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[TERA offers answers, launching with level 60 cap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/tera-offers-answers-launching-with-level-60-cap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/tera-offers-answers-launching-with-level-60-cap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/tera-offers-answers-launching-with-level-60-cap/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TERA
Western players have two new things to look forward to when TERA launches on May 1st: level 59 and level 60. That's right, according to a forum post by Producer Brian Knox, the level cap for En Masse's launch will be bumped up by two levels.

As a result of the level cap increase, the team's had to rework the formerly max-level dungeons. "We have shuffled them around -- some up and some down," Knox writes. "We will have more detailed information on it closer to open beta but it should create a much smoother progression to 60 as well as a good amount of content at level 60."

For those with many questions about the game, En Masse has launched a new section of the official site called TERA Answers. TERA Answers is a knowledge base that allows players to submit and search for questions and answers to game issues. It's meant to supplement the official forums, as helpful answers may be buried in the latter's case.

MassivelyTERA offers answers, launching with level 60 cap originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answer-baseanswersblueholebluehole-studiosbrian-knoxdungeonsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyknowledge-baselevel-60level-capteratera-answersTue, 06 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Big questions deserve big answers edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/ask-massively-big-questions-deserve-big-answers-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/ask-massively-big-questions-deserve-big-answers-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/ask-massively-big-questions-deserve-big-answers-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Assume the fish is a question, not just an enormous sunfish. Public domain photos are odd.
Some questions are just too good to leave to my sole discretion. I like to think that I can provide a reasonable response to a number of questions, but I also think there are some questions that merit more opinions. Case in point: a question last week from potaco about whether or not it's harder to focus on a single game instead of several games as a Massively employee. So I'm consolidating responses from the whole team right now, and we'll have an answer to that question this week.

This week's Ask Massively is still packed, however, with questions about getting a new computer for World of Warcraft and Star Wars: The Old Republic as well as whether or not Guild Wars 2 will provide credible competition for other games when it launches. If you've got a question you would like to see answered in a future installment of the column, mail it along to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Big questions deserve big answers edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Big questions deserve big answers edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alt-textanswersask-massivelycolumncolumnscomputersfeaturedguild-wars-2gw2hardwarenew-computerspoliciespurchasesq-and-aquestionsquestions-and-answersshoppingThu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MechWarrior Online developers answer forum questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mechwarrior-online-developers-answer-forum-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mechwarrior-online-developers-answer-forum-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mechwarrior-online-developers-answer-forum-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The future of warfare looks a lot like the rush hour of Detroit.
If you're looking forward to the future of warfare today, you're probably keeping a close eye on the development of MechWarrior Online. And the developers are no doubt aware of this, as they've just posted a lengthy set of answers on the game's official forums, covering a broad range of topics from update speed to character development. While the answers confirm that at this point the software is still yet to see an alpha test, there's still a great deal of information therein.

Aside from a few answers that are likely to prove discordant come launch (such as plans for biweekly update patches), the team is aiming at starting off with a strong PvP environment with persistent world elements in a similar fashion to MAG. PvE will not be in at launch, but it is on the table for later release. That's only the barest summary of the information in the full set of answers, which should keep any intent pilot eagerly anticipating his or her personal 'Mech.

[Thanks to nimzy for the tip!]

MassivelyMechWarrior Online developers answer forum questions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersdesignf2pfree-to-playgameplaymechwarriormechwarrior-onlinemwopersistencepersistent-worldpirahna-gamespvepvpq-and-aquestionsquestions-and-answersWed, 16 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: This is a sneaking mission edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/ask-massively-this-is-a-sneaking-mission-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/ask-massively-this-is-a-sneaking-mission-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/ask-massively-this-is-a-sneaking-mission-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm also sad that peachifruit isn't doing an MGS4 comic. Or finishing her P4 comic. She did good parodies.
Let's get something straight: Even though I'm late to the party with Metal Gear Solid 4, I'm a fan of the series. It's not perfect by any means, but it's one of my favorite franchises of all time. That having been said, why is it always a sneaking mission? Just once, I'd like to be told that this is a march-in-with-an-automatic-gun-and-shoot-people-in-the-face mission. But no, solo sneaking mission, every single time. I know, it's the series hallmark, but since my second playthrough is already going to be a bloodbath with a stealth unit equipped, part of me wants to do that on the first playthrough. Just once.

Appropriately enough, this week's questions for Ask Massively involve stealth in MMOs. They also involve subscription fees, but that doesn't really segue naturally. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, feel free to leave it in the comments or mail it along to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: This is a sneaking mission edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: This is a sneaking mission edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-massivelycolumnfeaturedfeesgame-mechanicshumoropinionquestionsstealthsubscription-feessubscriptionsThu, 10 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Stir-crazy edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/ask-massively-stir-crazy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/ask-massively-stir-crazy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/ask-massively-stir-crazy-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It looked like this, except higher resolution, and with a fat guy wielding a sword
With no power, no real Internet access, no running water, and no access to just about anything, I was getting a little bit stir-crazy. Fortunately, I've made use of my training as a Boy Scout and assembled a crude pastiche of elements to bring some of my favorite electronic online games into the offline space. Success has been mixed. Sitting in dowtown and periodically shouting that a level 34 Dragoon was looking for a party produced exactly the right reaction to simulate logging in to Final Fantasy XI, but my attempt at "logging in" to City of Heroes resulted in a lengthy discussion with police regarding the appropriateness of waving a Nerf sword at teenagers.

My makeshift attempts at answering this week's lineup for Ask Massively, however, have proved pretty fruitful all around. Skip on past the break for discussions about some very meta considerations, not the least of which being a potential subdivision of the site. As always, leaving a question in the comments or mailing it to ask@massively.com will quite possibly get it included in a future edition of the column. Sometimes even if the question is ridiculous.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Stir-crazy edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Stir-crazy edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersappearanceask-massivelycapitalizationfeaturedgrammarhumormmommorpgopinionpunctuationquestionsquestions-and-answersThu, 01 Sep 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: You're missing the best part of the appearance tab news edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/ask-massively-youre-missing-the-best-part-of-the-appearance-ta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/ask-massively-youre-missing-the-best-part-of-the-appearance-ta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/ask-massively-youre-missing-the-best-part-of-the-appearance-ta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I keep thinking I'll get tired of using this image when I want to make a point about WoW, but I don't. I really don't.
I've made no secret of the fact that I've long since fallen out of love with World of Warcraft, but I think people are missing the best element of the whole addition of an appearance tab. Sure, it's something that players have been asking to get for years on end without receiving a response, but the best part is that its addition essentially invalidates every single answer we've received to date about why it can't be done. That amuses me to no end.

This week's Ask Massively has nothing to do with that news, however; instead, it covers the excitement of upcoming games, the lack of upcoming games, and the relevance of functions within games. I'd promise a zebra as well, but he had places to go. As always, you can leave your questions for a future installment in the comment field or mail them along to ask@massively.com, whichever you prefer.

Continue reading Ask Massively: You're missing the best part of the appearance tab news edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: You're missing the best part of the appearance tab news edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersappearanceask-massivelycancelled-gamescolumnfeaturedhumorjumpgate-evolutionopinionquestionsquestions-and-answersupcoming-gamesvaporwarewildstarwsThu, 25 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Undead Labs talks about environments and the undead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/undead-labs-talks-about-environments-and-the-undead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/undead-labs-talks-about-environments-and-the-undead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/13/undead-labs-talks-about-environments-and-the-undead/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The upcoming zombie games from Undead Labs are aiming to give players a feeling of genuinely surviving in a world ruled by shambling corpses. To make that work correctly, players are going to need lots of little touches here and there to reinforce just what has gone wrong and what sort of threat living humans are facing. In the most recent set of questions and answers from the development team, more elements of the environment and interaction with same are spelled out, giving prospective survivors an idea of what to expect.

While the game isn't planned to be an ornate physics simulator, there will be a practical limit to how much an individual can carry -- and while vehicles can carry more, the problems of noise and fuel will place some limits on stacking an SUV to the brim with heavy weapons. Hunting wildlife and handling aquatic environments will both be issues in the game, with the obvious caveat that humans drown far more easily than zombies. There are a lot of other interesting tidbits in the full rundown as well as some valuable takeaways that aspiring survivors would do well to internalize.

MassivelyUndead Labs talks about environments and the undead originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersclass-3post-apocalypticq-and-aquestionssurvivalsurvival-horrorundead-labsunder-developmentzombie-survivalzombiesMon, 13 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Career day edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/ask-massively-career-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/ask-massively-career-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/ask-massively-career-day-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As you read this, depending on the time this goes live, I will either be knee-deep in a Career Day presentation or be coming down off the high of getting to talk about my job to a bunch of middle-school children. I'm writing this before I'll know whether it went well or not, but I'm hopeful. Truth be told, I have exactly the sort of job now that I would have loved to hear about when I was a young boy, so I'm expecting this will be pretty fun.

Plus I'll be having school lunch again for the first time since my high school graduation. That's got to be worth a few points on the nostalgia-o-matic, right?

This week's Ask Massively is thus an honorary career day edition, as we tackle questions about careers, classes, and professions throughout the wide world of gaming. On deck this week are questions about Guild Wars and doing things you oughtn't with classes, World of Warcraft's lockstep class system, and the range of flexibility in Star Wars: The Old Republic. As always, you can send off your own questions to ask@massively.com or leave them in the comment field for next week's column.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Career day edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Career day edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-classesanswersask-massivelyclass-abilitiesclass-balancingclass-structureclassescolumnsfeaturedmulti-classingopinionquestionsquestions-and-answersThu, 12 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another month, another round of answers for Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/another-month-another-round-of-answers-for-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/another-month-another-round-of-answers-for-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/06/another-month-another-round-of-answers-for-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

About once a month, Star Trek Online has producer Dan Stahl sit down and answer the newest round of player questions regarding the game's future additions. It's May, of course, which means that it's time for the newest Ask Cryptic, covering the recent additions to the game's microtransaction store as well as plans for Season 4 and beyond. And as always, while there are more features being asked about than are planned for the next major update, there are very few elements not planned for eventual inclusion.

Further ship customization is discussed, with the implementation of Duty Officers in Season 4 promised to help add more differentiation between individual ships. There's also mention of the debate about bringing lower-tier ships up to par for use in endgame activities, which is currently not on the table but is still under heavy debate in both development and on the forums. Players of Star Trek Online are encouraged to check out the latest round of answers for more info.

MassivelyAnother month, another round of answers for Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-crypticc-storecrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studioscustomizationdan-stahlfuture-patchesfuture-updatesmicrotransactionsquestionsseason-4st-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-season-4trek-onlineFri, 06 May 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Bribes are just particularly motivated gifts edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/ask-massively-bribes-are-just-particularly-motivated-gifts-edit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/ask-massively-bribes-are-just-particularly-motivated-gifts-edit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/14/ask-massively-bribes-are-just-particularly-motivated-gifts-edit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Once again, World of Warcraft has made itself the forefront of the gaming blogosphere by unrepentantly bribing tanks to run more dungeons. It does seem kind of inevitable that you'd have a shortage of one role when it can only be filled by four specs out of 30, truth be told. So is this a good move? A bad one? A good idea with poor execution? It's not for me to say. This column isn't The Soapbox; that runs on Tuesdays.

But it's Thursday, which means that it's time for another edition of Ask Massively, featuring a grand total of zero questions about bribery. Instead, we're fielding questions about years of content and console versions, which should be a fun ride. As always, you can leave questions for the next edition in the comment field or mail them along to ask@massively.com. (I guess you could see having your question put into a column as a sort of bribery.)

Continue reading Ask Massively: Bribes are just particularly motivated gifts edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Bribes are just particularly motivated gifts edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-massivelyblizzardbriberycommentingcommentsconsolefeaturedffxivfinal-fantasy-xivfuncomnaoki-yoshidaplaystation-3ps2tanksthe-secret-worldtswWorld-of-WarcraftwowThu, 14 Apr 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The face of hatred edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/ask-massively-the-face-of-hatred-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/ask-massively-the-face-of-hatred-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/ask-massively-the-face-of-hatred-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wii Fit Plus is the devil. It is a devil that I fight with on a daily basis, and I fight it by running for a long stretch at a time, and yet for some paradoxical reason I have never defeated it. The only reason there are no screaming obscenities in this opening paragraph is that I'm not allowed to dip into blatant cursing.

Also, I've dropped about 20 pounds over the past four months, so I can't say that it's not having an effect. But seriously, balance board, no one cares if my center of balance is 0.1% to the right. Shut up.

This week's Ask Massively is a fairly meta edition of the column, as our questions concern the other major face of hatred on display: the comment system. We're also fielding questions about the plethora of online games that aren't quite MMOs but aren't quite anything else either. As always, you can leave your questions in the comment field or mail them to ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The face of hatred edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: The face of hatred edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-massivelycommentingcommentsfeaturedleague-of-legendslolmassively-metapseudo-mmosquestionsThu, 07 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Questionable freshness]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/a-mild-mannered-reporter-questionable-freshness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/a-mild-mannered-reporter-questionable-freshness/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/a-mild-mannered-reporter-questionable-freshness/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We've been on a bit of a kick for new players lately, and that's not by coincidence. Sure, City of Heroes has a well-established playerbase by this point, but it's not like the game is exactly hostile to new players. And while I wanted to do another session of questions and answers, I wanted to wait until I had a good crop of questions that pertain to the newer crowd -- players less familiar with the game or with a given archetype, players who are interested in learning more but unable to find a cogent resource amidst scattered threads on the forums and one-off references in posts.

Let's face it, after nearly seven years, a lot of us don't need or want references to these things any longer. We don't need someone explaining to us about Enhancement Diversification or why someone other than the healer asks what you need for a wakie when you die. A newer player might have no idea about these things, though, and so we're mixing up the format a bit here. Let's get back to basics and look at some questions that might seem simple if you know the answer -- but don't tend to get answered if you don't.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Questionable freshness

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Questionable freshness originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterabilitiesanswersbrutebrutescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdefensefeaturedgame-mechanicsinherent-fitnessinherent-powersncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosq-and-aquestion-and-answerquestionsresistancestaminaWed, 19 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Happy St. Patrick's Day edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/ask-massively-happy-st-patricks-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/ask-massively-happy-st-patricks-day-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/ask-massively-happy-st-patricks-day-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aye, it's that time of year again, time for a celebration of culture and everything we can shoehorn under the aegis of getting drunk on green-tinted beer. We hope you're spending the day with friends and family, listening to traditional music and possibly enjoying a meal of corned beef and cabbage to celebrate the occasion. Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to get out and celebrate with the people you know and care about.

What? Sticking to the holiday that's actually happening is boring.

Luckily, sticking to Ask Massively isn't boring, at least not if you like getting your questions answered. Jump on past the break for questions about the new site layout as well as the venerable EverQuest, and of course our requisite question of ridiculousness at the end. So jump on past the break, and if you have a question you'd like to see answered here, feel free to leave it in the comments or mail ask@massively.com.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Happy St. Patrick's Day edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Happy St. Patrick's Day edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-massivelydesigneqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiextendedf2pfree-to-playholidayholidayslayoutq-and-aquestionsquestions-and-answerssite-designsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 25 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Future psychics edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/ask-massively-future-psychics-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/ask-massively-future-psychics-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/ask-massively-future-psychics-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In honor of this week's big news at the time of this writing, we here at Ask Massively have decided to reveal to our readers that we are not just repositories of information both useful and esoteric -- we are also future psychics. As proof of our powers, we have decided to explain to the world exactly what will happen when Cataclysm launches, starting with the fact that it will sell approximately fourteen hojillion copies within five minutes, thus breaking sales records previously set by the exact same game.

Two days out from release, an uberguild will have cleared every ounce of available content and will be asking why Blizzard is dragging its heels on the next raid. Three days out will mark the Running of the Wolves, as the Alliance areas are swarmed with worgen of every conceivable hue. Four days out, we'll be in full-on meme status for at least one boss.

But for today, we have questions about Warhammer 40,000 and Transformers, but we can always use more. Mail your questions along to ask@massively.com or just leave them in the comments!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Future psychics edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Future psychics edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardanswersask-massivelyblizzarddark-millenium-onlinefeaturedmassively-metamemeopinionq-and-aquestions-and-answersraidsrunning-of-the-wolvestransformerswarhammer-40000warhammer-40kworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 07 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Transformative edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/ask-massively-transformative-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/ask-massively-transformative-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/ask-massively-transformative-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome back to another edition of Ask Massively, the column that certainly hasn't been on any sort of hiatus for a little while. No sir. Well, all right, maybe a small one after all. You might notice some small changes with the column, such as the fact that the dashingly handsome Shawn Schuster has handed the reins of questions-and-answers off to the much-less-dashing and notably less-handsome Eliot Lefebvre. But it's still the same high-quality information as ever.

This week has been just a little bit lean, due to the fact that our unannounced hiatus left many readers scratching their heads. But go ahead and jump on past the cut for some pearls of wisdom regarding Global Agenda and Final Fantasy XIV. Next week we're hoping to have a few more questions, so feel free to mail yours along to ask@massively.com or leave them in the comments field!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Transformative edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Transformative edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceanswersask-massivelycommunityfeaturedff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgagenresglobal-agendamassively-metaopinionQ-and-Aquestions-and-answerstipsThu, 30 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: A few thoughts on the Final Fantasy XIV beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/anti-aliased-a-few-thoughts-on-the-final-fantasy-xiv-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/anti-aliased-a-few-thoughts-on-the-final-fantasy-xiv-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/anti-aliased-a-few-thoughts-on-the-final-fantasy-xiv-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Holy crap. Look at that sweet screenshot. It's a veritable action movie!

There. That's your article. Now, if you could excuse me, I'm going to go explore Eorzea some more.

Oh. You're still here. Damn. I was hoping you'd all be distracted by the pretty. I'm guessing you've all figured out that I've been getting some time in on the Final Fantasy XIV beta, and I've been enjoying myself so far. While I understand that many people have plenty of dislike for the title (and some of that dislike is well-deserved, I do admit), I have to say that something about this game has gripped me in the right way.

While I can't claim a huge amount of time with the title just yet, I do want to devote some time to picking out the good and bad areas of my visit in Eorzea so far. So join me this week as we discuss the ups and downs of Final Fantasy XIV's eclectic design, as well as the starting portions of Gridania and Limisa Lomisa.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: A few thoughts on the Final Fantasy XIV beta

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: A few thoughts on the Final Fantasy XIV beta originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersbetafeaturedffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfinal-fantasy-xiv-onlineNobuo-Uematsuopen-betaopinionoverviewplaystation-3playstation3previewps3square-enixFri, 10 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Donut budget edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/ask-massively-donut-budget-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/ask-massively-donut-budget-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/ask-massively-donut-budget-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's time for another installment of Ask Massively, where this site's fine staff gives advice and answers to your questions through the very scientific involvement of blindfolds and dart boards.

This week, we talk about news from The Secret World and specifics on DCUO's bonuses. Follow along after the jump for the answers and be sure to get your own questions in to either ask@massively.com or as a comment to this post.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Donut budget edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Donut budget edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceanswersask-massivelymassively-metaopinionquestionsThu, 26 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Buy Guild Wars now! edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/ask-massively-buy-guild-wars-now-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/ask-massively-buy-guild-wars-now-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/02/ask-massively-buy-guild-wars-now-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In this week's installment of Ask Massively, we address topics such as external vs. internal game wikis, EVE Online's continuing sound issues, which Guild Wars chapter to buy and... well, that's really about it. But we do it with love and hugs in every word.

Click right past the jump below for this week's answers. If you'd like to see your MMO- or site-related questions answered next week, add them to the comments below or send them to ask@massively.com. Also, take note that starting next week, Ask Massively will be moving to Thursdays.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Buy Guild Wars now! edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Buy Guild Wars now! edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceanswersask-massivelyeve-onlinefeaturedguild-warsq-and-aquestionswikisFri, 02 Jul 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Ask Cryptic for Star Trek Online highlights gaps between series and game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/newest-ask-cryptic-for-star-trek-online-highlights-gaps-between/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/newest-ask-cryptic-for-star-trek-online-highlights-gaps-between/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/09/newest-ask-cryptic-for-star-trek-online-highlights-gaps-between/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The trouble with making Star Trek Online is that there are a lot of parts that work great in a dramatic television series that don't necessarily work as well in a game. As much fun as it might be to have your bridge officers get together for a poker game, there's a dearth of useful ways to integrate it into gameplay in a meaningful sense. That having been said, the team at Cryptic is clearly interested in trying to add as many iconic elements from the series as possible, as spotlighted in the most recent set of Ask Cryptic answers on the official site.

A prime example are individual bridge officer stories -- they want to add them, but there are so many variables that the effort winds up feeling more generic instead of more personal. However, there are ideas and hopeful plans for adding more personalities to bridge officers, as well as the potential to respec your officers (although that also runs into minor problems). There's also some information about the upcoming Diplomatic missions to help spice up exploring the nebulae around the galaxy. Star Trek Online players are encouraged to take a look at the full list of answers, which covers quite a bit of space in both design and lore.

MassivelyNewest Ask Cryptic for Star Trek Online highlights gaps between series and game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answersask-crypticcrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdiplomacydiplomaticgameplayplanned-updatesseason-2st-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineupdatesWed, 09 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask us questions for the City of Heroes developers!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/ask-us-questions-for-the-city-of-heroes-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/ask-us-questions-for-the-city-of-heroes-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/ask-us-questions-for-the-city-of-heroes-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As the game's fans are no doubt well aware, City of Heroes is hosting a developer Q&A via forumspring.me on Friday. They'll be answering live questions from the players, which is all well and good... but we all know that there's the chance, however slim, that your question might not get answered. Luckily for our readers, we've got the opportunity to ensure that your questions get heard by the development team. And all you have to do is leave us a comment with your question!

The three best questions, as chosen by our staff, will be submitted for an assured answer during the question and answer setting. Leave a comment here by 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, April 22nd if you want it to be up for consideration. We'll take a look at all of them, and the results will be visible for everyone. It's not quite as good as having a burning whip to force the team to answer questions, but it's probably the next best thing for City of Heroes fans. (We hear those whips cost a fortune anyway.)

MassivelyAsk us questions for the City of Heroes developers! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>answerscity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdevelopmentdevelopment-teamforumspring.melive-chatlive-q-and-aparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesquestionsThu, 22 Apr 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Answers (and disclaimers)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/the-mog-log-answers-and-disclaimers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/the-mog-log-answers-and-disclaimers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/27/the-mog-log-answers-and-disclaimers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In this edition of the Mog Log, every question you have ever had will be answered completely accurately. (Disclaimer: these questions must pertain to either Final Fantasy XI or Final Fantasy XIV. And they must have been asked via e-mail or comments. And it must be noted that "I don't know" is an accurate answer to a question. Also, this aside is now longer then the introductory sentence.) Aren't you excited as possible? I know I am.

We'll start off with a question from Dormer:
"Why aren't we getting more information from the beta?"

We're not sure, but we can certainly speculate. The most logical reason is that the testing is closer to an alpha than anything and they're not letting people in that they can't trust implicitly. Square-Enix has a pretty good track record at keeping things quiet when they want to, and they're likely making sure that nothing leaks out from this phase. How much of an NDA further phases of Final Fantasy XIV's testing will have is a mystery. But there's another reason for the possible dearth of information. (Which we've intentionally put behind the cut to inspire you to keep reading.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: Answers (and disclaimers)

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Answers (and disclaimers) originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abysseaaddonsanswersfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivgroupingpartyparty-versus-partyq-and-aquestion-and-answerquestionssolosquare-enixuixbox-360Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan Dev goes on berserk question-answering rampage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/age-of-conan-dev-goes-on-berserk-question-answering-rampage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/age-of-conan-dev-goes-on-berserk-question-answering-rampage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/age-of-conan-dev-goes-on-berserk-question-answering-rampage/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What was in LordOrion's coffee this morning? The FunCom developer began by making two parallel threads on the Age of Conan forums, one on the US forums and one on the EU. Each one was a 'leak', with the EU getting a preview of PvP gear, and the US getting an image of what looked like a dungeon of some sort, with no further hints as to what it might be.

That done, he began to answer direct questions. The players on both sides of the Atlantic wasted no time in firing them off, while expressing their gratitude (and disbelief) that FunCom was actually talking to them for a change. Now that the flurry of posts has died down, we've collated all the new information from both sides, presented in interview format and edited for relevance and context.

Continue reading Age of Conan Dev goes on berserk question-answering rampage

MassivelyAge of Conan Dev goes on berserk question-answering rampage originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananswersaocbreakingcraftingforumsfuncomjoystiqfeatureslord-orionpvepvppvp-consequencespvp-gearquestionsquestssiegesWed, 11 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The beginning]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/ask-massively-the-beginning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/ask-massively-the-beginning/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/ask-massively-the-beginning/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Ask Massively is a brand new feature here on Massively-- it's your chance to take control of the little conversation we've got going on, and ask us MMO experts whatever you want. Want to know what MMO you should be playing, or why something in your favorite MMO is a little strange? Have a question about the site, or need an MMO standby explained? We're here to explain and elucidate the answers to all your queries, whatever they be.

To ask a question of Ask Massively, you can either put it in the comments on this post (for next week's edition), or drop us a note on the tipline. And this column will run entirely on your questions, so please let us know if there's something you want to know, no matter how complicated or how silly.

Click the link below to check out the first edition of Ask Massively! A warning: for the first edition, I cheated a little bit-- these are all questions from my friends. But next week, you'll have the chance to get a question of your own answered.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The beginning

MassivelyAsk Massively: The beginning originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceanswersask-massivelycommentersdesignfeaturedmmoquestionsreadersrsstraveltravelingworld-of-warcraftThu, 03 Jan 2008 22:45:00 EST