Massively

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[Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/#commentsFiled under: Podcasts, Anarchy Online, Guild Wars, MMO industry, News items, Guild Wars 2, Massively Meta, Everquest Online Adventures, Humor, Warhammer 40k, Massively Speaking, Miscellaneous

SWTOR

Massively Speaking Episode 195 wonders if you were actually fooled by any of the pranks that MMO studios put out there, or barring that, if some of the pranks sounded so cool that you wish they were real. For Massively's part, we brought back One Shots as a joke, and then we brought it back for real just because that was the best laugh of them all.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception

Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanetaoapril-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-dayarenanetbrantbrianna-royceclassic-mmodark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoeqoaeverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgods-and-heroesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heatwaveheatwave-interactivehumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmythologyncsoftopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastssci-fantasysci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvigilvigil-gameswar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlineTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 195Massively.com Staff55:56podcasts<![CDATA[Not So Massively: April fool's edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/not-so-massively-april-fools-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/not-so-massively-april-fools-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/not-so-massively-april-fools-edition/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Video, Game mechanics, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, Not So Massively, MOBA, League of Legends, Diablo III

Not So Massively title image

It's that time of year again when we all forget to check our calendars and get suckered into believing outrageous April Fool's gags. This week's Not So Massively is a blend of yesterday's joke posts and the week's real news from games that aren't quite MMOs. League of Legends announced a joke 3-D mode, released the winners of the I Heart LoL contest, and delved into the game's North American playerbase as part of the ongoing world tour. Dota 2 added classic hero Lone Druid this week, and Firefall revealed its plans to scale up the beta soon.

Heroes of Newerth launched a new art contest and released its new mobile ganker Blitz, while Bloodline Champions laid on the April Fool's mischief with its Catch the Ranid game mode announcement and plans for a tournament with cheeseburgers for prizes. Rise of Immortals joined in the festivities with the announcement of its new immortal Karapyss the Crabomancer.

Blacklight: Retribution explained its datanode system and released a new troll face taunt, and Diablo III teased players with its joke Zergotchi authenticator. Diablo fansite Diablofans revealed changes to the upcoming game's Inferno mode and wrote a great April Fool's joke about releasing on the Wii. Path of Exile took a step closer to launch with a public stress test this weekend, and Torchlight II revealed the game's pets and announced that the latest build of the game will be playable at PAX East.

Continue reading Not So Massively: April fool's edition

Not So Massively: April fool's edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgapril-foolsapril-fools-2012battlenetblacklightblacklight-retributionBlitzblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championscatch-the-ranidcompetitive-gamingcrabomancercrabomancyd3datanodesdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotae-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroheroes-of-newerthhoninfernoinferno-modekarapyssleague-of-legendslollone-druidmmofpsmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepenny-arcadeperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvppwered-5-studiosriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesstunlockstunlock-studiosvideozergotchizombie-studiosMon, 02 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Bringing it back for realsies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-bringing-it-back-for-realsies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-bringing-it-back-for-realsies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-bringing-it-back-for-realsies/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, Massively Meta, One Shots, Humor, Miscellaneous

Journey

By now, everyone's figured out that today's One Shots revival was an April Fool's joke, but you guys have been such great sports about it that we're going to Bring Back One Shots starting next weekend as a once-a-week featurette. No... really. No joke!

So... do send your screenshots to oneshots@massively.com, and don't forget to include all the usual details, like your name, the name of the game shown in the screenshot, and a little explanation of the scene. Large, colorful, clear, UI-free shots that tell a story and really show off the game make for the best images.

We'll pore over the submissions every week and pick out one that really sings to us to showcase, and then we'll see how it goes. If we get lots of submissions and the feature does well, we'll keep it around more permanently!

We've tucked our first entry, from Ehra, behind the break to cap off the April Fool's festivities!

Continue reading One Shots: Bringing it back for realsies

One Shots: Bringing it back for realsies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-daybring-back-one-shotsgalleriesgalleryhumorone-shotsreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotsuser-submissionswe-brought-back-one-shotsSun, 01 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: None shall pass... until the sun comes out]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-none-shall-pass-until-the-sun-comes-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-none-shall-pass-until-the-sun-comes-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-none-shall-pass-until-the-sun-comes-out/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, One Shots, Humor, Miscellaneous

LotRO

Who dares attempting to pass? You? Are you trying to pass the Great and Terrible White Wizard? Well, please don't. He wouldn't like it very much. In fact, he might become so put out that he'll cast a spell with his +5 staff of mockery and turn you into another piece of coal for his suit.

For years I have wanted to pass by this snowman in Lord of the Rings Online but chickened out each and every time I came under his glare. Just look into those eyes and tell me that you don't feel your will melting away and your feet frozen into place. Back away, my friend. Back away slowly and never return.

Do you have a picture of a favorite MMO anthropomorphic pile of snow? The very first thing you should do is not send it in to us at oneshots@massively.com, along with your name, the game, and a description of the scene, and we won't publish it. Bring back One Shots!

One Shots: None shall pass... until the sun comes out originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-daybring-back-one-shotslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromockerynobody-reads-tagsone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssnow-wizardsnowmanwhite-wizardSun, 01 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/april-fools-jokes-streak-across-the-mmo-community/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, City of Heroes, Guild Wars, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Humor, Free Realms, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Miscellaneous

SWTOR

It may be the weekend, but that's never stopped pranksters in the past from pulling off truly epic April Fool's jokes. Many MMO studios, bloggers, and fan site operators are lining up to take a shot at the jester's crown today, hoping that their blatant (and entertaining) lies will at least amuse, if not trick, players.

It would be fool-hardy (har har) to try to round them all up, so suffice it to say that office clowns have been quite busy thus far. From Star Wars: The Old Republic's announcement of playable ship droids and City of Heroes' offer of ludicrous marketplace sales to Blizzard's focus on educational kids games and StarCraft 2's playable supply depots to SOE scaring visitors with Chatdy, the gags are flying fast and furious. We might be the most impressed with a deeply detailed wiki entry for a Guild Wars mission called Annihilator 2: Searing Day, during which players are sent into the past to save Gwen from the G-1000.

If you've spotted any other pranks, please share them in the comments!

April Fool's jokes streak across the MMO community originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetapril-foolsapril-fools-dayapril-fools-day-2012arenanetbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreedomgagsguild-warsgwhumorjokeskid-friendlykidskids-mmolucasartsncsoftparagonparagon-studiosplaystation-3playstation3pranksps3sci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republictortricksSun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Can you believe they put that in an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-can-you-believe-they-put-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-can-you-believe-they-put-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-can-you-believe-they-put-that/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, Screenshots, Events, real-world, One Shots, Humor

Move!

This is a screenshot of one of the most amazing things ever seen in any MMO. When I first saw it, I couldn't believe that it was actually happening. Is it a glitch? An easter egg? Has some disgruntled developer thrown this in to get back at his boss just before leaving the industry for good?

Unfortunately, my character stepped in the way at the last second, but that shouldn't matter, right? Oh well. It was amazing, I swear!

Do you have a picture of the one that got away? The very first thing you should do is not send it in to us at oneshots@massively.com, along with your name, the game, and a description of the scene, and we won't publish it. Bring back One Shots!

One Shots: Can you believe they put that in an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-daybiowarebring-back-one-shotsone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortrooperSun, 01 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Botanical bliss]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-botanical-bliss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-botanical-bliss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/one-shots-botanical-bliss/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, Events, real-world, One Shots, Humor, Miscellaneous

Guild Wars 1

This is a picture of a plant in Fisherman's Haven in Guild Wars, one of my favorite zones for accessing my storage vault when I'm /invisible and hiding out from my friends, who are probably trying to drag me along to vanquish zones or do Zaishen dailies or something. I mean, seriously guys, I think you forgot that MMOs aren't supposed to be about fun. They're supposed to be about spending $60 and then complaining on the forums and quitting in a huff.

Behind me is a beautiful vista with gentle waves swirling on a beach nestled in an exotic cove, but you can't see any of those things because I chose to focus on this plant, darnit. It's my very favorite plant. I stand next to this plant while accessing the storage vault referenced earlier. I don't have to comport with your oppressive "beautiful screenshot" paradigm. This plant has deep meaning. Deep. Meaning. Something about standing alone in a wasteland of sand. It's about the very essence of MMOs, see?

Do you have a picture of a favorite MMO plant? The very first thing you should do is not send it in to us at oneshots@massively.com, along with your name, the game, and a description of the scene, and we won't publish it. Bring back One Shots!

One Shots: Botanical bliss originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-daybring-back-one-shotsguild-warsgwgw1one-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsSun, 01 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are your favorite jokes of the day?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-favorite-jokes-of-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-favorite-jokes-of-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/01/the-daily-grind-what-are-your-favorite-jokes-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Humor, Miscellaneous

Bard and walrus man - still a better love story than Twilight.

All right, we admit it, you probably haven't seen any April Fool's jokes just yet. It's early. But every year, MMO developers -- and the rest of the Internet -- delight in the absurd, the strange, and the blatantly false. Yes, the first of April is when everyone gets to troll the world just a little bit. And while some people are stalwartly opposed to a day during which you can trust no news and be sure of no announcements, the rest of us just accept nothing useful is getting done today and enjoy it.

So go ahead and see what the various jokes are around the internet. Seriously, we'll wait. Then, let us know your favorites. Maybe it's something everyone loves, maybe it's something no one has seen yet, maybe you're just going to link something on YouTube. The point is, we want to know -- what's your favorite April Fool's joke this year?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers meet to discuss the dark ritual required to summon back the most missed of all features: One Shots. So we're bringing it back today. If you can't trust the footer text today, then who can you trust? In other news, this is today's Daily Grind!

The Daily Grind: What are your favorite jokes of the day? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 01 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-dayculturedaily-grindhumorlaugh-nowopinionsillysilly-stuffstill-a-better-love-story-than-twilighttdgthe-daily-grindSun, 01 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warplanes is adding dragons for that extra kick of historical accuracy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/world-of-warplanes-is-adding-dragons-for-that-extra-kick-of-hist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/world-of-warplanes-is-adding-dragons-for-that-extra-kick-of-hist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/world-of-warplanes-is-adding-dragons-for-that-extra-kick-of-hist/#commentsFiled under: Historical, Galleries, Screenshots, Video, New titles, Free-to-play, Humor, World of Warplanes

Smaus dragon

In a press release from early this morning, Wargaming.net has announced that it's adding dragons to its upcoming World of Warplanes.

I'll just let that line sink in a bit before I continue. Yes, the studio is adding dragons; there's a video and everything (included past the cut). According to the release, the "initial tech tree will include 12 dragons and will eventually expand to more than 60 creatures. Each mystical animal will have its own peculiarities and strategic employment. Players can upgrade several key characteristics including fire intensity level, color, number of claws, horns, wingspan and skin thickness."

Now, I should remind you what this Sunday is, so you can put two and two together, but it's an interesting thought nonetheless.

Will we see more early April Fool's jokes today? Stay tuned!

Gallery: World of Warplanes Dragon Faction

Continue reading World of Warplanes is adding dragons for that extra kick of historical accuracy

World of Warplanes is adding dragons for that extra kick of historical accuracy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsApril-fools-daybut-i-wanted-to-ride-on-a-dragondragonsf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhistoricalplaneplanespvpscreenshotscreenshotswarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplaneswowpFri, 30 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: World of Warcraft's next expansion has been named]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/has-wows-next-expansion-been-named/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/has-wows-next-expansion-been-named/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/has-wows-next-expansion-been-named/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Expansions, Rumors

First there was The Burning Crusade, then Wrath of the Lich King, and, most recently, Cataclysm. World of Warcraft's expansions have been the lifeblood of literally millions of gamers' playtime, which is why many fans are anxiously awaiting word of the fourth expansion pack to the hit MMO.

Today we may know the name of the expansion: Mists of Pandaria. According to MMO Champion, Blizzard filed a trademark with this title on July 28th, which is exactly in line with how the company has procured titles for the previous expansions. The trademark specifies that this is for "computer game software."

The Pandarens are one of the more light-hearted races in the Warcraft franchise, with kung fu panda bears from a secret empire somewhere in Azeroth. Despite being fan favorites, the Pandarens have been rarely seen in WoW, while Blizzard has used them in a couple different April Fool's jokes in the past.

We'll be keeping our eyes on Blizzard for any official confirmation.

Rumor: World of Warcraft's next expansion has been named originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardapril-foolsazerothblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcataclysmexpansionexpansionskung-fu-pandamists-of-pandariapandarenpandarenspandariarumorthe-burning-crusadetrademarkwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwrath-of-the-lich-kingWed, 03 Aug 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Anarchy Online, City of Heroes, Dungeons and Dragons Online, EverQuest, Guild Wars, Warhammer Online, Tabula Rasa, Humor, Free Realms, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous, Faxion Online

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: Best of April first edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/global-chat-best-of-april-first-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/global-chat-best-of-april-first-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/03/global-chat-best-of-april-first-edition/#commentsFiled under: Humor, Global Chat, Miscellaneous

Friday was April Fool's day, and while we at Massively didn't want to stop bringing you all the latest real news, we wanted to get in on the fun as well. In the end, we compromised by making a few little additions to our schedule in the first half of the day.

While we had regular news at the top of the hour as always, on the :30s we handed the virtual printing press over to you, our readers. Several of our writers created Mad Libs-style news stories, leaving out the important parts and allowing you, the readers, to create whatever news your hearts desired.

Today we're looking at the ones that kept us laughing, so follow along after the jump for the best of April first!

Continue reading Global Chat: Best of April first edition

Global Chat: Best of April first edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2011April-fools-daycommenterscommentscommunitydbladefeaturedglobal-chatgreghumormad-libsmad-libs-april-fools-day-2011twitchy5Sun, 03 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/massivelys-april-fools-day-adjective-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/massivelys-april-fools-day-adjective-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/massivelys-april-fools-day-adjective-roundup/#commentsFiled under: MMO industry, News items, Humor

The favorite day of the year for anyone named April has [verb ending in ed] the internet, making some web surfers [emotion] and others [emotion]. In [adjective] Massively fashion, we felt it best to gather all this news [adverb]. After all, what would an event be without a [adjective] Massively roundup?

World of Warcraft [past tense verb] not just one internet prank but four for the [plural noun] of BattleNet. Turbine invited its [plural noun] to be the broccoli for [adjective] race in Dungeons and Dragons Online. The [plural title] of Star Wars: The Old Republic did not want to leave the Wookiee [plural noun] from playing their [adjective] game, so they created a Shyriiwook interface for all those [adjective] people. However, the prank that takes the [food] has to be ArenaNet's new Guild Wars 2 class, the Commando; Anet created [adjective] videos complete with jiggle physics and placed helicopters into the current Guild Wars game.

After the cut, we have [past tense verb] all the [adjective] pranks in this year's batch of favorite MMOs. Now you won't have to [verb] around the internet to find them yourself! But if you do [verb] something not on our list, let us know in the comments.

Continue reading Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup

Massively's April Fools' Day [adjective] roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2011arenanetCCPdark-age-of-camelotDDOdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEAEVEeve-onlinefeaturedfirefallforsaken-worldfuncomgazillion-entertainmentglobal-agendaguild-warsGuild-Wars-2hi-rez-studiosholidayholidaysincarnaLEGO-Universemad-libmad-libsmad-libs-april-fools-day-2011Mythic-Entertainmentperfect-world-entertainmentpocket-legendspuzzle-piratesred-5-studiosround-uprounduproundupssecret-worldSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesthe-secret-worldTurbine-Entertainmentwizard-101Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Strawman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-strawman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-strawman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-strawman/#commentsFiled under: Opinion, Roleplaying, Storyboard, Miscellaneous

We've saved the best for last in our archetype discussions, because this character is the best. Without a doubt. He is pure, unadulterated awesome distilled into walking, talking form, and you could only hope to be half as great as he is. He saves princesses, slays dragons, and wins kingdoms, even if the game doesn't feature any of the above, because he is just that great. Whatever you do, he knows about it, and whatever you think you've mastered, he's even better.

Don't hate him just because he's outdoing you at everything you try.

The Strawman is our last archetype out of the initial round, and he's without a doubt better than any of the other loser types that we've covered up until now. After all, they all had one crippling flaw or another, and the Strawman neatly sidesteps all of those problems. He's the man with the plan, the dude with a justified attitude, and the solution rather than cause of all the problems your group of fellow players will encounter.

Continue reading Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Strawman

Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Strawman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2011archetypesawesomecharacter-archetypescharacter-creationcolumnfeaturedguitarplaying-the-guitar-while-riding-a-totally-sweet-motorcycleroleplayingrpshred-guitarstoryboardFri, 01 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MapleStory goes Greek: New island coming to the game April 6th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/maplestory-goes-greek-new-island-coming-to-the-game-april-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/maplestory-goes-greek-new-island-coming-to-the-game-april-6th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/maplestory-goes-greek-new-island-coming-to-the-game-april-6th/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, MapleStory, Patches, Previews, Free-to-play, Browser, Family

It's no April Fools' joke: Nexon is adding a Greek-themed island to MapleStory on April 6th, ancient columns and all.

Chyrse is a floating island -- thanks to a mysterious power -- that's long since left the world and has been in isolation because of its distance. Now things have changed, and Chyrse is open for business and for war. Xerxes, a fearsome baddie, has declared war against the friendly giants of the isle, and it's up to you to stop him.

MapleStory players between the levels of 55 and 75 are encouraged to team up with friends to take on Xerxes and his forces. If players are victorious, Nexon promises to reward them with new, unique weapons and gear.

While you wait for the 6th, you can check out the first images of Chyrse in the gallery below!

Gallery: MapleStory

MapleStory goes Greek: New island coming to the game April 6th originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsChyrsefloating-islandgiantsgreekmaplestorynew-zonenexonxerxeszoneFri, 01 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What attitudes can you not stand?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/the-daily-grind-what-attitudes-can-you-not-stand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/the-daily-grind-what-attitudes-can-you-not-stand/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/03/the-daily-grind-what-attitudes-can-you-not-stand/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Humor

Blizzard has always been known by the fans for going all-out with their jokes on April 1st, and this year was no exception. The entire Equipment Potency Equivalence Number was funny in its own right, but especially as an attitude prevalent not only among World of Warcraft players. No matter what game you play, you know people whose sense of ego and importance at in-game achievements drives you up the wall. For some people it's a minor irritation; for others, it's the sort of thing that is so insufferable it's not worth even trying to work with them.

There are no shortage of helpful and friendly players in games, but there's also an abundance of arrogant gear worshippers, socially inept trolls, die-hard PvP grognards, ineffectual PvE carebears... you get the idea. Almost everyone agrees the extreme cases are bad, but we all think some are worse than others. So what about you? What sort of outlook makes you just quit a group in frustration no matter how the player performs? Is it something hugely removed from your own playstyle and approach, or something that's close to how you normally run and becomes more obnoxious as a result?

The Daily Grind: What attitudes can you not stand? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2010arroganceattitudebehavioropinionplaystylesocial-interactiontdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 03 Apr 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools! A roundup of the best pranks in the MMO world today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-a-roundup-of-the-best-pranks-in-the-mmo-world-toda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-a-roundup-of-the-best-pranks-in-the-mmo-world-toda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-a-roundup-of-the-best-pranks-in-the-mmo-world-toda/#commentsFiled under: Humor

April Fools! So did you get taken in by some clever pranks today, or did you wake up and decide that until the calendar rolled over to April 2nd, the entire world was full of it?

In either case, everyone had some fun whether they were creating pranks or reading through them. We all enjoyed the chance to let our silly sides take the reins for the day. Just in case you missed a few pranks, we've rounded up some of the best from today around the MMO community. Follow along after the jump for shenanigans, tomfoolery, and monkeyshines!

Continue reading April Fools! A roundup of the best pranks in the MMO world today

April Fools! A roundup of the best pranks in the MMO world today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-2010april-fools-pranksmmo-april-foolsThu, 01 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars Galaxies: Dr. Fool strikes back]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/star-wars-galaxies-dr-fool-strikes-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/star-wars-galaxies-dr-fool-strikes-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/star-wars-galaxies-dr-fool-strikes-back/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, Events, in-game, Star Wars Galaxies

Toys turning tables on Imperials and Rebels alike? It may sound like a bad joke, but Star Wars Galaxies has never seen such dire straits. The elusive and diabolical Dr. Fool (who has a Ph.D. in Evil Medicine) has returned once more to unleash his fiendish toys on the residents of Tatooine, Naboo, Lok, Corellia, and Endor. These high-level toys -- some resembling miniature AT-ATs -- should be treated as hostile on sight and taken down without prejudice.

Of course, for this April Fool's event, players are to be rewarded for their diligence. SOE is tempting all SWG fighters and lovers to disable the toys with a special title: "Toy Recaller." This title can only be achieved on April 1st by taking down the malfunctioning toys before the stroke of midnight PDT.

Wookiepedia has more information on this toy rampage, which coincidentally also happened a year ago to the day. You can also read the aftermath of the 2009 event on SWG's forums.

Star Wars Galaxies: Dr. Fool strikes back originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsAprilFoolsat-atcorelliadr-foolendorloknaboosoestar-wars-galaxiesswgtatooinetoy-recallertoysWed, 31 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate a tricksy halfling for April Fool's Day in EQII]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/celebrate-a-tricksy-halfling-for-april-fools-day-in-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/celebrate-a-tricksy-halfling-for-april-fools-day-in-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/29/celebrate-a-tricksy-halfling-for-april-fools-day-in-eqii/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Events, in-game, Crafting, News items

If there's anything we know for sure about halfings, it's their love of devious tricks. The Norrathian god Bristlebane is no exception, being the deity of pranks, foolishness, and lighthearted deception. So when April Fools Day comes around and Bristlebane's power is at its yearly peak, expect all of Norrath to fall for his hysterical tricks!

This year's Bristlebane Day is going to be filled with festivities, pranks, and even a few new items for you to add to your inventory! While the yearly mainstay quests have returned (like Ratical, The Impossibly Rare Objects, and Gigglegibber Scavenger Hunt) a new quest has appeared in the Enchanted Lands! This quest will only be available on April 1st, in addition to some "other" festivities that will appear in the zone on that day as well.

Play your cards right, and you might just be the owner of The World's Worst Colored Armor Set (TM)! Exciting? We think so.

Celebrate a tricksy halfling for April Fool's Day in EQII originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-10armorarmor-setbristlebanebristlebanes-dayenchanted-landseq2eqiieventeverquest-2everquest-iiin-game-eventsoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 29 Mar 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools' Day 09: Second Life users pull the other one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-day-09-second-life-users-pull-the-other-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-day-09-second-life-users-pull-the-other-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-day-09-second-life-users-pull-the-other-one/#commentsFiled under: Culture, Second Life, Virtual worlds, Humor

April Fools' Day is quite the hodge-podge in Second Life. Linden Lab doesn't generally pull pranks on the user-population (some may disagree with us on that) but there are hordes of different groups and communities, and even a relatively low percentage of hoaxers lead to literally hundreds of hoaxes, almost all of which are spread by word-of-mouth.

We'll quickly round up some of the most common gags that are going around this year (a few of which are perennials).

Linden Lab is going back to charging for teleportation (the sum of L$1 per teleport). This one's formatted as a press-release, though the grammar is quirky enough to be a tip-off. Besides, this one came around the last two years as well.
Linden Lab has been purchased outright by [Microsoft/Activision-Blizzard/Electric Sheep/7-11/NCsoft/AOL/Worlds.com/IBM].

Continue reading April Fools' Day 09: Second Life users pull the other one

April Fools' Day 09: Second Life users pull the other one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-09cory-ondrejkaculturegeorge-w-bushhumorlinden-labphilip-lindenphilip-rosedaleprankssecond-lifevirtual-worldsWed, 01 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft Molten Core raid for ATARI becomes reality]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/world-of-warcraft-molten-core-raid-for-atari-becomes-reality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/world-of-warcraft-molten-core-raid-for-atari-becomes-reality/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/world-of-warcraft-molten-core-raid-for-atari-becomes-reality/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Culture, News items, Humor

Earlier this year, Blizzard won the prank wars with Molten Core, a faux ATARI game based on World of Warcraft's Molten Core raid complete with eight directions of movement, glorious 2D graphics and, yes, sound. We bet you thought that was just a joke, and that everyone would have forgotten about it after a week had gone by, but guess what? It's back, and this time it's real!

Gamer's University made a "port" of the ATARI game for WIndows PCs, and it includes all that was promised in Blizzard's trailer. One player plays as a priest, the other as a warrior, and each has eight movement directions and one action button (heal for the priest, attack for the warrior) with which to defeat the ten bosses. Hard to believe people used to pay big bucks for these sorts of games, isn't it?

[Via Eurogamer]

World of Warcraft Molten Core raid for ATARI becomes reality originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsatariblizzardbossesgamers-universityjoystickmolten-coreportprankpriestwarriorworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 02 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A late April Fools' entry: EQII's Weighted Companion Chest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-late-april-fools-entry-eqiis-weighted-companion-chest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-late-april-fools-entry-eqiis-weighted-companion-chest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/a-late-april-fools-entry-eqiis-weighted-companion-chest/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Screenshots, EverQuest II, Humor

We nearly missed this one, but thankfully one of our readers didn't, and sent us this screenshot of a chest in EverQuest II. Looks just a little bit different doesn't it? Another nod to the gaming world's beloved Portal, it seems that players were treated to Weighted Companion Chests in EQII for April Fools' Day. Hopefully you looted that quest starter before tossing the chest in the Emergency Intelligence Incinerator, Rollins!

[Thanks, Rollins]

A late April Fools' entry: EQII's Weighted Companion Chest originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsapril-fools-08eq2eqiieverquest-2portalweighted-companion-chestweighted-companion-cubeWed, 02 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools in Middle-earth: the Battle of Amon Hen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-middle-earth-the-battle-of-amon-hen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-middle-earth-the-battle-of-amon-hen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/april-fools-in-middle-earth-the-battle-of-amon-hen/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Humor

Okay, this is super obvious, but it's still pretty hilarious. The jokers over at Turbine want to let you know about the next free content update -- no, really -- for Lord of the Rings Online, "The Battle of Amon Hen". Introducing a new playable race, the Fowl Peoples! Grow when you level and supersize your chicken, as you crush your foes into 6, 12 or 20 pieces!

We won't ruin all the punchlines here, but there are some real winners, so make sure to check it out. It's a shame it's all a joke -- we're sure many folks would be all over that "Colonel" PvMP rank.

April Fools in Middle-earth: the Battle of Amon Hen originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsbattle-of-amon-henchickencolonelfowl-peopleslotrothe-battle-of-amon-henturbineTue, 01 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bristlebane's Day told in pictures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/bristlebanes-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/bristlebanes-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/bristlebanes-day/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, EverQuest II, Events, in-game, Humor, Massively Hands-on

It's Bristlebane's Day in Everquest II until April 2!

The god of tricks and pranks has a special job for someone (maybe you!). Look for Blat Berisen outside the gates of your home city... The gods are sending evil thoughts into his brain, and only you can retrieve the tinfoil cap he needs to block them out. Will you accept the challenge?

Check out our exclusive gallery for hints to help the quest along -- including amazing shots of the tin cap itself!

Gallery: Everquest II - Bristlebane's Day

Freeport Revelers

Meet Blat Berisen

Frethe Zizlop

Zoe Hertzflip

Heeeeere's Barb!

Bristlebane's Day told in pictures originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-foolsbristlebanebristlebane-fizzlethorpebristlebanes-dayeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iieverquest2featuredhow-tosoespring-2008Sat, 29 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST