-and-soul-tops-1-5m-concurrent-users-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/10/blade-and-soul-tops-1-5m-concurrent-users-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blade and Soul
While we twiddle our thumbs in the West waiting for a game that might never come, Blade & Soul is stampeding across Asia and has the numbers to prove it.

MMO Culture reports that Blade & Soul China has 1.5 million players (wait for it) online at the same time. As in concurrency, not total numbers. While that certainly smacks of popularity, what's even more astonishing is that some players in the region have to wait around six hours in a queue just to play.

Other impressive statistics include the Blade & Soul beta trailer being viewed 30.4 million times, 450 million monsters killed on the first day of the game, and one player who's already sunk 1,345 hours into the title.

MassivelyBlade & Soul tops 1.5M concurrent users in China originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablade-and-soulconcurrencyfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreanumbersstatisticsFri, 10 Jan 2014 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: All outta soul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/05/one-shots-all-outta-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/05/one-shots-all-outta-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/01/05/one-shots-all-outta-soul/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Blade and Soul
Man, there are few things worse in the gaming world than to see players of other regions get a hold of titles that have yet to make it to your neck of the woods. First comes the flush of jealousy, then the slow burn of envy, then the mountaintop proclamation of vengeance upon the studio in the middle of a rainstorm.

Reader Dynatos is one of the fortunate to be able to try out this particular game: "I've recently stepped back into Blade and Soul with the Chinese release, and while I'm not very far along into the game (it's a little tough when I don't understand the language!), I'm completely in love with the art style and combat mechanics. Here's my Kung Fu master looking at the foreboding building up the walkway -- not very inviting!"

I WILL RAIN HOT DOOM UPON YOU NCSOFT! DOOM! Er, sorry, I just advanced to stage three.

Continue reading One Shots: All outta soul

MassivelyOne Shots: All outta soul originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlineascensionastrum-nivalblade-and-soulbring-back-one-shotschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfantasyfree-to-playgala-netgalleriesgallerygpotatomail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotssuperherosuperheroestruly-freeuser-submissionsSun, 05 Jan 2014 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul surpasses 1.8 million concurrent users in China]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/blade-and-soul-surpasses-1-8-million-concurrent-users-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/blade-and-soul-surpasses-1-8-million-concurrent-users-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/12/09/blade-and-soul-surpasses-1-8-million-concurrent-users-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul
Western Blade & Soul fans may be wondering when, or if, NCsoft is ever going to bring the martial arts fantasy MMO to their shores. Chinese fans, on the hand, are scarfing up the title as quickly as publisher Tencent can add additional servers.

MMO Culture reports that the firm added another hardware group last week, bringing the total to a whopping 195 servers and helping to alleviate shard congestion. The site also notes that concurrent users have surpassed 1.8 million while active users sits somewhere around the 18 million mark.

MassivelyBlade & Soul surpasses 1.8 million concurrent users in China originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-1.8-millionblade-and-soul-18-millionblade-and-soul-chinafantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatencentMon, 09 Dec 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft adds content to Blade & Soul Korea, continues to ignore the West]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/ncsoft-adds-content-to-blade-and-soul-korea-continues-to-ignore-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/ncsoft-adds-content-to-blade-and-soul-korea-continues-to-ignore-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/27/ncsoft-adds-content-to-blade-and-soul-korea-continues-to-ignore-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul
Blade & Soul Korea is getting some new content, and yes, we know it sucks that the game still hasn't shown up in the West. Maybe if we keep posting about it, and maybe if you keep commenting on it, it will. It's worth a shot, right?

Anyhow, Steparu reports on a new endgame dungeon and some spiffy new black leather outfits. We've embedded a trailer after the break, but you should click through to the source link for all the details.

Continue reading NCsoft adds content to Blade & Soul Korea, continues to ignore the West

MassivelyNCsoft adds content to Blade & Soul Korea, continues to ignore the West originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaWed, 27 Nov 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul opens the beta doors in China November 28th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/21/blade-and-soul-opens-the-beta-doors-in-china-november-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/21/blade-and-soul-opens-the-beta-doors-in-china-november-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/21/blade-and-soul-opens-the-beta-doors-in-china-november-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The final closed beta for the Chinese version of Blade & Soul got rolling just over three weeks ago, but Tencent is already preparing to throw the beta doors wide open to any and all who want to check the free-to-play fantasy game out. Steparu.com discovered that open beta, scheduled to launch next week on November 28th, will not have an IP block, meaning folks from other areas can also get in on the martial-arts action.

The client is available for download starting today, which is helpful to all those who want to get a head start by participating in the special character creation event on November 23rd and November 24th. While you wait for your download, take a look at some in-game emotes courtesy this video from Steparu:

Continue reading Blade & Soul opens the beta doors in China November 28th

MassivelyBlade & Soul opens the beta doors in China November 28th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablade-and-soulcharacter-creationemotesfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreano-IP-blockopen-betaSteparu.comvideoThu, 21 Nov 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade and Soul adds servers in China]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/19/blade-and-soul-adds-servers-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/19/blade-and-soul-adds-servers-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/19/blade-and-soul-adds-servers-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blade and Soul
Blade and Soul's closed beta appears to be going quite well in China; Tencent has just expanded the number of live servers from 19 to 33. Additionally, rumors indicate that the Chinese version of the game will be entering open beta sometime in early December.

No new info is available for western gamers waiting for Blade and Soul. The last update on the official site is dated December 5th, 2012 and claims that details will be delivered "when the time is right." NCSoft and Team Bloodlust are working on the western version of the title.

MassivelyBlade and Soul adds servers in China originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Nov 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingblade-and-soulCBTclosed-betafantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaopen-betarumorserverteam-bloodlusttencenttestingTue, 19 Nov 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul adds first player-designed costume]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/blade-and-soul-adds-first-player-designed-costume/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/blade-and-soul-adds-first-player-designed-costume/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/07/blade-and-soul-adds-first-player-designed-costume/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul adds first player-designed costume
When you think of player-generated content or in-game assets, chances are that Blade & Soul isn't the first title that springs to mind. Maybe it should, though, if a new video at MMO Culture is a portend of things to come.

The fantasy martial arts MMO recently added its first player-designed outfit, which for now is only available via ongoing Korean internet cafe events. The get-up is called the Ethereal Fairy costume, and the source links below feature some images and a bit more info. We've also embedded a video after the cut if you'd like to see the outfit in the finished game.

Continue reading Blade & Soul adds first player-designed costume

MassivelyBlade & Soul adds first player-designed costume originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Nov 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-player-made-costumeethereal-fairyethereal-fairy-costumefantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaplayer-generated-contentuser-generated-contentThu, 07 Nov 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Chinese Blade and Soul beta begins October 29th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/15/final-chinese-blade-and-soul-beta-begins-october-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/15/final-chinese-blade-and-soul-beta-begins-october-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/10/15/final-chinese-blade-and-soul-beta-begins-october-29th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blade and Soul
Blade and Soul is moving ever closer to release, at least in China. Tencent has confirmed that the final closed beta test for the game will go live on October 29th. The beta will roll out in two steps that should be familiar to weary MMO beta warriors. First, early access codes will be required to enter the beta. After an unspecified period of time, everyone else can join up.

Accounts created during this last closed beta test will not be deleted; progress will remain when open beta launches a few weeks/months later. According to Tencent, all characters will be kept unless there is a "major" change to the game.

If you're not in China but are hoping to join the closed beta test, you can earn a chance to win a code by visiting the official Chinese site and voting for your favorite character.

MassivelyFinal Chinese Blade and Soul beta begins October 29th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keyblade-and-soulcbtchinaclosed-betafantasykoreamartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatencentTue, 15 Oct 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Which upcoming Korean MMO excites you the most?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/leaderboard-which-upcoming-korean-mmo-excites-you-the-most/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/leaderboard-which-upcoming-korean-mmo-excites-you-the-most/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/11/leaderboard-which-upcoming-korean-mmo-excites-you-the-most/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard - Which upcoming Korean MMO excites you the most?
There are a lot of interesting Korean MMOs on the horizon. Well, they're interesting to me, at any rate. The problem is, none of them are playable in the West as of yet, even though one of them has a Western publisher and the others publish English-language news semi-regularly.

Assuming you are also something of a Korean MMO aficionado, I've put together a poll featuring some of the blockbusters we'll (hopefully) be playing in the near future. Feel free to vote for the one you're most looking forward to, and explain why in the comments.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Which upcoming Korean MMO excites you the most?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Which upcoming Korean MMO excites you the most? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmokorean-mmosleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesWed, 11 Sep 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon gets new floors, bosses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/10/blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon-gets-new-floors-bosses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/10/blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon-gets-new-floors-bosses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/10/blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon-gets-new-floors-bosses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon gets new floors, bosses
Steparu's got the goods on Blade & Soul's latest solo endgame content. A new article on the website says that the Korean fantasy MMO's Tower of Munshin dungeon is getting "an upgrade with new floors."

NCsoft has designed the dungeon "to be an endless tower with new solo content every now and then," Steparu writes. The new sections are accessible after clearing the seventh floor, and you can also get a sneak peek at some of the content via the video after the cut!

Continue reading Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon gets new floors, bosses

MassivelyBlade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon gets new floors, bosses originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Sep 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-dungeonblade-and-soul-tower-of-mushinblade-and-soul-videodungeonfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatower-of-mushintrailervideoTue, 10 Sep 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion adding fourth race to the Atreian struggle?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/aion-adding-fourth-race-to-the-atreian-struggle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/aion-adding-fourth-race-to-the-atreian-struggle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/09/04/aion-adding-fourth-race-to-the-atreian-struggle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Aion adding fourth race to the Atreian struggle
The battle for power across Aion's world of Atreia is currently fought between the clawed Asmodians, the light-winged Elyos, and the dragon-esque Balaur. But NCsoft Korea has posted a picture on the Korean forums teasing the entry of a fourth race to the mix. The line above the poster translates to, "A mysterious army begins to step forth from the shadows of the Abyss." And the text below the ominous red eyes reads, "The 4th race" followed underneath that by "Elyos, Asmodian, Balaur and ..." And what exactly?

Could a fourth race really be entering Atreia for good, and if so, will the race be NPC-based like the Balaur, or could a new player race actually be in the works? Or could this be just a special event? And what race could those eyes represent? According to the announcement, we'll know more come September 6th. Until then, feel free to leave your speculations in the comments below. And you can check out the entire poster after the break.

Continue reading Aion adding fourth race to the Atreian struggle?

MassivelyAion adding fourth race to the Atreian struggle? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Sep 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-raceaionascensionf2pfantasyfree-to-playncsoftNCsoft-Koreanew-raceteasertruly-freeWed, 04 Sep 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at the current endgame for Blade & Soul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/07/a-look-at-the-current-endgame-for-blade-and-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/07/a-look-at-the-current-endgame-for-blade-and-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/07/a-look-at-the-current-endgame-for-blade-and-soul/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Only a final boss could rock them bellbottoms.
If you're looking forward to playing Blade & Soul when it finally comes to this side of the pond, you probably want to know what to expect from the endgame mechanics. Fortunately for you, the game has just released its newest endgame dungeon, and a preview is available of the final boss fight within that dungeon as well as the process for gaining and powering up loot from bosses. Which is... ornate, for lack of a better term.

The short version is that everyone present for the kill gets a loot box containing a weapon. You can either pay money to ensure that the weapon is right for your class, or you can buy an ordinary key and take your chances. Once you've gotten the right weapon (with the right stats) after however many trips, you can start leveling it up... but in order to really advance it, you'll need to get two more weapons and level those up. Take a look at the full preview for details on boss mechanics and the weapon upgrade process.

[Thanks to Steparu for the tip!]

Continue reading A look at the current endgame for Blade & Soul

MassivelyA look at the current endgame for Blade & Soul originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Aug 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulbossboss-mechanicsbossescontentendgameendgame-contentendgame-progressionfantasygame-mechanicsitemitem-improvementitem-levelingitemslootloot-mechanicsmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreanewspreviewpreviewsprogressionvideovideosWed, 07 Aug 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul introduces swimsuits with a hefty price tag]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/blade-and-soul-introduces-swimsuits-with-a-hefty-price-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/blade-and-soul-introduces-swimsuits-with-a-hefty-price-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/07/31/blade-and-soul-introduces-swimsuits-with-a-hefty-price-tag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The men look okay. The women are... another story.
How much are you willing to pay for a new swimsuit? How about if that swimsuit is only available for your character in a video game? Blade & Soul has introduced a line of summer swimwear for characters in the Korean version, available either via the game's cash shop or through item trading, but the system for obtaining these suits from inside the game is a bit problematic.

During the summer event, players can obtain a watermelon slice by clearing a daily dungeon. These slices are used as tokens to unlock these outfits. The problem is that it can be difficult to actually obtain enough slices through play unless you focus on running dungeons with a single-minded devotion, which forces you toward the cash shop option, which values the suits at $45. Still no word on when the game is being localized, but you can check out the suit trailers past the cut for a peek at what you probably aren't dropping $45 on.

[Thanks to bnssswimwear for the tip!]

Continue reading Blade & Soul introduces swimsuits with a hefty price tag

MassivelyBlade & Soul introduces swimsuits with a hefty price tag originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Jul 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulbscash-shopcheesecakemicrotransactionsncsoftncsoft-koreanewspreviewsummersummer-eventvanityvanity-armorvideovideosWed, 31 Jul 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul 2.0 trailer sighted in the wild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/23/blade-and-soul-2-0-trailer-sighted-in-the-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/23/blade-and-soul-2-0-trailer-sighted-in-the-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/23/blade-and-soul-2-0-trailer-sighted-in-the-wild/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul 2.0 trailer sighted in the wild
I've got good news and bad news. Which do you want first? OK, sweet. I like saving the good news for last, too.

So, the bad news is that while Blade & Soul is soldiering on in its native Korea, thus far NCsoft has said a whole lot of nothing about a potential western version. Yep, that sucks.

Now for the good news. The Korean game is transitioning to version 2.0, which brings with it new weapon upgrade capabilities, new skills, a level 50 cap, new PvP areas, etc. We might have mentioned this earlier. This weekend, though, we can see some of the stuff that's on tap, thanks to Steparu and a hi-def version of the 2.0 trailer. It's packed full of gameplay and pretty vistas, and you can watch it after the cut.

Continue reading Blade & Soul 2.0 trailer sighted in the wild

MassivelyBlade & Soul 2.0 trailer sighted in the wild originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-2.0fantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmomt.-baekcheongncsoftncsoft-koreaSun, 23 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul Korea getting major update next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/blade-and-soul-korea-getting-major-update-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/blade-and-soul-korea-getting-major-update-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/19/blade-and-soul-korea-getting-major-update-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

blade and soul korea getting major update low priority because low info, can skip
Blade & Soul's biggest update yet is coming on June 26th according to Steparu.com. The site reports that new skill revisions, an upgrading system, new dungeons, an increased level cap, new story chapters, new instanced dungeons, and new PvP areas are on the way.

Whew!

Yes, that's a lot of new, and Steparu has also posted a handful of gorgeous new Blade & Soul posters for your viewing enjoyment. Have a look via the link below.

MassivelyBlade & Soul Korea getting major update next week originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-dungeonsblade-and-soul-updatefantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaWed, 19 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul's 2.0 patch boasts weapon and skill upgrades]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/blade-and-souls-2-0-patch-boasts-weapon-and-skill-upgrades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/blade-and-souls-2-0-patch-boasts-weapon-and-skill-upgrades/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/blade-and-souls-2-0-patch-boasts-weapon-and-skill-upgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blade & Soul's 2.0 patch boasts weapon and skill upgrades
NCsoft Korea just updated Blade & Soul's weapon and skill mechanics. According to Steparu.com, it's a game-changing patch because it introduces weapon upgrades and version 2.0 of the skill system. The latter includes special sub-menus and enhancement options for each skill, and Steparu speculates that the patch could be NCsoft's response to players who are looking for something to keep them busy at endgame.

The 2.0 patch also features crafting tweaks, a simplified repair system, and new belt and bracelet slots. You can see plenty of 2.0 screenshots at the source link below, as well as a gameplay video after the break.

Continue reading Blade & Soul's 2.0 patch boasts weapon and skill upgrades

MassivelyBlade & Soul's 2.0 patch boasts weapon and skill upgrades originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-2.0blade-and-soul-gameplayfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaskillsvideoweapon-upgradesWed, 05 Jun 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year
A recent earnings report suggests that NCsoft's sales have slipped from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013, although the studio is quick to point out that the showing was "solid" particularly when compared to sales from a year ago. While sales were down 35% and net income was down 49% from the last quarter, sales were up 31% and net income was up 322% year-over-year.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 21% of sales in the first quarter, in addition to Blade and Soul's 9%, Aion's 16%, and the usual Lineage cavalcade (Lineage 1 represented 38% of sales alone with its subscriptions).

While 64% of NCsoft's sales were in Korea, only 13% were in North America and 8% in Europe. The decrease in NA and EU contributions was due to "the reduction in Guild Wars 2 package sales," according to the report. All of NCsoft's subsidiaries posted drops in sales from last quarter except for NC Taiwan.

[Update: Also of note in the earnings call is the news that NCsoft's Nah Seong Chan says the company is "preparing an expansion pack" but has yet to decide when it might launch. Very interesting news indeed as ArenaNet said as recently as March that it was not working on an expansion. Thanks to Mike and Robert for the tips!]

MassivelyNCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1q-2013aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq1-2013truly-freeSun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/new-blade-and-soul-video-tours-white-blue-mountain-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range
It's no secret that many folks like to see what they are getting into... or in the case of MMOs not yet available in all markets, what they'd like to get into. So those looking forward to playing NCsoft's martial arts fantasy Blade & Soul should appreciate this newly released visual tour of the White Blue Mountain Range area.

Although lacking any English subtitles, the video contains over six minutes of footage from various locales. From verdant vistas to wintery caverns, quaint villages to majestic cities, get a taste of the ambiance and architecture of the White Blue Mountain Range region in the trailer after the break.

Continue reading New Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range

MassivelyNew Blade & Soul video tours White Blue Mountain Range originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatrailervideovideo-tourWhite-Blue-Mountain-RangeThu, 09 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - Long Plains Coast
There are plenty of interesting MMOs coming out of Korea these days, and whether we're talking sandboxes like Black Desert, themeparks like Bless, or hybrids like ArcheAge, I'm pretty excited to try all of them. Let's not forget Blade & Soul, either, and even Aion has a new expansion on the way that's introducing a couple of game-changing classes.

For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these games against one another and see which one will claim the title of Massively's most anticipated Korean import. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge

MassivelyLeaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmoleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/epic-30-minute-blade-and-soul-video-shows-off-cinematics-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/epic-30-minute-blade-and-soul-video-shows-off-cinematics-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/epic-30-minute-blade-and-soul-video-shows-off-cinematics-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Epic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay
NCsoft has been fairly quiet on the Blade & Soul front lately, but that doesn't mean fan anticipation has died down for the martial arts fantasy MMO.

If you're among those anxiously awaiting the game, you'll definitely want to have a look at YouTube user YoraiDragon's epic 30-minute video that shows off some of the title's opening cinematics as well as early-level gameplay. The clip's audio and the game UI are of course in Korean, but there are occasional English subtitles that help clarify important concepts. Click past the cut to see the clip.

[Thanks Yorai Dragon!]

Continue reading Epic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay

MassivelyEpic 30-minute Blade & Soul video shows off cinematics, gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-videofantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreavideoSun, 10 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft earnings report shows healthy growth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ncsoft-earnings-report-shows-healthy-growth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ncsoft-earnings-report-shows-healthy-growth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/ncsoft-earnings-report-shows-healthy-growth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

NCsoft earnings report shows healthy growth
NCsoft just released its fourth quarter 2012 earnings report, and things are looking pretty good across the board for the multi-MMO company. NCsoft's earnings are up both quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year due to the releases of Blade & Soul and Guild Wars 2, not to mention "record-breaking annual revenues" from Lineage.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 45% of the company's sales in Q4, followed by Lineage (24%) and Blade & Soul (10%). ArenaNet's newest game increased the North American market from 16% in Q3 to 25% in Q4.

It's not completely sunshine and roses, however. Lineage II and Aion both experienced declines during the period. NCsoft's net income was in the red for the quarter and its stock has slid since September, losing half of its value in the process.

[Thanks to Paul for the tip!]

MassivelyNCsoft earnings report shows healthy growth originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playgrowthguild-wars-2gw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq4q4-2012truly-freeTue, 05 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New vids detail Blade & Soul's Spiral Labyrinth dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/new-vids-detail-blade-and-souls-spiral-labyrinth-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/new-vids-detail-blade-and-souls-spiral-labyrinth-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/new-vids-detail-blade-and-souls-spiral-labyrinth-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

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Blade & Soul's newest endgame dungeon release is called The Spiral Labyrinth, and Steparu has posted an extensive look at the content complete with multiple videos.

The dungeon features three floors, each of which ends in a boss fight, and there's a bit of randomization in the mix, too. Each time your party enters a particular room, you'll need to fight a miniboss. Defeating him triggers a random door which leads deeper into the dungeon level and eventually to the floor boss.

With a new dungeon comes new drops and new equipment. Steparu says that farming The Spiral Labyrinth will likely be necessary to compete in the game's upcoming PvP content. Have a look at the dungeon's first minotaur boss after the break, then head to the source link for several more gameplay videos and analysis.

Continue reading New vids detail Blade & Soul's Spiral Labyrinth dungeon

MassivelyNew vids detail Blade & Soul's Spiral Labyrinth dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-gameplay-videoblade-and-soul-videodungeonsfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaspiral-labyrinththe-spiral-labyrinthvideoWed, 02 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, the new Blade & Soul instance really is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/yep-the-new-blade-and-soul-instance-really-is-called-dark-bloody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/yep-the-new-blade-and-soul-instance-really-is-called-dark-bloody/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/05/yep-the-new-blade-and-soul-instance-really-is-called-dark-bloody/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul - Dark Bloody Shark Harbor 24-man raid
NCsoft just released a significant Blade & Soul update that features a new 24-man raid. The instance is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor, and Steparu has uploaded several new videos designed to show off both the gameplay and the loot rewards it provides.

In addition to the various clips, there's a good bit of textual commentary covering both the gameplay and speculation about the difficulty curve. "I believe that PlayNC Korea is targeting the casual players of the game so that they can gear up very fast for the upcoming content this month," Steparu writes.

Continue reading Yep, the new Blade & Soul instance really is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor

MassivelyYep, the new Blade & Soul instance really is called Dark Bloody Shark Harbor originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-soulblade-and-soul-dungeondark-bloody-shark-raidfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreavideoWed, 05 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul gets legendary with its December update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/blade-and-soul-gets-legendary-with-its-december-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/blade-and-soul-gets-legendary-with-its-december-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/blade-and-soul-gets-legendary-with-its-december-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul gets legendary with its December update
Blade & Soul continues to grow in leaps and bounds overseas as the Korean title prepares to push out its Legendary Update next month. This update will buff the game with several new outfits, a 1v1 PvP arena, the 8th floor of the Tower of Mushin, and a new tier of gear (hence the "legendary").

The meat of the update will come in the form of a trio of new dungeons. The Dark Bloody Shark Harbor (best name ever) is a tougher iteration on the standard Bloody Shark Harbor. This instance turns into a different one at night called the Ice Storage Warehouse, where noises from a nearby building beg for investigation. Finally, the Spiral Labyrinth is a multi-floor randomized dungeon with plenty of secrets and a six-player requirement.

MassivelyBlade & Soul gets legendary with its December update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v1arenablade-and-soulcontent-updatefantasylegendarylegendary-gearlegendary-updatemartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreapatchpvptower-of-mushinupdateFri, 30 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales
NCsoft, the publisher responsible for two Guild Wars games, Blade & Soul, and Aion, has seen significant growth over the past fiscal quarter thanks to the successful launch of Guild Wars 2. The company's 3Q 2012 earnings report released earlier today shows a hefty increase in sales, profit, and income compared not only to the previous quarter but to the entire year.

The report also offers a breakdown of sales by region as well as sales by games. While overall sales in Korea far outnumber sales in the North America or Europe, the availability of GW2 globally could be what put that game at the top of the sales list ahead of Blade & Soul, which is available only in Korea. You can see a detailed breakdown on the graphs after the break. To get a look at all the numbers, you download the PDF file.

Continue reading NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales

MassivelyNCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Q-earnings-report3q2012Earningsaionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2GW2-tops-salesmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatruly-freeWed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new videos preview Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/two-new-videos-preview-blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/two-new-videos-preview-blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/two-new-videos-preview-blade-and-souls-tower-of-mushin-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Two videos preview Blade & Soul's new Tower of Mushin dungeon
On Monday, Steparu.com treated us to two videos highlighting Blade & Soul's new Tower of Mushin, which is part of the Second Wave update that just went live today. Now, the site is offering more videos previewing what players can expect when they open the doors of this new solo dungeon.

The first video shows off the lobby, which includes a PvP arena in the center as well as practice dummies for players to build their chi or rage. The area also contains various NPCs found in regular towns, giving players access to the auction house, their banks, and such.

The second video highlights various boss fights. The fights get progressively more difficult as the player ascends through the seven floors of the tower. The tower also appears to be able to support indefinite additional levels as the level cap increases.

Get a glimpse of the Tower after the break.

Continue reading Two new videos preview Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon

MassivelyTwo new videos preview Blade & Soul's Tower of Mushin dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blade-and-souldungeonfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaSecond-Wavetower-of-mushinvideosWed, 31 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Going inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/going-inside-blade-and-souls-new-solo-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/going-inside-blade-and-souls-new-solo-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/going-inside-blade-and-souls-new-solo-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Going inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon
While Western audiences are still sitting on their thumbs waiting for Blade & Soul to cross the Pacific, Eastern gamers are getting ready for a major update to the game titled Second Wave. Second Wave's core addition is the Tower of Mushin solo dungeon, which awards successful adventurers with gear-purchasing tokens.

Steparu.com posted a pair of videos showing off a Tower of Mushin run. Not only does it give a good overview of the dungeon, but it also demonstrates the combat system for those who've yet to play the title.

Give them a watch after the break and let us know if you think that solo dungeons in Blade & Soul are a good idea!

Continue reading Going inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon

MassivelyGoing inside Blade & Soul's new solo dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablade-and-souldungeonfantasymartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreasolo-dungeontower-of-mushinvideoMon, 29 Oct 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/blade-and-soul-introduces-the-lyn-blade-master/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/blade-and-soul-introduces-the-lyn-blade-master/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/blade-and-soul-introduces-the-lyn-blade-master/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Blade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master
The wait is still on for Blade & Soul to make it across the Pacific, but at least we can drink in news and updates from those already enjoying the title. Steparu.com has a big preview of the Lyn Blade Master class as well as the game's October update.

As one might infer from the title, Lyn Blade Masters are quite skilled in slicing and dicing. Players using the class can employ stuns, flying swords, and AoE attacks. The Lyn Blade Master has use as a tank too, with strong grabbing skills to keep the enemy rooted and focused on him or her.

October's update to Blade & Soul has a slew of changes and tweaks. NCsoft is revamping the Summoner class, creating a new endgame dungeon from an old one, adding a solo dungeon called the Tower of Mushin, implementing a cross-server party matching system, throwing in a tournament system, and more.

Check out the Lyn Blade Master reveal video after the jump and let us know if you'll be playing one!

Continue reading Blade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master

MassivelyBlade & Soul introduces the Lyn Blade Master originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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