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[Chinese MMO Revelation Online entering open beta January 15th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/chinese-mmo-revelation-online-entering-open-beta-january-15th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/chinese-mmo-revelation-online-entering-open-beta-january-15th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/24/chinese-mmo-revelation-online-entering-open-beta-january-15th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You might even meet this guy! Who is this guy? What's his deal?
Want to combine the free flight of Aion with action combat and an open skill progression system? That's a quick gloss of how testers report Revelation Online plays. But you don't have to take anyone else's word for it, as the game will be entering open beta on January 15th... in China. So you will have to muddle through not speaking the language of the game to test it. Alternately, you can start studying now and hope you have a natural gift for learning it in two months.

Steparu reports that setting up an account will work even for international players, although there is the possibility that the game will require a cell phone or some other region-lock method. Players who don't want to fuss with that can rest somewhat easier knowing that the development team is looking into US publishing deals as well, but if all goes well, you can still try the game out early next year.

MassivelyChinese MMO Revelation Online entering open beta January 15th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-schedulebeta-testingbetaschinachinese-mmosinternational-gamesneteasenewsnews-itemsopen-betaregion-lockrevelationrevelation-onlineMon, 24 Nov 2014 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nexus Telegraph: The impact of WildStar's new release window]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/26/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-infodumps-and-box-releases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/26/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-infodumps-and-box-releases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/08/26/the-nexus-telegraph-wildstars-infodumps-and-box-releases/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I don't know why I thought this wouldn't look good as a header image. I know that I thought it, but I don't know why I did.
It merited only a footnote when the business model was announced, and it was easy to miss for all of the screaming between players who refused to listen to the other sorts of players, but WildStar isn't aiming for a 2013 release any longer. Not that this is exactly a shock, of course; I said about a month ago that I would prefer to just be told that the game wouldn't release until 2014, which already looked to be the case.

But there's something interesting to be unpacked with that almost offhand mention of the game's targeted release date, especially when you consider how many huge holes there are in our present knowledge of the game. We'll learn more at the end of the week as PAX Prime starts up, but I find myself filling in some blanks both in terms of upcoming revelations and what we've not been told yet.

Continue reading The Nexus Telegraph: The impact of WildStar's new release window

MassivelyThe Nexus Telegraph: The impact of WildStar's new release window originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscolumncompetitioncompetitorsfeaturedlaunchlaunch-windowslaunchesncsoftnewsnexusnexus-telegraphopinionpaxpax-primepax-prime-2013previewsrevealsrevelationsandparksci-fantasysci-fithe-nexus-telegraphwildstarMon, 26 Aug 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Allods Online patch 2.0.04 includes... underwear?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/allods-online-patch-2-0-04-includes-underwear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/allods-online-patch-2-0-04-includes-underwear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/allods-online-patch-2-0-04-includes-underwear/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Players have already been treated to a couple of sneak peeks at the new features coming to gPotato's Allods Online with the upcoming patch 2.0.04, and yet the stream of information continues! The game's team released yet another small preview of what's to come with the update on the site today, and from the looks of things, it would seem that Allods players will have their hands full.

Allods' Summer Festival arrives with patch 2.0.04, providing players with a plethora of new daily quests as well as the opportunity to procure brand-spankin'-new vanity items such as wings and undergarments (yes, undergarments). Even mounts will get in on the festivities with new mount color patterns available only to "elite players" who can conquer the challenges of Twilight Isle. The update also brings training dummies, changes to the Astral system, and more. For the full details on this upcoming addition, check out the official site.

MassivelyAllods Online patch 2.0.04 includes... underwear? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastralastrum-nivalf2pfree-to-playgibberlings-in-lingeriegpotatopatch-2.0.04patchespreviewpreviewsrevelationsummer-festivaltraining-dummiesundergarmentsunderwearupdateswtf-is-that-oh-god-my-eyesSat, 25 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Allods Online reveals more about... Revelation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/allods-online-reveals-more-about-revelation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/allods-online-reveals-more-about-revelation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/allods-online-reveals-more-about-revelation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Free-to-play favorite Allods Online marches ever closer to Patch 2.0.04. While we got a good look at the interesting Reincarnation system last week, today gPotato is highlighting two of the patch's new areas: Twilight Isle and the Cave of Tka-Rik.

Twilight Isle will be the latest end zone to hit the game, with a height requirement of 46 or above to go on this ride. It's no happy carnival, either; the Isle is populated by the Demonic Cult and its deathmetal decor. Players will be tasked with figuring out why the demons are starting to move through the Astral and to stop them posthaste. Among the many new quests to come with the zone is the ability to take out demons with a portable cannon, which automatically makes it the coolest feature we've heard of this week. So far.

Tka-Rik's Cave is another endgame challenge, wherein lie many deadly trials that are guarding the secret behind the Revelation.

We don't have a firm date for 2.0.04 yet, but the way Allods is promoting it, it shouldn't be too far off!

MassivelyAllods Online reveals more about... Revelation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0.04allodsallods-onlineastraldemonic-cultf2pfree-to-playgpotatopatchpatch-2.0.04previewreincarnationrevelationtka-riks-cavetwilight-isleupdateFri, 17 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: A complete guide to angel-slaying, volume one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/behind-the-mask-a-complete-guide-to-angel-slaying-volume-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/behind-the-mask-a-complete-guide-to-angel-slaying-volume-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/behind-the-mask-a-complete-guide-to-angel-slaying-volume-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Warning: This week's Behind the Mask column contains a spoilers for the plot of Vibora Bay, Champions Online's endgame zone.

After completing the Vibora Bay Crisis, you realize you've got a lot of work cut out for you. That sexy minx Valerian seduced you into playing into her hands, and you royally screwed up. Now it's time to get down to business, undo all the mess you made and make things right.

At the end of all the plots and careful unraveling of Therakiel's well-laid plans, there's still the big bad fallen angel himself. He's no pushover, and he still has the support of Vibora's gangs.

You've done all of Caliburn's errand-boy work so he can save the day -- better make sure he doesn't screw it up.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: A complete guide to angel-slaying, volume one

MassivelyBehind the Mask: A complete guide to angel-slaying, volume one originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosendgameendgame-raidf2pfeaturedfree-to-playrevelationrobert-caliburnsomething-in-co-that-is-actually-hardtherakieltherakiels-templevibora-bayThu, 09 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revelation out now for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/revelation-out-now-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/revelation-out-now-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/revelation-out-now-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The super-big free update for Champions Online, Revelation, is officially out today. While the announcement seems to have come out of nowhere, this is about mid-March which has been the scheduled release date for Revelation.

Bringing a significant amount of completely free content to the game, Revelation adds a new zone in the form of the dark voodoo inspired Vibora Bay. It also brings new perks, five new enemy groups, six new meta-powers, a new raid in the form of Therakiel's Temple and even more costume pieces. All-in-all, it's a good day to be a Champions Online subscriber. We hope everyone enjoys all the new content, and we'll surely see you somewhere in Vibora Bay, battling werewolves and half-demon, half-angel supervillains.

MassivelyRevelation out now for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchampions-onlinecocontentcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfreefree-contentfree-updatepatchrevelationupdateTue, 23 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online to offer free weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/21/champions-online-to-offer-free-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/21/champions-online-to-offer-free-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/21/champions-online-to-offer-free-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've been watching the news on the Champions Online front, you know that big changes have come to the game and even more are in store. Players who canceled their subscriptions may even be thinking that Champions Online might be worth a second look, particularly with the addition of Revelation.

If you're one of those players, or have been considering giving the game a first look, you're going to want to clear some time next weekend. Cryptic is offering a free weekend for new and returning players, and it's a pretty generous definition of "weekend". The event -- which will give visitors completely unrestricted access to CO -- begins Friday morning, March 26th at 10 AM PDT, and runs through Monday the 29th at 10 AM PDT. Inactive accounts will be revived for the event, so former players can revisit their old characters.

And don't worry, you won't spend half that time downloading and patching. Cryptic has made the game available for pre-download now, so you'll be completely ready to go Friday morning. We definitely recommend that you check it out -- free is always good and you'll have a lot to see in those 72 hours!

[Thanks to Electrobix for the tip!]

MassivelyChampions Online to offer free weekend originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinechampions-online-revelationcontestcrypticcryptic-studiosfree-weekendRevelationSun, 21 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Roper no longer executive producer of Champions Online, game improvements promised]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/bill-roper-no-longer-executive-producer-of-champions-online-game-improvements-promised/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/bill-roper-no-longer-executive-producer-of-champions-online-game-improvements-promised/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/bill-roper-no-longer-executive-producer-of-champions-online-game-improvements-promised/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Most of the news coming out of Cryptic Studios of late has centered around Star Trek Online, which has garnered quite a following and looks to expand with the upcoming Season 1 patch. But Champions Online hasn't gone anywhere, and the game is gearing up for its mini-expansion and for the future. A state of the game letter has just been released, announcing both what's coming for the game as well as some management shakeups. The latter comes last in the letter but is worth noting early -- Shannon Posniewski, known as Poz on the forums, will be assuming the Executive Producer role for the game, taking over from Bill Roper.

In terms of actual in-game changes, the letter reiterates many things we heard at the GDC: the team knows there are level bands that are a bit thinner in terms of content than the players (or the developers) would like. While they're not prepared to reveal details, they are looking to expand those areas with more content and more to do. There's also the promise of new Adventure Packs, which sound similar in concept to the packs of Dungeons and Dragons Online. The full letter also mentioned updates to powersets and melee damage that should be welcome news for all Champions Online players, a clear sign the game is moving forward and not forgotten.

MassivelyBill Roper no longer executive producer of Champions Online, game improvements promised originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packsbill-roperbreakingchampions-onlinechange-in-managementcocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinemanagementrevelationshannon-posniewskistate-of-the-gameTue, 16 Mar 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: The future of Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-the-future-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-the-future-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-the-future-of-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We had the opportunity to sit down with Bill Roper at GDC 2010 and discuss the general future of Champions Online. There are two themes to Bill's answers during our talk: just about everything is free and listening to community feedback.

First of all, melee powers like Might are getting reworked based directly from player feedback. The goal is to make players feel as though they're on par with ranged powersets in PvP situations. Generally, people have been saying they felt "gimped" and the goal is to fix that. There's a complete reworking of the supernatural set coming as well, which will separate the previously single powerset into two new ones.

Continue reading GDC10: The future of Champions Online

MassivelyGDC10: The future of Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-packbill-roperbreakingchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosgdcgdc-2010gdc10revelationFri, 12 Mar 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Cryptic fields Champions Online Revelation questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ask-cryptic-fields-champions-online-revelation-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ask-cryptic-fields-champions-online-revelation-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/11/ask-cryptic-fields-champions-online-revelation-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Champions Online's upcoming Revelation update is coming very soon and Cryptic's answered a bunch of (somewhat random) community questions regarding the substantial free content add-on. We're not sure if there was any kind of theme to this Q&A other than, "Hey, what would you like to know about Revelation?" Perhaps there were a couple people dressed up a vampires, in spirit of the new zone Vibora Bay, but that's a somewhat commonplace thing nowadays -- vampires, we mean.

Before we spin-out into a crazy off-topic rant about kids and their vampire tendencies, we'd like to point out that it sounds as if Cryptic is moving towards a more staggered update approach. Instead of spending six months creating one big update, they're looking to push out smaller chunks of content on a more frequent basis. They haven't specified whether that means every month or every few months, but we do know some new missions with longer storylines are coming -- as is some low-level experience curve smoothing. It sounds good to us, but we'll let you be the judge of that.

MassivelyAsk Cryptic fields Champions Online Revelation questions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosrevelationrevelation-updatevibora-bayThu, 11 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online gearing up for Revelation playtest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/champions-online-gearing-up-for-revelation-playtest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/champions-online-gearing-up-for-revelation-playtest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/champions-online-gearing-up-for-revelation-playtest/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There was quite a stir when Champions Online first announced their new region of Vibora Bay, with a lot of negative feelings getting voiced. That was mollified when it transformed into its current form as Champions Online: Revelation, a mini-expansion free to all players of the game promising a new area, new enemies, and new plots to uncover. The wait is nearly over, and that means all the joy of testing out the new features before they go live, as the game has just announced a special playtest event with the development team on Thursday, March 11th.

Running from 4-7 PM PST (that's 1-4 PM EST for those on the opposite coast), the event will (understandably) be taking place on the public test server. It's a chance both to hang out with the dev team and get an idea of what the new area will play like, with the added bonus of knowing that the people who know the area inside and out will be right there for any questions. Keep your eyes open for the event, as Champions Online will no doubt have quite a bit to reveal during the test.

MassivelyChampions Online gearing up for Revelation playtest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinechampions-online-revelationcocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosin-game-eventsmini-expansionplaytestplaytest-eventrevelationvibora-bayTue, 09 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's Revelation update gets official info hub]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/champions-onlines-revelation-update-gets-official-info-hub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/champions-onlines-revelation-update-gets-official-info-hub/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/26/champions-onlines-revelation-update-gets-official-info-hub/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The hub page for Champions Online's upcoming Revelation update is live, detailing quite a bit of both the crunchy and fluffy information regarding the game. Players should be happy to finally have some new level 37-40 content in the new Vibora Bay zone, which has fallen under the control of the demon/angel Therakiel. And even if you don't have a hero that high, the new costume parts will bring some fresh content for all.

We think the new zone looks pretty good, especially since it's a much darker color palette than the rest of Champions Online. The addition of five new enemy groups should also help inject some more variety into the game. Lastly, the new cast of NPC heroes and villains look quite promising -- especially Juryrig, an almost "Junkpunk" looking cyborg dude.

If you're looking for more on Revelation, don't miss our recent interview with the game's executive producer Bill Roper.

Gallery: Champions Online: Revelation

MassivelyChampions Online's Revelation update gets official info hub originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosrevelationvibora-bayFri, 26 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Bill Roper on Champions Online's Revelation update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/massively-interviews-bill-roper-on-champions-onlines-revelation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/massively-interviews-bill-roper-on-champions-onlines-revelation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/24/massively-interviews-bill-roper-on-champions-onlines-revelation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently we had the chance to speak with Champions Online's executive producer Bill Roper about the forthcoming Revelation update. More specifically, we asked him about the new zone Vibora Bay, its quest structure and Cryptic's plans moving beyond the Revelation update, as well. Of course, we couldn't discuss this first major content update without asking about the decision to make it free... but you'll just have to check out our interview after the break for that part.

Continue reading Massively interviews Bill Roper on Champions Online's Revelation update

MassivelyMassively interviews Bill Roper on Champions Online's Revelation update originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfeaturedinterviewmassively-interviewsrevelationWed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online gives a mini-state of the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/champions-online-gives-a-mini-state-of-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/champions-online-gives-a-mini-state-of-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/21/champions-online-gives-a-mini-state-of-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's been a bit of a rough ride lately for Champions Online. Their initial plan for a paid mini-expansion met with a reception that could best be described as "frothing rage," and even their later reversal didn't exactly calm the waters. To make matters worse, their large "Kitchen Sink" patch met with equally mixed reviews at the same time. In hopes of stepping up their community relations, Cryptic has been pushing out a great deal more news to the players, including both their new GM Blog feature and a recent pint-sized State of the Game letter.

A re-examination of the "Kitchen Sink" patch, affectionately dubbed the "Kitchen Sink Scrub," is being pushed out in the near future, with a week or so to go before it hits the live servers. The mini-expansion, dubbed Champions Online -- Revelation, should also be going live sometime in the middle of March. Players hoping to get a bit of an early start on it will be happy to note it's also going to be hitting the test servers some time within the next week, letting the new zone get a thorough examination. With the promise of an upcoming site devoted specifically to the expansion, it seems like Champions Online is really trying to wash out the bad taste of their missteps.

MassivelyChampions Online gives a mini-state of the game originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinechampions-online-revelationcocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosexpansionfan-reactionkitchen-sink-patchmini-expansionrevelationstate-of-the-gametest-serverstestingSun, 21 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online expansion is now free]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/champions-online-expansion-is-now-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/champions-online-expansion-is-now-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/09/champions-online-expansion-is-now-free/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A lot of upset has been swirling around the Champions Online community lately. Much of it has been due to the announcement of a paid zone expansion and implementation of a "Kitchen Sink" patch that was pushed out too soon. In an effort to heal wounds and correct mistakes, Cryptic has released a new State of the Game targeted at addressing player concerns.

There are a couple big things to take away from this news. For one, the expansion is now completely free. It's also now known as Champions Online - Revelation and is due out in mid-March 2010. New play areas, new powers, new rewards, and greater challenges are all promised by Cryptic. Expect a tidal wave of screenshots, videos, interviews and sweet juicy information in the coming weeks.

The other big change is the way in which the Champions Online team is interacting with the community. They're adding a bevy of new features and community events -- like a Cryptic Studios Supergroup in-game -- that should help open up the lines of communication and hopefully add some much needed transparency to the game.

Gallery: Champions Online: Revelation

MassivelyChampions Online expansion is now free originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosfree-expansionrevelationstate-of-the-gamevibora-bayTue, 09 Feb 2010 22:25:00 EST