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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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[MMObility: Avabel Online is almost everything I dislike about mobile MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mmobility-avabel-online-is-almost-everything-i-dislike-about-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mmobility-avabel-online-is-almost-everything-i-dislike-about-mo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mmobility-avabel-online-is-almost-everything-i-dislike-about-mo/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Mobile, MMObility

Avabel Online screenshot

The mobile MMO market is still so young and underdeveloped that it seems unfair to judge it too harshly. Calling it devoid of quality content is sort of like describing the dark days of early graphical MMOs, a time filled with games that were nothing but a grind wrapped in what we thought was a pretty package. In hindsight, those three-day waits and incredibly tedious levels were "fun" only when we consider that they were all we had to choose from.

The mobile market is about 80% crap as it is right now; this is true. I say that as someone who is a massive fan of the platform. For what it's worth, the rest of the standard MMO market is around 80% crap as well, but there are a lot more titles to choose from. Mobile has its star titles and wonderful developers, but when a game like Avabel Online pops up, I cringe at the possibility that an entire generation of gamers might grow up on such tedium.

Continue reading MMObility: Avabel Online is almost everything I dislike about mobile MMOs

MMObility: Avabel Online is almost everything I dislike about mobile MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcane-legendsavabelavabel-onlinebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionorder-and-chaos-onlinephonesmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsFri, 29 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Fifteen fun free MMORPGs for your tablet or smartphone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/mmobility-fifteen-fun-free-mmorpgs-for-your-tablet-or-smartphon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/mmobility-fifteen-fun-free-mmorpgs-for-your-tablet-or-smartphon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/22/mmobility-fifteen-fun-free-mmorpgs-for-your-tablet-or-smartphon/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Casual, MMObility, Sandbox

Avabel screenshot

Mobile MMORPGs are still hard to come by. Sure, there are a ton of pseudo-MMOs and developers who claim to have created an MMO, but the fact is that persistence -- a key to defining what an MMO is -- is often gone from many of these games. I want to be able to log out of the game while the rest of the digital world goes on without me. Or better yet, and in the case of most MMORTS titles, I want to log out of the game and continue to have an effect on the world through trades, wars, or the fallout of diplomacy.

Even though the market is often bare, there are still quite a few MMOs out there. Many of them are fun as well! I know, I know, I am making it seem as though the smartphone or tablet MMO market is empty of all content, but the truth is that for its age, it's doing very well. There are more and more coming out all of the time, and hopefully I'll be there to cover them. In the meanwhile, enjoy a list of the specific titles that rest on my Nexus 7 3G tablet, just waiting to be played anywhere and any time!

Continue reading MMObility: Fifteen fun free MMORPGs for your tablet or smartphone

MMObility: Fifteen fun free MMORPGs for your tablet or smartphone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcane-legendsavabelbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsfeaturedgoogleingresskabamlife-is-magiclocation-basedmidgard-risingmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmonexus-7opinionorder-and-chaos-onlineparallel-kingdomparallel-mafiaparallel-zombiesperbluephonepocket-legendsRed-Robot-Labssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendstabletthe-hobbit-kingdoms-of-middle-earthtibiaMEwarspear-onlineFri, 22 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Screenshots, Game Mechanics, New Titles, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, Humor, Free for All, Dungeons

Arcane Legends screenshot

Spacetime Studios' newest title, Arcane Legends, which just launched officially yesterday, didn't quite excite me at first. This was before I had played the game or really caught a glimpse of any in-game artwork, but after three titles, I'd been wondering whether Spacetime could change its tune a bit. The last three titles have been basically the same game, albeit set in different genres and universes. First we were given Pocket Legends, a fantasy dungeon-crawler that surprised us with how much content and fun was to be had inside. Then we got Star Legends, a sci-fi version with a few tweaks. Next up came Dark Legends, a vampire-themed modern adventure that introduced us to action-based combat with a more "adult" tone.

It's not that all of the previous titles were no fun to play. Instead, each one offers a smooth experience that's easy to jump into and sometimes hard to put down. But each one felt a bit more like a variant on a previous model, a build-up to something more finalized and slick.

Is Arcane Legends that better product? Did it take three tries to finally get things right in the Legends line?

Gallery: Arcane Legends screenshots

Continue reading Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0

Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatarcane-legendsbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepocket-legendspremiumsmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvelvet-ropeWed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Fourteen MMOs that you can play anywhere]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/mmobility-fourteen-mmos-that-you-can-play-anywhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/mmobility-fourteen-mmos-that-you-can-play-anywhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/13/mmobility-fourteen-mmos-that-you-can-play-anywhere/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Business Models, Culture, Previews, Opinion, War, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, MMORTS, MMObility, Sandbox

Remanum screenshot

I thought it'd be fun to make a list of go-anywhere MMOs this week. It's not really hard to find portable MMOs that run on laptops or netbooks. The real issue is locating MMOs that can be played on your desktop while you're at work (while the boss isn't looking, of course!), then on your phone at lunch, and then on your laptop while you sit in bed later that night.

The technology to make constantly accessible MMOs is there, namely in the form of HTML5. Adobe recently announced that not only is it moving away from Flash for mobile devices, but it is also specifically targeting Android Jelly Bean. There is a new wave of web technologies coming that will hopefully, once and for all, put an end to the need for special lists like this one. Not all of my choices are HTML5-based, but I tried to keep all of them open for all devices. If you notice any oddities while playing them on a certain device, let me know in the comments section so I can note it. I get a lot of requests for lists like this, so I want to keep things tight.

In the meanwhile, enjoy the list. There are others out there, but I wanted to pick out some that give pretty much the same result across whichever device you use.

Continue reading MMObility: Fourteen MMOs that you can play anywhere

MMObility: Fourteen MMOs that you can play anywhere originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeabeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowserquestdark-legendsdomain-of-heroesfeaturedfleckgrepolisillyriadillyriad-gamesmight-and-magic-heroes-kingdommmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmomudo-gamesogameopinionparallel-kingdomparallel-mafiaperbluephonepocket-legendsremanumsmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendstraviantravian-gamesFri, 13 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2012: Spacetime Studios demos another smash Legends hit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/e3-2012-spacetime-studios-demos-another-smash-legends-hit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/e3-2012-spacetime-studios-demos-another-smash-legends-hit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/06/e3-2012-spacetime-studios-demos-another-smash-legends-hit/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Events (Real-World), Interviews, MMO Industry, New Titles, Free-to-Play, Interviews (Massively's), Events (Massively's Coverage), Miscellaneous

E3 2012 Spacetime Studios demos another smash Legends hit

If you're a fan of Spacetime Studios' mobile MMO Pocket Legends or any of its brethren, you're in for a treat. The studio's next installment in the series, Arcane Legends, promises to deliver more of what all gamers crave: a standard hack-'n'-slash dungeon crawler feel, with more weapons, more environments, more lore, and more of just plain ol' fun. For free.

Players who haven't experienced any of the Legends series will find it familiar yet entertaining. Spacetime is entirely dedicated to gaming software on all platforms. Pocket Legends was its first foray into the market, and thus was born Star Legends and Dark Legends, each with its own style and flair. Arcane Legends delivers more of what the previous titles offer.

I was able to sit down with Fernando Blanco, Director of Marketing, at E3 to see a demo for the game, which the studio showcased on two tablets -- including a Kindle Fire. It was quite impressive.

Continue reading E3 2012: Spacetime Studios demos another smash Legends hit

E3 2012: Spacetime Studios demos another smash Legends hit originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcane-legendsconconventionconvention-coveragedark-legendse3e3-2012electronic-entertainment-expoexpoFernando-Blancopocket-legendsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsWed, 06 Jun 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Horror, Video, Interviews, Previews, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, Interviews (Massively's), Community Q&A, Livestream, Miscellaneous

Google Plus hangout screenshot

If you have wondered about what was going on in Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes' head while designing Dark Legends, wonder no more. I was asked to sit in on a Google + hangout, essentially a public video conference call, with Cinco, Carter Dotson from 148apps and Heidi Duran from GirlGamer. The event was moderated by Ashley Esqueda from G4TV. Cinco fielded some questions from us and fans of the game.

Want to see some cool concept art? Need to know if the energy mechanic in Dark Legends was created just to make fast cash? Have you heard about Spacetime's newly announced title Arcane Legends, but have no idea what might be involved with the game? Have you wondered about the images in the opening video, the appearance of top hats, and the possibility of obtaining all of those great costumes through in-game means? You can find out the answers to these and other important questions in the video, embedded just after the cut.

Continue reading Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design

Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>148appsarcane-legendsashley-esquedabeau-hindmancarter-dotsoncinco-barnesdark-legendsG4TVGirlGamergooglegoogle-plusheidi-duranmobilepocket-legendsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsFri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios teases Arcane Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/spacetime-studios-teases-arcane-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/spacetime-studios-teases-arcane-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/spacetime-studios-teases-arcane-legends/#commentsFiled under: New Titles, Free-to-Play, Mobile

Spacetime Studios

Pocket Legends. Star Legends. Dark Legends. And now... Arcane Legends?

Yes, it appears to be true! Spacetime Studios is working on a fourth title for its popular mobile MMO library, filing a trademark that has since been approved. The application for a U.S. federal trademark was submitted on April 5th and was given the thumbs up May 10th. As one of its categories is "electronic game software for cellular telephones," we can reasonably deduce that Arcane Legends will launch on mobile devices in the same manner of its older siblings.

Spacetime Studios told us that it will release an official announcement of the title later this week. The studio recently released the vampire-themed MMO Dark Legends on iOS and Android devices.

Spacetime Studios teases Arcane Legends originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidannouncementarcanearcane-legendsdark-legendsf2pfree-to-playiosnew-titlepocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendstrademarkMon, 21 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/dark-legends-launches-on-apple-devices-hits-500k-players/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Horror, Launches, Free-to-Play, Mobile

Dark Legends

The tortured souls of the underworld Apple users have twiddled their thumbs and sharpened their canines for over a month now, a month that Android and Chrome users have played Dark Legends to their hearts' content. After that long wait, iOS owners can stop penning brooding poetry on Livejournal and start playing the game proper: Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends on the App Store.

Apple users can now joining the 500,000-plus Dark Legends community by simply downloading the game from the store and getting their vamp on. Edward-wannabes have a daunting task in front of them, however, as all of the darker fantasy forces are out to be a serious pain in their neck.

Dark Legends follows in the wake of Spacetime's enormously popular Pocket Legends and Star Legends. It's available as a free download with optional in-app purchases and can be played over wifi, edge, 3G, and 4G networks.

Our own Beau is livestreaming Dark Legends today on Massively TV, so be sure to see what he thinks of the game!

[Source: Spacetime Studios press release]

Dark Legends launches on Apple devices, hits 500K players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-app-storechromedark-legendsdraculaedwardf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchitouchlaunchmobilemobile-mmoobscure-livejournal-referencepocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampireMon, 07 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Legends goes live for Android and Chrome]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/dark-legends-goes-live-for-mobile-devices-and-chrome/#commentsFiled under: Horror, Launches, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile

He bit her right in her main catsup artery.

So you like vampires? It's kind of a thing these days. Maybe you like vampires so much that you really want to play around with some vampiric content on your mobile device. That's for the best, as Spacetime Studios has released Dark Legends today. Building off the success of the studio's previous mobile/browser titles (Pocket Legends and Star Legends), the newest game allows players to take on the role of a bloodsucking monster of the night.

The game is currently available in the the Google Play Store and the Chrome app store; it won't be available in the iOS app store for a few more weeks. Like previous offerings, it's free-to-play, and you can log in from separate devices to play both on the road and at home. Unlike previous games, this one is definitely not aiming for the family market, being a fair bit more overtly violent and bloody. Still, if you feel the urge to rampage through dark alleys while you are walking through said alleys in real life, Dark Legends has you covered.

[Update: We've clarified that the game is not yet available for Apple users. Sorry for the confusion!]

Dark Legends goes live for Android and Chrome originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-mmodark-legendsf2pfree-to-playmobilenew-gamesnew-titlespocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvampiresWed, 11 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/mmobility-parallel-mafia-is-not-a-typical-mafia-game/#commentsFiled under: Business Models, New Titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-On, Casual, Crime, Miscellaneous, MMObility

If you have played Parallel Kingdom by PerBlue before, then a lot of what I am going to describe might sound familiar. If not, then it might sound very unique and exciting. The truth is that I have been attempting to get into Parallel Kingdom for a while but always found myself a bit overwhelmed, so I was excited to be invited to check out PerBlue's new title Parallel Mafia. I hoped that I might squeeze in some questions about Parallel Kingdom while I had the team on the line. Sure enough, I not only got introduced to the new title but left the interview knowing a lot more about Parallel Kingdom. I have been playing heavily since then. As I compare the two titles, I can see a lot of similarities, but there are some nice differences as well.

Both titles are location-based MMORPGs. I have always wanted more options in the genre, but I imagine it's a tough one to develop in. What's the point of the real-life connection? Why would players want to play in a game that is basically spawned on top of Google Maps?

Continue reading MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game

MMObility: Parallel Mafia is not a typical Mafia game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedgoogle-mapsiOSiphonelocation-basedmafia-warsmmobilitymobileperbluepocket-legendssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsUltima-OnlineZyngaFri, 16 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Utilizing Windows 8 to help with MMO chores]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/mmobility-utilizing-windows-8-to-help-with-mmo-chores/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/mmobility-utilizing-windows-8-to-help-with-mmo-chores/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/mmobility-utilizing-windows-8-to-help-with-mmo-chores/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Culture, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Hands-On, Casual, MMORTS, Kids, Miscellaneous, MMObility

Windows 8 preview screenshot

Not so long ago, I told you about my acquisition of an Inspiron Duo netbook, a 10-inch device that was not only a small laptop but also a touchscreen tablet device. It is a very sturdy device, and the flip-around screen works well. The main problem with the device was that it came with Windows 7 while only sporting a dual core processor and two gigs of RAM. The other main issue was that the 10-inch screen has a 1366x768-pixel resolution, meaning that it was often uncomfortable to read on it or play games unless I zoomed in.

Recently Microsoft released the Windows 8 public preview, so I downloaded it after reading that it was really geared for tablet or touchcreen devices. Sure enough, the same 10-inch netbook that was not getting a lot of use around here suddenly became faster and much more friendly to the eyes.

It's perfect timing, as well, especially since I will be starting my "chores" experiment in which I see whether scheduling my gameplay each day will help me with an issue I have been having.

Continue reading MMObility: Utilizing Windows 8 to help with MMO chores

MMObility: Utilizing Windows 8 to help with MMO chores originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbsg-onlinecastle-empirechoresdie2niteduof2pfeaturedfree-to-pftpglitchgolden-agegunshineillyriadinspiron-duojagexjunebud-abmilmominitroopersmiramagiamirimagiammobilitymmortsmobilepocket-legendsriotzonerunescaspacetime-studiosstar-legendstouchscreentwinoidFri, 09 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/gdc-2012-a-look-at-dark-legends-with-spacetime-studios/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Horror, Game Mechanics, Interviews, MMO Industry, Previews, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Hands-On, Casual, Interviews (Massively's), Events (Massively's Coverage), Miscellaneous

Dark Legends

Life, death, and a return from the grave: That sums up the life of a vampire, but it also sums up the journey of Spacetime Studios. What do the two have in common? The studio's upcoming title called Dark Legends. At GDC 2012 this week, Massively had a chance to talk with Gary Gattis, CEO of Spacetime Studios, and we got a first-hand look at how the company successfully created a game in which people can play together on laptops, tablets, phones, and virtually any mobile device available.

Continue reading GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios

GDC 2012: A look at Dark Legends with Spacetime Studios originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondark-legendsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gary-gattisgdcgdc-2012interviewinterviewskaren-bryanmobilemobile-mmospocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsWed, 07 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/mmobility-the-16-mmos-in-my-pocket/#commentsFiled under: Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile, Hands-On, Casual, MMORTS, Miscellaneous, MMObility

HTC Inspire picture

I have a smartphone that is pretty much filled to the brim with actual, functional, persistent MMORPGs. Some of them are three-dimensional romps through massive worlds filled with dungeons and dragons; others are representational browser-based games that work through the phone's native browser; and the rest are hardly nothing more than a few dots on the screen and impressionistic gameplay.

Still, they are MMOs. I love having access to them, and over the last year I have actually grown to love simple, clever design and basic artwork over almost anything else. Forget Guild Wars 2; we'll hear enough about that to make us choke. Sure, it might be a fun game, but I'm a tech guy from the Bizarro universe. I prefer to see how little tech I need to game with. I want to push the limits even lower.

Anyway, it's springtime here in Texas, so it's time to clean out all sorts of crap from my life. I organize all of my hundreds of songs, films, movies and art pieces and get my digital life in order as well. This process includes tweaking my current line-up of basic technology and downloading any updates for the games that exist on those devices. It's time to cull the weak and glorify the wonderful.

Continue reading MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket

MMObility: The 16 MMOs in my pocket originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapplebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsdie2niteelemental-knights-online-the-worldempire-onlinefeaturedglitchHTC-inspireillyriadillyriad-gamesIOSiphoneMMObilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoOnLiveopinionorder-and-chaos-onlineparallel-kingdomperbluephonepocket-legendssmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstewart-butterfieldthe-infinite-blacktibiaMEtiny-specktraviantraviansVendetta-Onlinewarspear-onlineworld-of-midgardFri, 02 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios working on new mobile MMO Dark Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/spacetime-studios-working-on-new-mobile-mmo-dark-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/spacetime-studios-working-on-new-mobile-mmo-dark-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/spacetime-studios-working-on-new-mobile-mmo-dark-legends/#commentsFiled under: New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mobile

Spacetime Studios, the developer of popular mobile MMO titles Pocket Legends and Star Legends, has announced that it has begun work on a new mobile game following the Legends format. The new title, about which we know virtually nothing aside from the fact that it exists, is called Dark Legends. Ominous, right? DroidGamers reports that Spacetime Studios CEO Gary Gattis has stated that "Dark Legends will be a bit of a departure from the formula that Pocket Legends established as we innovate on lessons learned." So there's clearly a new twist to the studio's standard gameplay, but we'll just have to wait and see what that twist may be.

Spacetime Studios working on new mobile MMO Dark Legends originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-legendsdroidf2pfree-to-playgary-gattismobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmospocket-legendsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsTue, 03 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The year in mobile]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/mmobility-the-year-in-mobile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/mmobility-the-year-in-mobile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/30/mmobility-the-year-in-mobile/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, Interviews, News Items, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Casual, MMObility

What a year, huh? We gamers have seen a lot of changes, but especially in the mobile market. New devices came and went, technologies spread out even further in the world, and MMO gaming established itself on the smallest screens possible. Of course, the mobile market is not as large as the standard MMO market, but it is definitely growing. As more devices appear, more players come to fill up the games.

Our phones are not what they used to be, even five years ago. They are now truly tiny and powerful computing devices that are always connected. A player can literally live all of his digital life on one small device. If we look at the laptop and netbook market, we see even more growth and power. All of these devices need games to play on them, and MMOs fit perfectly into the mobile lifestyle.

Click past the cut and I'll recap many of the best stories from Massively's mobile coverage!

Continue reading MMObility: The year in mobile

MMObility: The year in mobile originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromeconquer-onlineempire-onlinef2pfacebookfeaturedfleckfree-to-playftpGameloftglitchgraal-onlinehotdog-studiohphp-touchpadIOSipadiphoneMMObilitymobilenc-softOnLiveorder-and-chaos-onlinepocket-legendsself-aware-gamesshadow-citiesspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstewart-butterfieldtiny-speckworld-of-magicWorld-of-WarcraftyslandiaFri, 30 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Legends adds new Crusade of Chaos campaign, Winter Festival]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/star-legends-adds-new-crusade-of-chaos-campaign-winter-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/star-legends-adds-new-crusade-of-chaos-campaign-winter-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/28/star-legends-adds-new-crusade-of-chaos-campaign-winter-festival/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, Events (In-Game), Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mobile

Star Legends - combat gameplay

If you're looking for some new mobile MMO content to fill out your holiday week, Spacetime Studios has added a new campaign to its Star Legends title. The Crusade of Chaos, Part I will send you adventuring to the planet Volaria in search of its missing governor. The update features new legendary gear, new bosses, and a bonus capture-the-flag map. Crusade of Chaos is intended for players between level 35 and 40.

Star Legends' Winter Festival is also ongoing, and it boasts "holiday trees, snowflakes, a robo reindeer, and a new dungeon with some icy cool loot," according to the latest Spacetime email blast. Sound good? Then take a look at the Winter Festival preview video that we've embedded for you after the break.

[Source: Spacetime press release]

Continue reading Star Legends adds new Crusade of Chaos campaign, Winter Festival

Star Legends adds new Crusade of Chaos campaign, Winter Festival originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crusade-of-chaosf2pfree-to-playsci-fispacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendstrailervideowinter-festivalWed, 28 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Simplifying design for the mobile market]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mmobility-simplifying-design-for-the-mobile-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mmobility-simplifying-design-for-the-mobile-market/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/mmobility-simplifying-design-for-the-mobile-market/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, Business Models, Game Mechanics, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Casual, MMObility

Whenever I write up something about a smartphone MMO, one of the most common complaints I hear is this: "If I wanted to play a game for several hours, I would sit at my gaming desktop." While this is true for many players, it is also true that games like Star Legends and Pocket Legends by Spacetime Studios have met with a lot of success. The developers were surprised to find that players were more than willing to sit for several hours while playing the games on their tiny screens.

Still, there is a lot of truth to the complaints about smartphone MMOs. An MMO is typically something a player wants to get lost in. We commonly refer to it as "immersion," but really we're just talking about being sucked into the ideas and design of a title. If you have found yourself daydreaming about a game while at work, you were "immersed."

I would argue that this type of deep immersion is very possible on the smaller screens of smartphones and tablets. However, in order to achieve it more commonly, developers might have to adjust many of their designs and theories. Click past the cut and we'll discuss it!

Continue reading MMObility: Simplifying design for the mobile market

MMObility: Simplifying design for the mobile market originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsbeau-hindmanEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfleckMMObilitymobilemobile-mmomobile-mmospocket-legendssmartphonesmartphone-appsmartphone-mmoSOEspacetime-studiosstar-legendstheres-an-app-for-thatwizard-101wizard101wizardbloxFri, 23 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends and Star Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends-and-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends-and-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/18/rise-and-shiny-recap-pocket-legends-and-star-legends/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, Video, Game Mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Hands-On, Casual, Rise and Shiny, Livestream

Star Legends screenshot

This week my job was a bit harder than it usually is. This week I had to revisit Pocket Legends and Star Legends, the entirety of the Spacetime Studios lineup, in order to catch the updates and differences since both games were recently adapted to play within the Chrome browser.

See, the device that you play an MMO on does make a difference. While I haven't found many players who have an issue with moving up to a finer machine with a larger screen, I almost always receive a few comments in any of my mobile MMO columns about the lack of fun involved with playing anything on a screen that will fit in your hand. While I understand the difficulty in downgrading your monitor size, the mobile market's reception of Pocket Legends surprised even the developer. People are playing it, for many hours, on screens that are very small.

But now we have the ability to play it in our browser. Does it make a difference in the experience? Click past the cut and I'll let you know.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends and Star Legends

Rise and Shiny recap: Pocket Legends and Star Legends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddungeon-fighter-onlinefeaturedlivestreammobilemobile-mmonexonpocket-legendsrise-and-shinyside-scrollingsmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvideovideosWorld-of-WarcraftSun, 18 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: December 12-18, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/mv-guide-december-12-18-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/mv-guide-december-12-18-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/mv-guide-december-12-18-2011/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

Goodbye SWG -- thanks for everything

MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively TV.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During our streamed events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, streaming is subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

You'll notice a hefty lineup, some new faces, and some special events in this week's MV Guide. Joining us will be some brand-new members of the MV TV livestream team, so make sure you stop in while they're live and give them a welcome!

Follow along after the jump to see what's on this week's schedule.

Continue reading MV Guide: December 12-18, 2011

MV Guide: December 12-18, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empires-onlinebiowareccpCCP-Gameschampions-onlineclone-wars-adventurescwad3dc-universe-onlinedcuodiablo-3diablo-iiieqiieve-onlineEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedffxivfinal-fantasy-xivgaia-onlineherotopial2lineage-2livestreamlivestreamingmv-guidemv-tvncsoftperfect-worldpocket-legendspoptropicapwesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsquare-enixstar-legendsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorwhirledMon, 12 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Fantasy Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/rise-and-shiny-recap-fantasy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/rise-and-shiny-recap-fantasy-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/rise-and-shiny-recap-fantasy-online/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Hands-On, Casual, Rise and Shiny, Livestream

Fantasy Online screenshot

This week I decided to check out Fantasy Online, an extremely indie browser-based MMORPG by Pixelated Games. I've had my eye on it for a while but hadn't yet taken a chance on it. I liked the 8bit style of the game, but to be honest there are so many 8bit stylings going on right now (could it be more hip?) that it sort of all blends together into one pixelated mess. I have a buddy who makes 8bit music, t-shirts have featured 8bit designs for a while, and entire generations of gamers who never played the original games that the style is based on are diving head-first into the world of primitive graphics. Let's just say it's very popular.

What are the advantages of making a game that looks like it came from 1985? Someone once pointed out to me that an indie developer might have an easier time making a game that doesn't require state-of-the-art graphics. Good point. 8bit is sort of instant indie cred, as well. Just ask Notch of Minecraft fame.

Fantasy Online is more than just 8bit graphics, though, so allow me to fill you in on the details. Click past the cut!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Fantasy Online

Rise and Shiny recap: Fantasy Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowser-basedf2pfantasy-onlinefeaturedfree-to-playftpindependentIndiepixelated-gamespocket-legendsrise-and-shinyspacetime-studiosstar-legendsWorld-of-WarcraftwowSun, 11 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime announces industry-first cross-platform implementation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Miscellaneous

Pocket Legends wallpaper

If you've ever wondered about the feasibility of cross-platform MMOs, Spacetime Studios is here to tell you that it's a reality. The company announced an industry first earlier today when it removed the barriers between players who use different devices and operating systems.

The company's Pocket Legends and Star Legends mobile MMOs share a single global server, and access to said server is now open to users of desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

"There have always been technical walls between players on different platforms," said CEO Gary Gattis. "Now, people are free to play on the device they choose with anyone, anywhere, anytime, whether they are at home or on-the-go."

[Source: Spacetime press release]

Spacetime announces industry-first cross-platform implementation originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformcross-platform-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playgary-gattismobilepocket-legendssci-fisingle-serversmart-phonesspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendstabletsThu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/the-perfect-ten-best-starter-mmos/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, City of Heroes, Guild Wars, RuneScape, Free Realms, Champions Online, Wizard101, RIFT, Dragon Nest, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous

Perfect Ten

I think it's tremendously easy for experienced MMO players to completely forget what it was like getting started in this genre. It's natural to assume that everyone around you cut their teeth on the same games and in the same ways you did, even though this is completely ridiculous when you give it any real thought.

The truth is that MMOs are often very intimidating to the newcomer, and a bad first impression can push a player away for life. You have to contend with a typically busy user interface, you have to master keys and mouse buttons all over the place, you have to learn the lingo, you have to pick up skills on how to survive, and you have to do all of this almost all at once or risk feeling completely lost. This is why many MMO studios place such a priority on an excellent, welcoming tutorial experience.

I can relate to the newbie because my first MMO was Anarchy Online. I've never felt so out of my depth than when I played that back in 2002, and I don't think I ever quite understood it all before I left. My second MMO, City of Heroes, was far more friendly to my newbish soul, and it was smooth sailing from there on out.

For today's Perfect Ten, I want to highlight MMOs that I feel would be the best for a completely new player to experience. These are titles that combine a welcoming beginner journey, intuitive controls, a helpful community, and enough similarities with other video games to help the transition.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs

The Perfect Ten: Best starter MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineblizzardchampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticdragon-nestfeaturedfree-realmsguild-warsmr-rogersperfect-10perfect-tenpocket-legendsriftrunescapespacetime-studiosstar-legendsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 20 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC Online 2011: Spacetime Studios talks Star Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/gdc-austin-2011-spacetime-studios-talks-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/gdc-austin-2011-spacetime-studios-talks-star-legends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/gdc-austin-2011-spacetime-studios-talks-star-legends/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Events (Real-World), Interviews, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Mobile, Casual

Star Legends -- GDC Online 2011

Spacetime Studios is quickly establishing itself as a leading name in the mobile MMO market. Its two titles, Pocket Legends and Star Legends, have proven extremely popular choices for players who want to get their MMO fix on the go, and this week at GDC Online, our own Beau Hindman got to have a chat with the games' creators about what's on the horizon.

The big news is Star Legends' upcoming Google Chrome release. That's right, the truly hardcore Star Legends players will soon be able to play from the comfort of their home computers. With the upcoming release of Chrome 15, the title will be available in the browser's app store. But what if you've got a bunch of phone-exclusive friends without whom your game experience just wouldn't be complete? Not to worry! PC and mobile players will inhabit the same server, so you don't have to leave your friends behind for the comfort of your mouse and keyboard.

What else is coming for the mobile title? Head past the cut for the full scoop.

Continue reading GDC Online 2011: Spacetime Studios talks Star Legends

GDC Online 2011: Spacetime Studios talks Star Legends originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbrowserbrowser-basedchromef2pfree-to-playgdcgdc-onlinegdc-online-2011google-chromeiosmobilepocket-legendssloucho-productionsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsWed, 12 Oct 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The rise of the browser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/mmobility-the-rise-of-the-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/mmobility-the-rise-of-the-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/07/mmobility-the-rise-of-the-browser/#commentsFiled under: Opinion, Browser, Miscellaneous, MMObility

Over the last week I have been obsessing over Glitch, the new browser-based MMORPG brought to us by Tiny Speck. I will go into details of why in my Rise and Shiny column, but for now, let's just say that I think it is one of the greatest things I have come across in a long time. For the record, I was talking about Glitch before it was popular (that hipster cred should get my a free pair of glasses in Glitch!) and was excited about starting this column because of games like Glitch.

In short, I knew that the browser market was huge, and I knew it was only going to grow bigger. Yes, I know what you're thinking, and yes I am claiming that we are starting to see the end of the heavy-duty client and demand for expensive hardware and upgrades. It's a big prediction, but click past the cut and let me explain.

Continue reading MMObility: The rise of the browser

MMObility: The rise of the browser originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedChromeBooksclub-penguinDofusearth-eternalf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpglitchgoogleillyriadjagged-alliance-onlinekultanmilmoMMObilityorder-and-chaos-onlinepuzzle-piratesrunescapespiral-knightsstar-legendsstar-trek-infinite-spaceufo-onlinewakfuFri, 07 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: What makes a good mobile game to me]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/mmobility-what-makes-a-good-mobile-game-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/mmobility-what-makes-a-good-mobile-game-to-me/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/mmobility-what-makes-a-good-mobile-game-to-me/#commentsFiled under: Business Models, Opinion, Mobile, Casual, Humor, Miscellaneous, MMObility

Fleck screenshot

Over the time I have been exploring mobile gaming, especially since I have been writing this column, I've discovered exactly what I like and dislike about the genre. Mobile MMOs are the tiniest niche within the greater world of MMOs. Some would say that MMOs are even a tiny corner of gaming in general. While I don't quite agree, I would say that explaining my column to random game shop employees or curious friends is quite the challenge.

"You write about games... on your phone?"

"Yes, massively multiplayer games."

"Huh?"

Luckily there are many new ones that offer a much more robust gaming experience. I can proudly show people examples of games like Order and Chaos Online, Star Legends or Illyriad. Of course, I sift through many poor examples before I get to the good ones. So let's take this opportunity to discuss what I think makes for a good game. Click past the cut and feel free to add your ideas in the comments section!

Continue reading MMObility: What makes a good mobile game to me

MMObility: What makes a good mobile game to me originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanfarmvillefeaturedfleckillyriadmafia-warsMMObilitymobilemobile-mmoorder-and-chaos-onlineouter-empiressmartphonestar-legendstibiaMETue, 30 Aug 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple releases Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles to the app store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi, Launches, Free-to-Play, Mobile

It's been a long time winding its way through the Apple approving process, but Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles is now available for iOS devices. The game, which is free with optional microtransaction purchases, is a universal app, so it will play on the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad.

Apple users have had to wait significantly longer to get their hands on Star Legends than Android players, as the Android version was released much earlier this month. Spacetime Studios promises gamers that a "majority" of the content of the game is completely free-to-play, and characters can reach the level cap without having to pay a dime.

If you're interested in our impressions of this sci-fi blastathon, check out our Rise and Shiny Recap of Star Legends!

Gallery: Star Legends

Apple releases Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles to the app store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-storeblackstarf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchituneslaunchmobilemobile-mmoreleaserise-and-shinyspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesFri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sci-fi MMO Star Legends launches on the Android OS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/star-legends-a-sci-fi-mmo-launches-into-the-android-os/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/star-legends-a-sci-fi-mmo-launches-into-the-android-os/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/star-legends-a-sci-fi-mmo-launches-into-the-android-os/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, Launches, New Titles, Free-to-Play

Spacetime Studios, creator of the mobile MMO Pocket Legends, stepped into the science fiction realm with the launch of its latest MMO Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. Feeding off the frenzy of the mobile platform, Star Legends debuted on the Android OS first and can be downloaded at the Android Market or VCAST. Chief Vision Officer Cinco Barnes commented on why the publisher chose to launch on Android first in a recent press release:

"When we launched Pocket Legends on Android we were blown away by the response from the community. Android has since become the leading revenue driver and our primary focus. It is so easy to publish apps on their Market that it became a no-brainer for us to flip the standard mobile game strategy on its head and launch on Android before any other OS."

Star Legends boasts hours of gameplay -- via wi-fi, Edge, 3G, or 4G connections on Android 2.0 and above mobile devices -- with three customizable classes, character progression, guilds, and chat. These items, Spacetime says, are usually reserved for PC MMOs.

Screenshots of this innovative game are displayed below, and the brief trailer for the game is tucked behind the break!

Gallery: Star Legends

Continue reading Sci-fi MMO Star Legends launches on the Android OS

Sci-fi MMO Star Legends launches on the Android OS originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketandroid-oscinco-barneslaunchesmobilemobile-gamesmobile-MMOpocket-legendsspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclestrailervcastvideoThu, 11 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Screenshots, Video, New Titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Hands-On, Casual, Rise and Shiny, Livestream

Spacetime Studios, makers of the current heavyweight champion of the mobile world Pocket Legends, has expanded its lineup by adding Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. I was more excited about this title than almost any other that was announced this year -- and for good reason. Pocket Legends proved that a real mobile MMO complete with a persistent world, real-time chat and multiplayer interaction is possible. Over this last year the developers have added on a lot of new options and kept the game moving forward. If their new game was going to follow the same patch as Pocket Legends, then more power to Spacetime.

At the same time, would they be able to overcome or improve some of the basic issues that comes with mobile gaming? And what exactly was the goal of making a second mobile MMO if a lot of your core design would remain the same... and a lot of your players would as well?

Click past the cut and I'll tell you what I found this week!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles

Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbig-brothers-big-sistersblackstarf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpmobilepocket-legendsrise-and-shinysmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesstar-warsSun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: July 11 - 17, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/mv-guide-july-11-17-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/mv-guide-july-11-17-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/mv-guide-july-11-17-2011/#commentsFiled under: Massively Meta, Livestream, Miscellaneous, MV Guide

MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of games to take a look at. During Livestream events, you can participate in the live chat to learn about the game, ask questions, and spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, Livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's scheduled for this week!

Continue reading MV Guide: July 11 - 17, 2011

MV Guide: July 11 - 17, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gunshinelivestreammilmoministry-of-warmv-guidemv-tvrunes-of-magicstar-legendsvanguardMon, 11 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Legends launches beta on Verizon's V CAST]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/star-legends-launches-beta-on-verizons-v-cast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/star-legends-launches-beta-on-verizons-v-cast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/star-legends-launches-beta-on-verizons-v-cast/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Casual

If you're a mobile gamer who also happens to be a Verizon user, it seems that you're in luck. Spacetime Studios -- maker of the immensely popular Pocket Legends -- announced today that its new mobile MMO, Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles has begun beta testing exclusively on Verizon's V CAST. Fear not, because we have a spiffy trailer to help players get their space-legs.

The game takes place in the far-off 41st century, and puts players in the space-faring shoes of one of three classes: Commando, Engineer, or Operative. Players then "quest for adventure, fame and fortune," but it won't be simple, as "players must battle harsh, alien environments, monstrous, unthinking aliens, and the greed and ambition of their rivals." Star Legends is free-to-play with microtransactions. If it sounds like your idea of a good time -- and if you have an Android phone on the Verizon network -- you can give the game a go on Verizon's V CAST, or check out more information at the official site. And don't forget to check out the trailer past the cut!

Gallery: Star Legends

Continue reading Star Legends launches beta on Verizon's V CAST

Star Legends launches beta on Verizon's V CAST originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbetaf2pfree-to-playmobile-mmosci-fispacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesv-castverizonverizon-v-castWed, 06 Jul 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Just how mobile was E3?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/mmobility-just-how-mobile-was-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/mmobility-just-how-mobile-was-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/mmobility-just-how-mobile-was-e3/#commentsFiled under: Culture, MMO Industry, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Casual, Events (Massively's Coverage), MMObility

E3 is a massive, loud conglomeration of lights, people, and stress. I spent most of my time there walking from one end to another, trying to find a certain booth or meeting room. Luckily for me, I am in pretty good shape and felt just fine the entire time, despite the fact that I had little to eat, and worse yet, little water. At home I drink water non-stop... no soda, no coffee. Still, it was a blast. Working like that really makes a tiny reporter like yours truly feel wonderful. Conversations with developers can be very, very interesting if games are what you love.

And there were games. A ton of games. A bunch. A lot. Even then, I knew the feeling that was coming over me, the familiar feeling of stumbling into a toy store or comic shop to look for goodies. I was in hog heaven but needed to find my particular fix. I needed indie, tiny or strange games. Games that ran on a toaster but worked well, browser games that would impress me, or phone games that would continue to destroy the idea that immersive, fun gameplay cannot be done on a portable device.

Did I find what I was looking for? Oh, hell yes I did. Click past the cut and I will tell you all about it.

Continue reading MMObility: Just how mobile was E3?

MMObility: Just how mobile was E3? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-chopperbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-based-MMOsf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfleckfree-to-playftpgameforgegamigoglobal-agendaillyriadjagged-alliance-onlineMMObilitynivalperfect-world-entertainmentpocket-legendsprime-worldrusty-heartssony-vitaspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-trek-infinite-spaceTurn-basedufo-onlineTue, 14 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/#commentsFiled under: Sci-Fi, Classes, Interviews, Previews, Free-to-Play, Events (Massively's Coverage)

Blackstar has a new name to capitalize on the Legends brand -- it's now known as Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. At this year's E3, we caught up with Spacetime Studios' Fernando Blanco to see how the revived project (as well as the company's hit Pocket Legends) is coming along.

Star Legends is only a month away from launch, and Spacetime hopes that the Pocket Legends fever will spread to its sci-fi brother. The name's been changed to communicate the studio's intent to provide an ongoing story rather than a one-shot experience. The game will launch with the first 20 levels of content, but Spacetime has grand plans to expand this much further.

Blanco gave us some of the backstory to the game: In the far future, humans are exploring the cosmos and have stumbled upon a resource-rich area. Corporations, as they are wont to do, have swooped in to exert their dominance but have come across hostile aliens in the process. War breaks out, invasions start popping up all over the place, and you're called in to clean up the mess -- and make a quick buck in the process.

Hit the jump to hear more about Star Legends' classes and gameplay!

Continue reading E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise

E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcherbetablackstarblackstar-mmocommandodark-legendsdroide3e3-2011engineerf2pfeaturedFernando-Blancoflash-mobfree-to-playhorrormagemobile-mmooperativepocket-legendspreviewpreviewspromotionspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsverizonwarriorwesternFri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST