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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[DDO 'prequel' update prepping community for the expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ddo-prequel-update-prepping-community-for-the-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ddo-prequel-update-prepping-community-for-the-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/ddo-prequel-update-prepping-community-for-the-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO
Prequels are generally bad, bad things that your mother warned you about but you didn't believe her until you saw The Phantom Menace. Occasionally, however, there is the rare exception, such as Dungeons & Dragons Online's Update 13, which Turbine is billing as the prequel to this summer's Menace of the Underdark expansion pack.

Update 13: Web of Chaos has a generous portion of goodies for all players in the form of three new free quests. These quests include tackling a uppity cult, freeing a prisoner from captivity, and battling the nefarious Spinner of Shadows itself.

Also coming with DDO's next update will be a few additional store options, cosmetic pets, and the ability to unlock level 7 veteran status. The latter acquisition will allow you to make a new level 7 adventurer right out of the gate and can either be purchased with real money or in-game favor.

You can read up on Update 13 and the expansion pack in our recent interview with Turbine.

MassivelyDDO 'prequel' update prepping community for the expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packcosmetic-petsddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playfree-updatemenace-of-the-underdarkpatchprequelspinner-of-shadowsthe-phantom-menaceturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdateupdate-13web-of-shadowsTue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan prepares to pillage 2012 with basketweaving]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/age-of-conan-prepares-to-pillage-2012-with-basketweaving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/age-of-conan-prepares-to-pillage-2012-with-basketweaving/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/age-of-conan-prepares-to-pillage-2012-with-basketweaving/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Age of Conan
The Funcom team is happy with its bone-crunching achievements in Age of Conan last year, but it has moved on to bigger and better conquests. In a new development update, the devs outline their roadmap for 2012 -- and it might not be what you'd expect.

According to the update, the team felt torn between adding more content to the game and going back to rework and tweak systems that needed it: "Our problem there in 2011 was that with so much content to support, the majority of the systems time was consumed by the creation of everything that is needed for the content itself." As a result, the first half of 2012 looks to be light on the content side of things -- although with new tier-four raids, it won't be non-existent.

Instead, the team will be reworking the tradeskill system this summer to make it more involving and complex than the modern "point and click" setup. Other improvements on the way include enlarging bank space, a dual-specification system, class balancing, and single-server development.

Following these projects, the team will shift back into content-creation mode, starting with a new adventure pack for later this year.

MassivelyAge of Conan prepares to pillage 2012 with basketweaving originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012adventure-package-of-conanaoccraftingdev-diaryf2pfree-to-playfuncommonthly-development-updateproducers-letterraidraidstradeskilltradeskill-systemMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 12: Vaults of the Artificers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/hands-on-with-dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-update-12-vaults-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/hands-on-with-dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-update-12-vaults-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/hands-on-with-dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-update-12-vaults-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO screenshot
Turbine has kept to a regular schedule of updates for Dungeons and Dragons Online for a long time now, which means that it's time for us to start preparing for Update 12. The updates have been pretty exciting, rolling out new adventure packs, bringing new races and classes, and introducing a detailed crafting system.

The focus on Update 12 is the new adventure pack, one that is a sharp departure from the previous packs. While earlier adventure packs have been story-driven, some even serving as a continuing story arc from their predecessors, this one serves as pure fun for players to challenge themselves with. DDO devs Eric Boyer and Ian Currie were kind enough to invite me on a tour of the new content, so follow along after the jump to see all the details!

Continue reading Hands-on with Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 12: Vaults of the Artificers

MassivelyHands-on with Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 12: Vaults of the Artificers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packddoddo-update-12dungeons-and-dragons-onlineeric-boyerf2pfeaturedfree-to-playian-currieturbineWed, 26 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan dev update outlines a year's worth of content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/age-of-conan-dev-update-outlines-a-years-worth-of-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/age-of-conan-dev-update-outlines-a-years-worth-of-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/age-of-conan-dev-update-outlines-a-years-worth-of-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - concept art
Age of Conan's latest monthly development update is hot off the presses, and it's kind of a doozy. Funcom game director Craig "Silirrion" Morrison takes the gloves off and lists five major updates coming to AoC over the next year -- and he also offers a few disclaimers in terms of schedule changes and dates. As far as content goes, fans can look forward to new Turan boss encounters, the House of Crom dungeon, tier four raids, and a major Dreamworld/quality-of-life update prior to the end of the year.

Moving into 2012, Age of Conan will be adding a new multi-feat specification system (apparently the feature was a landslide winner in the recent summer survey). The devs will also be giving Priest archetypes some "care and attention" as well as implementing the single-server tech that will allow for cross-server minigames and "all manner of cool things." There will also be new variants on The Breach, The Forgotten City, and Dead Man's Hand dungeons, all balanced for high-level characters.

Finally, the second quarter of 2012 is the tentative launch date for AoC's latest adventure pack as well as the tradeskill revamp. There's more too, so head to the official website to check it out.

MassivelyAge of Conan dev update outlines a year's worth of content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanaoccraftingcrafting-revampcraig-morrisoncross-server-minigamesdev-diarydev-updatedreamworlddungeonsf2pfantasyfeatsfree-to-playfuncomhouse-of-cromkhitai-raidsmonthly-development-updatemulti-feat-specializationnew-contentsilirrionsingle-server-technologytier-four-raidsFri, 30 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Playing through Dead Man's Hand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/the-anvil-of-crom-playing-through-dead-mans-hand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/the-anvil-of-crom-playing-through-dead-mans-hand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/18/the-anvil-of-crom-playing-through-dead-mans-hand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Anvil of Crom - Guide to Dead Man's Hand
A few weeks ago I teamed with Funcom to bring you an exclusive preview of the Dead Man's Hand solo instance featured in Age of Conan's new Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack. Over the past couple of days I finally managed to spend a bit of time playing through it, and for the most part it's been a lot of fun.

I say "for the most part" because I did experience a couple of gnat-bite annoyances in terms of acquiring the proper quests and completing a couple of the boss fights. Overall, though, it's definitely an instance worth checking out (though I'm not sure I'll be adding it to my daily rotation like I did with the Breach and Forgotten City dungeons).

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Playing through Dead Man's Hand

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Playing through Dead Man's Hand originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conan-guideanvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-guidesaoc-guideartusconanconan-guidesdead-mans-hand-guidedungeonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguideguidesinstancesopinionpiroozquest-guidesavage-coast-of-turansavage-coast-of-turan-guidesergeant-piroozthe-anvil-of-cromSun, 18 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom teases Age of Conan's Turan content with new trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/funcom-teases-age-of-conans-turan-content-with-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/funcom-teases-age-of-conans-turan-content-with-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/10/funcom-teases-age-of-conans-turan-content-with-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - The Isle of Iron Statues
If you haven't taken the plunge on Age of Conan's new Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack yet, you can still get a good look at the new location thanks to a developer video recently posted by PC Gamer.

The clip runs for over six minutes and is narrated by Funcom's Craig Morrison, otherwise known by his forum handle Silirrion and for his deeds as AoC's game director. The video hits all the adventure pack's highlights, and Morrison says that the dev team set out to offer something for everyone in the form of new solo instances, a group dungeon, and a large quest-driven playfield.

The video also delves into a bit of the lore behind the Persian-themed Ardashir coast region and mentions the cross-over between the recent Conan the Barbarian film and several of the storylines and characters that players will encounter in their adventures. See all the sights after the cut.

Continue reading Funcom teases Age of Conan's Turan content with new trailer

MassivelyFuncom teases Age of Conan's Turan content with new trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedardashirconancraig-morrisonf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhyboriasavage-coastsavage-coast-of-turansilirriontrailervideoSat, 10 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's Savage Coast adventure pack officially live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/age-of-conans-savage-coast-adventure-pack-officially-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/age-of-conans-savage-coast-adventure-pack-officially-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/age-of-conans-savage-coast-adventure-pack-officially-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Ardashir City
If you didn't pony up 700 extra Funcom points for early access to Age of Conan's new Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack last week, you'll be glad to know that the content officially debuts today at its normal price. Said price is 1300 Funcom points (or approximately $15 depending on how you purchase your point packages).

So what do you get for your hard-earned barbarian bucks? A bunch of new content for both mid- and high-level players, that's what. There's the Ardashir Coast playfield and its numerous quest lines that are designed to take you from 50 to 55. Players may also partake of Dead Man's Hand, a solo dungeon that scales from level 50 to level 80. Don't forget the Isle of the Iron Statues, either. It's another solo instance -- level 80 this time -- and it's taken directly from the works of Conan author Robert E. Howard. Finally, endgame grouping fans should note the new Fort Ardashir dungeon (and it's hard to miss as you zone into Ardashir City for the first time).

The Savage Coast pack contains characters and locations from the recent Conan film reboot, and you can read more about the new content in Massively's weekly Anvil of Crom feature.

[Source: Funcom press release]

MassivelyAge of Conan's Savage Coast adventure pack officially live originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online - Green Lantern
Last week we told you about Sony Online Entertainment's decision to distribute its latest DC Universe Online DLC package for free. Today's the big day for current DCUO customers and Green Lantern fans as the Fight for the Light content is officially ready for prime time.

The new stuff includes the game's seventh power set (light) and the ability to join either the Green Lantern or Sinestro Corps "while helping to restore balance to the universe." If rubbing elbows with famous DC luminaries doesn't do it for you, there's also the new scenario content. Players can partake of various action-heavy excursions into locales like S.T.A.R. Labs, Coast City, and Sciencells Prison. More info is available at the official DCUO website.

MassivelyDCUO's Fight for the Light pack available today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packcoast-citycontent-packfight-for-the-lightgreen-lanternlantern-corpspress-releasescenarioesscenariossciencells-prisonsinestrosoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-labssuperheroTue, 06 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Savage Coast first impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/the-anvil-of-crom-savage-coast-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/the-anvil-of-crom-savage-coast-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/the-anvil-of-crom-savage-coast-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Anvil of Crom header
Oy, the life of a game blogger. Earlier this week I teed off a bit on subscription-based games that tack on a cash shop. The short version of that particular rant is that I'm not a fan of the practice, at all, and as far as my personal gaming time goes, I've bid adieu to all of the double-dippers formerly denting my wallet -- with one exception, of course.

Whether that one exception makes me a hypocrite or is simply part of my job description is something I haven't quite figured out yet. In any event, it's somewhat ironic that I'm now about to tell you what a good time I had after spending 20 bucks in Age of Conan's item store. Yep, there I was, forking over for 2400 Funcom points -- I only needed 2000 for the Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack, of course -- and enjoying it for the most part. Luckily, it only costs 520 Massively points to read my first impressions after the cut.

Gallery: Age of Conan - Coast of Ardashir

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Savage Coast first impressions

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Savage Coast first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromaocaoc-unchainedardashirardashir-cityconanf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playgallerynew-contentsavage-coast-of-turanscreenshotsthe-anvil-of-cromturanSun, 04 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Funcom details Age of Conan adventure pack options [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/massively-exclusive-funcom-details-age-of-conan-adventure-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/massively-exclusive-funcom-details-age-of-conan-adventure-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/massively-exclusive-funcom-details-age-of-conan-adventure-pack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Turan concept art
Well, Age of Conan fans, we've finally got ourselves a launch date for the much-anticipated Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack. The new content will be rolled out in two phases, and the regular launch date is set for September 8th, while an early access period will begin on August 31st.

Funcom has given us the details on all of the purchasing options, and the Savage Coast will be available in a variety of flavors depending on how soon you'd like to start playing and what side dishes you'd like along with your main course.

Join us after the cut for a look at the Savage Coast menu, and check back with Massively later today for an exclusive new Savage Coast content reveal. Please note that as of press time, Funcom has not provided us with prices for the following options.

[Update]: Funcom has released pricing options as well as confirmed that both subscribers and free-to-play gamers will need to pay for the Savage Coast content. It's also worth noting that the pack is only available through the in-game store.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Funcom details Age of Conan adventure pack options [Updated]

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Funcom details Age of Conan adventure pack options [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedconancontent-packearly-accessexclusivef2pfantasyfree-to-playjewels-of-turanlaunch-datenew-contentsavage-coastsavage-coast-of-turanFri, 26 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom teases Age of Conan Turan armor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/funcom-teases-age-of-conan-turan-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/funcom-teases-age-of-conan-turan-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/funcom-teases-age-of-conan-turan-armor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Turan armor
We still don't have a release date for Age of Conan's next content drop, but the Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack is nonetheless looking pretty spiffy. How's that, you say? Well, Funcom has teased a couple of new screenshots featuring gear from the new pack, and you can see for yourself at the AoC Facebook page.

There's a pair of male and a pair of female models on display (and unlike most fantasy MMOs, Age of Conan continues its tradition of providing actual armor for the fairer sex as opposed to thongs and heavy metal bras).

The only question that remains is where will players get the bag or bank space to hold the new sets?

MassivelyFuncom teases Age of Conan Turan armor originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedarmorarmor-screensf2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncomnew-contentno-skimpy-armor-heresavage-coast-of-turanscreenshotsWed, 24 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan: Unchained conquers 300,000 new players, doubles revenue in a month]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/age-of-conan-unchained-conquers-300-000-new-players-doubles-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/age-of-conan-unchained-conquers-300-000-new-players-doubles-re/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/age-of-conan-unchained-conquers-300-000-new-players-doubles-re/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Age of Conan
The secret is out and the jig is up: MMO studios have solid evidence that adding a free-to-play option on top of a subscription model is the way to bring in hordes of new players. Age of Conan: Unchained proved this today as Funcom announced the addition of over 300,000 players to its bloody family in the first month of service.

Apparently the servers are packed full and Funcom is raking in the moolah, too. The studio announced that servers have quadrupled activity during this time period, and revenues have more then doubled. This is certainly good news for the 2008 title, which is now being supported by a mix of subscription and cash shop options.

Funcom CEO Trond Arne Aas is pleased as (a) punch: "The launch of the hybrid business model has been very successful so far. The activity levels on the servers are booming with a fourfold increase in players during July, we more than doubled the revenue generated from the game, and we have experienced a positive development in subscriber numbers. This definitely gives us great hope for the game's future."

Age of Conan is set to release a movie tie-in update later this month called Savage Coast of Turan to take advantage of the Conan the Barbarian movie coming to theaters on the 18th.

MassivelyAge of Conan: Unchained conquers 300,000 new players, doubles revenue in a month originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocconanconan-the-barbariancraig-morrisonf2pfree-to-playfuncommovie-tie-innew-playersrevenuesavage-coast-of-turansubscriber-numberssubscriberstrond-arne-aasunchainedThu, 11 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Leapers, gliders, and Beastlords, oh my!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-tattered-notebook-leapers-gliders-and-beastlords-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-tattered-notebook-leapers-gliders-and-beastlords-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/the-tattered-notebook-leapers-gliders-and-beastlords-oh-my/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

E3 has come and gone, but EverQuest II fans are left with more questions than answers. Children of War has just launched, and already, players are wondering what's coming down the road. We do know about some of the more immediate changes, such as the rebuilding of the Dragon Ring and Spires live event, new mounts, and the Freeport Revamp. But there were some hints at much bigger changes down the road -- and few details on how exactly it would change the game.

In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll break out the crystal ball and speculate on whether EQII is growing closer to EQ2X and whether we might in fact see the arrival of Beastlords in game.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Leapers, gliders, and Beastlords, oh my!

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Leapers, gliders, and Beastlords, oh my! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packbeastlordclassesdave-georgesoneq2eq2xEQIIeverquest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedexpansionsfandomfeaturedflightflying-labfree-to-playleapingmountssmokejumpertattered-notebookMon, 13 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Five zones that deserve a revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/the-tattered-notebook-five-zones-that-deserve-a-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/the-tattered-notebook-five-zones-that-deserve-a-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/the-tattered-notebook-five-zones-that-deserve-a-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently, EverQuest II developer Kyle "Kander" Vallee tweeted his followers asking for input on the following question: "What #EQII zone would you love to see revamped into new heroic content?"

That's a tough but really fun question. Over the years, EverQuest II has added so many overland and instanced zones that there's no shortage of choices. A quick glance at the dungeon list at EQ2i shows well over 100 major heroic instances and open dungeons for groups. If you add in the list of minor instances, like the Splitpaw adventure pack instances or the Fallen Dynasty trials, it's easily over 120. In fact, there are so many group zones that it's nearly impossible to level up and see them all (I vote for a new in-game dungeon listing for the next UI revamp!).

I've played through a good chunk of these zones and put together a list of the top five dungeons that deserve a makeover. Read on for the full list!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Five zones that deserve a revamp

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Five zones that deserve a revamp originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packeq2eq2xeqiiEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedfallen-dynastyfallen-dynasty-trialsfeaturedforsaken-cityisle-of-refugekael-drakkelkanderkyle-valleenew-tunariarevampssoeSony-Online-Entertainmentsplitpawtattered-notebookveliouszonezone-revampzonesMon, 30 May 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan's Morrison talks Savage Coast dungeons and gear]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/age-of-conans-morrison-talks-savage-coast-dungeons-and-gear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/age-of-conans-morrison-talks-savage-coast-dungeons-and-gear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/age-of-conans-morrison-talks-savage-coast-dungeons-and-gear/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Interested in learning more about Age of Conan's newly minted Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack? Eurogamer recently talked to Funcom game director Craig "Silirrion" Morrison about everything from the marketing opportunities represented by the upcoming Conan film to specifics on the new tie-in content.

Morrison riffs on new instances, both the solo and group variety, including an encounter with pirates called Dead Man's Hand and another tryst based on the Island of Iron Statues from the original Robert E. Howard lore. There's also a new raid in the Temple of Elric that features Ela-Shan, a master thief whom Jason Momoa's Conan encounters in the new film.

Still want more? How about a new epic quest line and various loot upgrades? The drops from the team instances will be "slightly more powerful than the rewards we give for max-level content in Godslayer," Morrison explains. He also drops a hint about the adventure pack's new armor. "You can't go into an area like Turan and have that magnificent Persian theme without bringing in new armor sets." Despite the high-level nature of some of the drops, it appears that much of the Savage Coast content is aimed at players around level 50. Head to Eurogamer for more.

MassivelyAge of Conan's Morrison talks Savage Coast dungeons and gear originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanaocardashirarmorconan-filmconan-moviecraig-morrisondead-mans-handdungeonsepic-questsfantasyinterviewisland-of-iron-statueslootnew-contentpveraidssavage-coast-of-turansilirrionturanTue, 24 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Resistance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/behind-the-mask-resistance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/behind-the-mask-resistance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/19/behind-the-mask-resistance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I know I promised I'd cover tanking techniques this week, but Resistance, Champions Online's newest adventure pack, just launched, so I think that it's worth postponing my writeup on tanking for a bit. Don't worry, though! We'll get to tanking soon!

Resistance, being the latest pack in CO's new content offerings, is also going to be the last adventure pack before the team starts doing the Comic Series. Although it wasn't quite as hyped up as Demonflame was, it was still a highly anticipated content pack. Does it live up to the hype?

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Resistance

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Resistance originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdr-destroyerf2pfeaturedfree-to-playmultifariaqliphothicresistanceshadow-destroyerthe-old-man-is-albertwho-punches-a-mineThu, 19 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online: Long live the Resistance!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/champions-online-long-live-the-resistance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/champions-online-long-live-the-resistance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/champions-online-long-live-the-resistance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Despite the breaking news of Atari's divesting of Cryptic Studios, it is business as usual for the superhero MMO Champions Online. In fact, the studio has just launched its newest adventure pack, Resistance.

According to Resistance lore, the inventor James Harmon unveiled his latest invention: the Trans-dimensional Teleportal. With a name like that, nothing could go wrong (/sarcasm off)! This device will take our heroes to another dimension called Multifaria, where an evil Citizen Harmon rules over Millennium City with an iron fist. It is up to players level 11 to 40 to join the underground resistance of Multifaria and stop Harmon's reign of terror.

We have added Resistance screenshots to the Champions gallery and have the full Resistance launch trailer after the break. The adventure pack is available for purchase in the C-Store, and for added excitement, the GM team will run Resistance with you May 17th through the 19th starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT in Millennium City. Join the Millennium City chat and wait for GM Tiyshen's group invitation.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

Continue reading Champions Online: Long live the Resistance!

MassivelyChampions Online: Long live the Resistance! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packAtarichampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosgalleryGM-eventmillennium-citymultifariaresistancescreenshotstrailervideoTue, 17 May 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: Big weapons, big news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/behind-the-mask-big-weapons-big-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/behind-the-mask-big-weapons-big-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/behind-the-mask-big-weapons-big-news/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's an exciting time for Champions Online. Although there was a lot of speculation about the level of success of the Free-for-All expansion, we know just by the increase in content being output that the F2P launch has been a very big success. In the recent State of the Game, Rob Overmeyer announced all sorts of new content, including the Resistance Adventure Pack currently on PTS, the new weekly Comic Series, and the most asked-for feature: player housing!

I could write a whole column speculating on the SotG, and while it'd be kind of a fun read, we all know I like writing informative stuff, and we have a lot of things to cover. Heavy Weapons has been live for a week now. Some of you guys have been waiting with bated breath for me to answer one question: Is Devastator worth buying?

Continue reading Behind the Mask: Big weapons, big news

MassivelyBehind the Mask: Big weapons, big news originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packaeris-diesbehind-the-maskchampions-onlinecloud-strife-shouldnt-be-in-championscocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdevastatordevastator-archetypef2pfeaturedheavy-weaponsmelee-dpsplayer-housingresistanceresistance-adventure-packrob-overmeyerwhere-is-my-trickster-styleThu, 28 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine posts DDO Update 9 patch notes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/turbine-posts-ddo-update-9-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/turbine-posts-ddo-update-9-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/turbine-posts-ddo-update-9-patch-notes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's update time in the world of Eberron, and Turbine's Tolero has posted the substantial patch notes on the official Dungeons and Dragons Online forums. Update 9 is currently strutting its stuff on the Lamannia test server, and among the new features are updated combat animations, a Saltire District adventure pack, and a host of tweaks to a lengthy list of spells and abilities.

The list is so long, in fact, that we couldn't reproduce it here, so head to the boards and see for yourself. Update 9 also boasts a couple of class changes, notably additional early level spell points for Rangers and Paladins as well as a new Echoes of Power effect. When a player with the magical training feat is low on spell points, Echoes of Power will automatically come to the rescue with a regeneration effect.

MassivelyTurbine posts DDO Update 9 patch notes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ability-tweaksadventure-packddoddo-update-9dungeons-and-dragons-onlineechoes-of-powerf2pfree-to-playlamanniapatchpatch-notessaltire-districtspell-tweaksspellstest-servertoleroturbineturbine-entertainmenttweaksupdateupdate-9Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: A look back at the six updates of 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/exploring-eberron-a-look-back-at-the-six-updates-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/exploring-eberron-a-look-back-at-the-six-updates-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/exploring-eberron-a-look-back-at-the-six-updates-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Well, they kept their word and made their goal. The developers at Turbine planned six major updates to Dungeons and Dragons Online for 2010, and while a lot of fans speculated that it'd never happen, Turbine made sure it did.

It's been an interesting year with lots of changes to DDO. We can expect even more in 2011 -- particularly around DDO's fifth birthday at the end of February. For now, let's take a peek at where we've been in 2010. Follow along after the jump as we look at the DDO updates of the past year.

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: A look back at the six updates of 2010

MassivelyExploring Eberron: A look back at the six updates of 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packadventure-packsddoddo-updatesdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexploring-eberronf2pfree-to-playftpturbineupdatesFri, 31 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stormreach under attack: Massively's tour of DDO's newest adventure pack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/stormreach-under-attack-massivelys-tour-of-ddos-newest-advent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/stormreach-under-attack-massivelys-tour-of-ddos-newest-advent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/stormreach-under-attack-massivelys-tour-of-ddos-newest-advent/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Remember back in October when a mysterious Droaam agent showed up in Dungeons and Dragons Online? Hesstess the Medusa claimed to be an ambassador of Droaam seeking to establish a nice, friendly colony.

We found out pretty quickly that Hesstess was full of it and that there was an entire Droaam army ready to attack. DDO's Update 8 brings us Attack on Stormreach, an adventure pack that continues the tale with -- surprise -- an attack on Stormreach by the Droaam army. As usual, the Turbine crew escorted me though part of the new content, so follow along after the jump for a first peek at Attack on Stormreach!

Continue reading Stormreach under attack: Massively's tour of DDO's newest adventure pack

MassivelyStormreach under attack: Massively's tour of DDO's newest adventure pack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packattack-on-stormreachddoddo-update-8developer-tourdroaamDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playfreemiumftpgallerypatchesscreenshotscreenshotsturbineTue, 07 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: A first glance at Update 8]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/exploring-eberron-a-first-glance-at-update-8/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/exploring-eberron-a-first-glance-at-update-8/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/26/exploring-eberron-a-first-glance-at-update-8/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Dungeons and Dragons Online development team has been hard at work lately. The Endless Night event and aftermath kept the developers hopping in between updates, but now we've got the next update to look forward to!

Update 8 is coming in December, and it's exciting to see all of the tweaks and refinements -- especially to one of the new races -- as well as little treats like the cookie jar, cosmetic fixes all over the game, and brand-new content! Join me behind the cut for what I'm excited to see in Update 8!

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: A first glance at Update 8

MassivelyExploring Eberron: A first glance at Update 8 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packadventure-packscosmetic-itemsddoddo-update-8Dungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexploring-eberronfeaturedpatchesstorageturbineupdatesFri, 26 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[C is for Neutral-Aligned Cookie: DDO Update 8 preview patch notes posted]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/c-is-for-neutral-aligned-cookie-ddo-update-8-preview-patch-note/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/c-is-for-neutral-aligned-cookie-ddo-update-8-preview-patch-note/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/c-is-for-neutral-aligned-cookie-ddo-update-8-preview-patch-note/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

December is right around the corner, and with it, Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 8. Advance release notes are up for the Lamannia test server, and so far it's safe to say that this patch is the tastiest one yet. Why tasty? Because Turbine is incorporating cookie jars into the game as a way for players to store edible goodies from Festivault without clogging up their inventory. Best of all? This is one treasure chest that nobody can stick his grubby fingers in but you!

What else is the studio baking up for the crowd? First up is a new four-mission adventure pack, "Siege of Stormreach," which will give mid-level players an opportunity to defend and ultimately repulse an attack upon the city itself. For players envious of Lord of the Rings Online's cosmetic outfit system, the upcoming armor appearance kits in DDO are sure to earn a few smiles. Like cosmetic hats, cosmetic armor will visually replace your current outfit without stripping you of the outfit's stats. This special armor can be found in chests, traded, and purchased through the DDO store.

The lengthy patch notes also include the addition of Rogue hirelings, class racial enhancements for Half-Elves and the usual collection of tweaks and fixes. Hire a Rogue at your own risk, however, as Rogues have a notorious sweet tooth. Silly Rogue hirelings, cookies are for players!

MassivelyC is for Neutral-Aligned Cookie: DDO Update 8 preview patch notes posted originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packarmor-appearance-kitsarmor-appearance-systemc-is-for-cookiecash-shopclass-racial-enhancementscookiescosmetic-armorddoddo-storedndDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinefestivaulthalf-elveshirelinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchpatch-notesroguerogue-hirelingsiege-of-stormreachstormreachturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdateupdate-8update-notesFri, 19 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Shannon Posniewski about Champions Online's F2P changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/massively-interviews-shannon-posniewski-about-champions-onlines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/massively-interviews-shannon-posniewski-about-champions-onlines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/massively-interviews-shannon-posniewski-about-champions-onlines/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Champions Online has made quite the big change with the recent decision to go free-to-play. We got together with Shannon Posniewski, Executive Producer for CO, and asked quite a few questions about how the F2P changes will impact new, current, and returning players.

In addition to these questions, the CO devs have compiled a huge FAQ covering many of the common queries regarding F2P, as well as a primer on how archetypes will work. We tried to avoid asking many of the questions that have already been answered somewhere else, so be sure to check those out as well.

Continue reading Massively interviews Shannon Posniewski about Champions Online's F2P changes

MassivelyMassively interviews Shannon Posniewski about Champions Online's F2P changes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packc-storechampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdeveloper-interviewexclusiveexecutive-producerf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewinterviewsshannon-posniewskiTue, 09 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Six years of EverQuest II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/the-tattered-notebook-six-years-of-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/the-tattered-notebook-six-years-of-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/the-tattered-notebook-six-years-of-everquest-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I looked down at the dog-eared journal and shivered. As excited as I was to finally be in possession of The Tattered Notebook, I recalled the fates of its previous owners. First, seemingly out of madness, Seccia made a sudden and unexpected career change to blog about kittens. Now, Scarve, a Ratonga, has disappeared in the night, leaving behind only a wedge of cheese, this tattered notebook, and a tiny stuffed Kerran doll. Rumors spread of his appearance among a shadowy cult of Gnomish tinkerers, but it's unclear whether he's with them by choice or by force.

Regardless, I took a deep breath and opened the cover. What a perfect time to begin adding my entries to the journal, right at the celebration of EverQuest II's six-year anniversary! To celebrate, the game is holding its second annual Festival of Heroes, from November 19-30. In honor of this milestone, my first entry into The Tattered Notebook is a retrospective of those past six years, with an eye towards the future.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Six years of EverQuest II

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Six years of EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packanniversaryappearance-slotbillybirthdaybloodline-chroniclesdesert-of-flamesechoes-of-faydwereqEQ2EQIIeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexchangeexchange-serversf2pfallen-dynastyfan-fairefan-faire-2010featuredfestival-of-heroesfree-to-playfreemiumhousingkingdom-of-skymarketplaceNorrathplayer-housingRetrospectiverise-of-kunarksentinels-fateSOEsoe-eq-2SONYSony-Online-Entertainmentsplitpaw-sagathe-shadow-odysseythe-tattered-notebookMon, 08 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online Update 7 and Halloween event now live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/dungeons-and-dragons-online-update-7-and-halloween-event-now-liv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/dungeons-and-dragons-online-update-7-and-halloween-event-now-liv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/dungeons-and-dragons-online-update-7-and-halloween-event-now-liv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Turbine is calling Update 7 the "biggest update yet" since Dungeons and Dragons Online went free-to-play last year.

If you doubt the company's claim, you can now decide for yourself. Update 7 came to DDO today, bringing with it a huge amount of new content. There are two new races -- the Half-Orc and Half-Elf -- some exciting UI updates including a search string for the auction house, a brand-new 12-man raid, and a completely free adventure pack.

Even better, the Halloween event that we peeked at on the first of the month arrives today as well. "Endless Night" is available in Delara's Graveyard now, so log into DDO to check it all out!

Gallery: DDO Update 7 Gallery

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online Update 7 and Halloween event now live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packddoddo-update-7dungeons-and-dragons-onlineendless-nightf2pfree-to-playftphalf-bloodshalloweenhalloween-2010racesturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 20 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Demonflame now available for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/demonflame-now-available-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/demonflame-now-available-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/demonflame-now-available-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It was promised for this month, and Champions Online players can rejoice that the promise was true. Demonflame, the second adventure pack for the game, has just moved from the test servers to live. Following in the footsteps of the previous adventure pack, Serpent Lantern, the adventure can be undertaken by any size group from level 11 onward, scaling in both difficulty and complexity according to the number and level of participants. Not to mention that it includes new rewards for players of all levels, including new costume parts of an equally violet hue.

In addition to the new adventure, the newest patch also included the pet revision, which might be even more interesting for you depending on your level and power build in the game. While there's no official list of patch notes, our resident columnist did a good job summarizing both the pet changes and the new adventure pack in the weeks leading up to their release. So if you've been holding off on logging in to Champions Online in anticipation of the new patch, now is the time.

MassivelyDemonflame now available for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdemonflamedemonflame-updategame-updatesmajor-updatesnew-contentnew-patchpatchpatchespet-changespet-passpet-patchpet-systemscaling-contentupdateupdatesTue, 19 Oct 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Champions Online's Shannon Posniewski]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-shannon-posniewski/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-shannon-posniewski/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/massively-interviews-champions-onlines-shannon-posniewski/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although it has been quite a while since the last big content update for Champions Online, Cryptic is moving forward with the Demonflame adventure pack slated for release next week. We previewed the adventure earlier this week, but we also snagged an interview with Executive Producer Shannon Posniewski, who talked with us about the new adventure pack.

Poz also gave an enlightening view on the state of things to come in CO, as well as the development hurdles the team has to go through designing content that scales for all levels and team sizes. We also talk with him about player housing, voice acting, and the future of some old zones.

Hit the jump to read more!

Continue reading Massively interviews Champions Online's Shannon Posniewski

MassivelyMassively interviews Champions Online's Shannon Posniewski originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packchampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdemonflamedemonflame-updatedeveloper-interviewdifficulty-sliderexecutive-producerfeaturedinterviewinterviewsshannon-posniewskiteam-scalingwestsideFri, 15 Oct 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The Demonflame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/behind-the-mask-the-demonflame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/behind-the-mask-the-demonflame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/14/behind-the-mask-the-demonflame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Champions Online's second adventure pack, Demonflame, is currently available on the Test Server, and over the last couple of weeks I've done a few playthroughs at various stages of its development.

Demonflame is a new take on an old organization from the Champions lore. DEMON (which is strangely not an acronym) is a magic-themed group of devil worshipers and one of the most powerful factions in the Champions universe. Prior to the adventure pack, DEMON was pretty poorly represented in CO. The villain group starred in a small series of arcs in the level 20-25 range, and the core members of DEMON's inner circle were not even given "Super Villain" status. It has been sort of a common theme for mystic roleplayers to downplay the significance of DEMON because the group is so poorly characterized.

Demonflame also represents the newest surge of content for CO superheroes, and in many ways it has excelled where Serpent Lantern was lacking.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The Demonflame

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The Demonflame originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packbehind-the-maskchampionschampions-onlinecoco-adventure-packco-demonflamecrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdemondemonflamedemonflame-updatefeaturedhero-gamesqliphothicThu, 14 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online previews new Update 7 screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dungeons-and-dragons-online-previews-new-update-7-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dungeons-and-dragons-online-previews-new-update-7-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/13/dungeons-and-dragons-online-previews-new-update-7-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Update 7 is coming for Dungeons and Dragons Online, and while the title of the update is Half-bloods, the patch promises to be anything but half-baked. Introducing two new races, a new raid, free quests, UI improvements, and more besides, the update promises to be one of the largest for the game since its switch to free-to-play last year. Turbine has shared a few new screenshots from the Droaam adventure pack, highlighting both the adventure and some of the coming UI improvements.

The UI improvements previewed offer several streamlined and clarified interfaces, while the Droaam screenshots show off a wide-ranging adventure that spans a number of different adversaries and settings. If the gallery sparks your interest, you can take a look at our recent tour through some of the content coming in Update 7 and get a bit more context. Dungeons and Dragons Online players can look forward to the patch later this month, which seems like a fine reason to assume that the cup is half-full.

Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online Update 7 Preview

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online previews new Update 7 screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packd-n-d-onlineddoddo-unlimiteddungeons-and-dragons-onlineendgameendgame-contentf2pfree-adventure-packfree-to-playgalleryhalf-bloodshalf-elfhalf-orchigh-level-contentnew-adventurenew-racespreviewracesscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentu7update-7Wed, 13 Oct 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Demonflame adventure pack coming to Champions Online this month [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/demonflame-adventure-pack-coming-to-champions-online-this-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/demonflame-adventure-pack-coming-to-champions-online-this-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/demonflame-adventure-pack-coming-to-champions-online-this-month/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ready for some new content in Champions Online? The Demonflame adventure pack is going to try to grant your wish this month with new zones, new enemies, new challenges, and more.

Demonflame is the story of longtime villain Luther Black and his quest for power. He tried and failed years ago to drain and use the power of a being in another world, and now he's back to try again.

The source of this power is the chaotic Qliphothic realm, so you'll be heading there to learn how to stop Luther. Demonflame will bring new challenges designed to be accessible to a wide range of players. Anyone in the 11-40 level range, grouped or solo, will be able to participate thanks to the scaling design of the adventures.

Finally, Demonflame will bring new costume pieces, action figures, devices, and more. The adventure pack will be here before you know it.

[Update: The Demonflame announcement came before the Champions Online site was updated, but the Demonflame page is now live. Check it out for all the details, new images, and a trailer!]

MassivelyDemonflame adventure pack coming to Champions Online this month [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packatarichampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-studiosdemonflamedemonflame-updateTue, 05 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2010: DDO Update 7 bringing half-elves, half-orcs, more [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/ddo-update-7-bringing-half-elves-half-orcs-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/ddo-update-7-bringing-half-elves-half-orcs-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/ddo-update-7-bringing-half-elves-half-orcs-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO's Update 7 is coming sometime in October, and we spent some time at PAX this morning chatting with members of the Turbine crew. They had some extremely exciting things to tell about Update 7 and sprung more than a few surprises on us. First up were the new races. Yes, that was plural. Half-orcs, the resident tough guys of Stormreach, are the coming race that players have been looking forward to, but Update 7 will also bring half-elves. Half-elves will be a very versatile race, with some special feats that make them ideal for solo builds.

Update 7 is bringing much more in addition to the two new races. There will be a 12-man raid at level 6, the first large raid suitable for players below level 10. It will be added to the Devil Assault Adventure Pack, so if you already own that one, you'll find it within that arc. Devil Assault will also gain epic mode with this update. The raid isn't the end of new content, of course. There's a new adventure pack coming, and this one's free! This level 12 quest arc will send you to solve the long-running mystery of Nat Gann's fate, and it may or may not involve time travel.

There are some updates coming to the UI and basic game that players will definitely enjoy. You'll find a slight change to the UI color, but that's not the best part. The inventory UI has an upgrade that will allow you to sort your items by type, making it much easier to keep things organized. You'll find tabs for each gear type, ingredients, potions, and more. And finally, the auction house got an update that should have DDO fans jumping for joy: search. That's right, Update 7 will bring string search to the auction house. You'll be able to search across categories, choose exact phrases, or be a little more general.

Engine upgrades to enable DX11 graphics, reactive water, hireling AI upgrades, bug fixes, and a few more special surprises round out this exciting update. Want to know more? Keep your eye on Massively -- we'll be taking an in-depth tour of Update 7 later this month!

[Update: To clarify, both of the new races will be available for purchase in the DDO Store.]

MassivelyPAX 2010: DDO Update 7 bringing half-elves, half-orcs, more [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packauction-housebreakingddoddo-update-7devil-assaultdevil-assault-adventure-packdungeons-and-dragons-onlinedx11graphicshalf-elfhalf-orcpaxpax-2010pax-primepax-prime-2010racesRAIDraidingraidsuiFri, 03 Sep 2010 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest DDO screenshots show The Last Stand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/newest-ddo-screenshots-show-the-last-stand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/newest-ddo-screenshots-show-the-last-stand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/newest-ddo-screenshots-show-the-last-stand/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 6 was released last week, bringing with it the Red Fens Adventure Pack, the story of a group of Drow refugees under attack from the Sahuagin.

Most of the Drow have evacuated the area, but Viercha Ettervs, a Priest of Vulkoor is unwilling to leave, as you'll find out in the quest The Last Stand. Everyone loves a good escort quest, so off you go to hustle Viercha and his followers to safety while fending off Sahuagin attackers.

This is one of the shorter quests in the Red Fens pack, with the potential for several chests and some pretty easy bonuses (less than 40 breakables will get you the Ransack bonus, for example), so it's definitely worth checking out. Take a look at the four newest screenshots from Turbine in the gallery below for a sneak peek, then try it out for yourself in DDO.

Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online Update 6

MassivelyNewest DDO screenshots show The Last Stand originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packddoddo-update-6dungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playftpred-fensred-fens-adventure-packscreenshotsturbineWed, 25 Aug 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online looks to its one-year anniversary and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/champions-online-looks-to-its-one-year-anniversary-and-beyond/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/champions-online-looks-to-its-one-year-anniversary-and-beyond/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/champions-online-looks-to-its-one-year-anniversary-and-beyond/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It might be hard to believe at times, but it's true: on September 1st, Champions Online will hit the one-year mark. The development team has been fairly quiet of late, but judging by the latest State of the Game address, it's just been focusing on several updates and improvements. The Summer Update, with several new costume pieces, bug fixes, and visual treats, is scheduled to go live on Monday, but there are even better things coming around the bend, including the game's second adventure pack.

Dubbed the Demonflame and aimed at a late September release, the newest adventure is meant to incorporate several pieces of feedback from the Serpent Lantern adventure. The goal is to make the adventure less repetitive and easier to follow from point to point for all players. Beyond that, the team has a long list of issues they're looking into and planning to work on, starting with pet improvements and stretching to scaling instances and better difficulty slider integration. Champions Online fans should take a look at the full update, and while the first year has had ups and downs, the future seems to be on the upswing. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our one one-year retrospective of the game around the anniversary, which should be coming right around the first of the month.

[Thanks Clinton and Faryon for the tip!]

MassivelyChampions Online looks to its one-year anniversary and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packanniversaryatarichampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdemonflamedifficulty-sliderfuturefuture-changesfuture-updatesimprovementslooking-forwardone-year-anniversaryserpent-lanterstate-of-the-gamesummer-updatethe-demonflameSat, 21 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: My shopping cart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/exploring-eberron-my-shopping-cart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/exploring-eberron-my-shopping-cart/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/20/exploring-eberron-my-shopping-cart/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today I was hoping to open up my full purchase history at the Dungeons and Dragons Online store and do an analysis of everything I've bought since the store was put into the game. Unfortunately, I've since discovered that -- short of saving each and every confirmation email that Turbine sends me -- there's no accessible store history, either in the game or outside of it. Clicking "View Purchase History" in the store simply showed me a couple Turbine point buys, but that's it.

That makes me a sad panda barbarian.

So pushing aside the issue of why Turbine doesn't want me to see my order history ("Perhaps so you don't question future purchases," the quiet cynic inside me whispers), I'll have to do this via questionable memory. I've been a subscriber since the DDO F2P switch, which nets me a portion of "free" TP per month, but I've also dropped additional money -- perhaps three times -- to beef up my TP reservoir so that I could get a couple big ticket items. So seeing as how I don't have to worry about purchasing adventure packs, on what have I been spending my allowance? Hit the jump to find out!

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: My shopping cart

MassivelyExploring Eberron: My shopping cart originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>32-pointadventure-packcash-shopcosmeticddoddo-storeDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexperience-boostexploring-eberronf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpHairdohirelingsitem-shoponedawesomerubi-red-hair-dyetomestptp-is-an-unfortuante-acronymturbineturbine-pointsFri, 20 Aug 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shannon Posniewski on the development of Champions Online's first adventure pack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/shannon-posniewski-on-the-development-of-champions-onlines-firs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/shannon-posniewski-on-the-development-of-champions-onlines-firs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/shannon-posniewski-on-the-development-of-champions-onlines-firs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been a quiet couple of weeks for Champions Online -- at least, from the news side of things. Players have had plenty to do in the form of the recent Serpent Lantern adventure, offering an experience for players of nearly any level and any group size. Shannon Posniewski sat down for a recent interview in which he detailed some of the work that went into the adventure pack, from the challenges in design to the lessons learned.

The overhaul of the perks system and the changes made to VIPER are both cited as elements that the development team was working on without the adventure pack, both of which dovetailed nicely with the new content. Posniewski describes the biggest hurdle as the scaling issues, however, which doesn't simply translate to adding more hit points to higher-level enemies. It's part of what contributes to the four-month design turnaround he describes in the interview. If you've been enjoying the new adventure, it's well worth a look at the interview for a peek at what makes Champions Online's development tick.

MassivelyShannon Posniewski on the development of Champions Online's first adventure pack originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packbackstorychampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdevelopersdevelopment-timedifficultyinterviewinterviewspozscaling-difficultyserpent-lanternshannon-posniewskiThu, 05 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions' State of the Game: Demons, high heels and super supergroups for all!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/champions-state-of-the-game-demons-high-heels-and-super-super/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/champions-state-of-the-game-demons-high-heels-and-super-super/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/champions-state-of-the-game-demons-high-heels-and-super-super/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While the summer days are hot and those hammocks in the shade are inviting, Cryptic Studios is choosing to spend the season gearing up for hefty content releases. In the latest State of the Game report, Champions Online's Executive Producer Shannon "Poz" Posniewski outlines a number of features, fixes and fluff that's going into the next patch and beyond.

For August, Champions Online plans to implement a number of quality-of-life improvements to the game. These include more supergroup features (such as a better UI and supergroup advertisements), overhauling pet powers, an improved C-Store, and giving Millennium City's Ren Center a much-needed visual update. They're also slipping in a few new costume options, so if you've been waiting for the latest in Champions high heel shoe fashion, then wait no longer!

Moving on to the fall, Posniewski is excited to announce a new adventure pack entitled "The Demonflame." The pack is based on a Champions pen-and-paper module, and involves bad people opening portals to places better left alone. Check out the full point-by-point Poz poetry at Champions Online's site!

MassivelyChampions' State of the Game: Demons, high heels and super supergroups for all! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packc-storechampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfluffhammock-huthigh-heelsmillennium-citypoint-by-point-poz-poetrypozren-centershannon-posniewskiState-of-the-gamesupergroupsthe-demonflameWed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's Serpent Lantern goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/champions-onlines-serpent-lantern-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/champions-onlines-serpent-lantern-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/15/champions-onlines-serpent-lantern-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cryptic Studios has officially launched the first Adventure Pack, entitled The Serpent Lantern, for their superhero-themed Champions Online MMORPG. What exactly is an Adventure Pack? Well we're glad you asked. It turns out that it's not quite an expansion, but it's also a bit more meaty than your average patch.

"The Serpent Lantern is our first Adventure Pack, a selection of themed content designed to plug seamlessly into your Champions Online play. Adventure Packs will feature new story lines, new locations and new rewards for you and your friends to enjoy. Think of them as a new story arc for your favorite comic book, only you're the hero in your own adventure," Cryptic says in their press release.

Whether you're level 11 or level 40, you'll find something new to do thanks to the new content. Check out all the details over at the official site.

MassivelyChampions Online's Serpent Lantern goes live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packchampionschampions-onlineCOcrypticcryptic-studiosserpent-lanternthe-serpentTue, 15 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Illuminating answers about the upcoming patch for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/06/illuminating-answers-about-the-upcoming-patch-for-champions-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The first adventure pack for Champions Online is due out this month, although we don't know quite when just yet. But there are a lot of things coming along with the new pack, such as the promised return of Blood Moon and the addition of a difficulty slider. If you're curious about what all of this means from a gameplay perspective, you're coming to it at the right time, as the most recent Ask Cryptic has just been released, covering most of what players might be wondering about.

The difficulty slider will be responsible for improved drops, but costume pieces are likely to remain just as frequent (or infrequent) as they currently are. Players who have watched the development of Star Trek Online might be saddened to know that the resistance bonuses and such coming with the Accolade system in that game will not be copied for Champions Online's Perks system. But there's also the prospect of expanding smaller regions into full-sized explorable zones, and some details on the next few adventure packs heading down the pipeline. It should be good news for the game's players, and it certainly helps keep the interest stoked for the coming release of Serpent Lantern.

MassivelyIlluminating answers about the upcoming patch for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packareasask-crypticbalanceblood-moonchampions-onlinecocoming-patchescoming-sooncrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosexpandingpatchesperkspreviewsserpent-lanternzonesSun, 06 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serpent Lantern info goes live for Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/serpent-lantern-info-goes-live-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/serpent-lantern-info-goes-live-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/serpent-lantern-info-goes-live-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's easy to write VIPER in Champions Online off as just being another group of armed-and-armored mooks along the lines of, well, Cobra. But that's neglecting the fact that the only thing keeping them from having a serious impact on the world is the lack of internal unity... something that the upcoming Serpent Lantern adventure pack is set to address. With the buzz for the free add-on having been tossed around for some time, Cryptic has unveiled the official information page for the globe-trotting adventure.

As previously stated, the adventure scales for both level and team size -- a party of five characters at Level 40 or a single character at Level 11 can both take part. The pack will also include new unlockable VIPER-themed costume pieces, action figures, and perks. And if that weren't enough, the update is also slated to include the recently-discussed difficulty slider for missions, a new set of costume pieces in the C-Store, and veteran rewards for the longstanding player. Due out in June, the full page contains more information on NPCs as well as a trailer for the next major Champions Online update.

MassivelySerpent Lantern info goes live for Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packbackstorychampions-onlinecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studioslorepatchespreviewsserpent-lanterntrailerupdateupdatesviperFri, 21 May 2010 10:00:00 EST