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[Creative staff discuss the story setting of The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/creative-staff-discuss-the-story-setting-of-the-elder-scrolls-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/creative-staff-discuss-the-story-setting-of-the-elder-scrolls-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/creative-staff-discuss-the-story-setting-of-the-elder-scrolls-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Right now, this pretty much qualifies as concept art.
MMOs in an existing franchise always present certain issues: You need enough conceptual space to advance a game's storyline, but you may not want to be locked in to never doing another title in the franchise. So The Elder Scrolls Online has to be set in just the right time period for the game to work. In a recent video interview, creative director Paul Sage and content designer Rich Lambert sat down to talk about the why behind the when.

Sage and Lambert explain that the real draw to this particular time period was the fact that there's neither a great deal of recorded in-game history nor a lot of huge events that might affect future titles -- it's a time when almost anything can happen without derailing future events in the universe. The duo also discusses keeping the game aligned with existing lore and ensuring that nothing gets thrown off by mistake. Those looking forward to the game will want to watch the full interview, which goes into more details regarding specifics of lore and setting.

MassivelyCreative staff discuss the story setting of The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorybethesdainterviewlorelore-detailsnewspaul-sagerich-lambertsettingstorytesothe-elder-scrolls-onlinevideovideo-interviewzenimaxzenimax-online-entertainmentMon, 21 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III shows off the wrath of angels]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-iii-shows-off-the-wrath-of-angels/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-iii-shows-off-the-wrath-of-angels/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/diablo-iii-shows-off-the-wrath-of-angels/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wisdom is catching throwing weapons.
Diablo III is fast approaching release in a week, but even now it's important to remember the roots of the series. The game's lore has always been based on the conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, and rather than simply create a trailer narrating that fact, Blizzard chose a more unique route. The new video available is simply titled Wrath, but it contains some important information about the lore at a pivotal moment in the war between angels and demons.

Animated by Titmouse and directed by Peter Chung (best known for Æon Flux), the six-minute video is brief, but it should leave a last impression regarding the nature of the game's conflict and the stakes involved. Even if you're not planning on grabbing the game on launch in a week, it's well worth watching just for the animation alone, and if you are grabbing the game, it jumps right up to being a must-see.

Continue reading Diablo III shows off the wrath of angels

MassivelyDiablo III shows off the wrath of angels originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbackstorybattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopconflictd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasyloremultiplayeronline-multiplayerroguelikerpgtrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 08 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA writer discusses the labor of love behind game writing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tera-writer-discusses-the-labor-of-love-behind-game-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tera-writer-discusses-the-labor-of-love-behind-game-writing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/07/tera-writer-discusses-the-labor-of-love-behind-game-writing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You always hurt the ones you love, but it's usually not with a battleaxe.
There's a conception among some gamers that working with video games for a living entails more "video games" than "working." A new development diary by TERA's writing team manager David Noonan is quick to disabuse readers of that notion. He does see the job as a labor of love, but he also freely admits that every day brings the question of how much time will be "love" and how much time will be plain old "labor."

Noonan explains the way that he and his team look at bug reports relating to their department. Sometimes, the only thing that needs to be changed is a simple typo; other times, the dialogue of an entire quest chain will need to be rewritten from the start. But that doesn't negate the joy of filling in a story and creating a world, from the major quests down to the item names. If you have an interest in TERA's writing, game writing in general, or both, Noonan has some interesting insights to share.

[Thanks to Mike for the tip!]

MassivelyTERA writer discusses the labor of love behind game writing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryblueholebluehole-studiosdavid-noonandev-diarydeveloper-diaryen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-designgame-writinglorelore-designlore-developmentlore-writingterawritingMon, 07 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Ishgardbul, not Ala Mhigonople]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-mog-log-ishgardbul-not-ala-mhigonople/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-mog-log-ishgardbul-not-ala-mhigonople/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/the-mog-log-ishgardbul-not-ala-mhigonople/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
There are three cities that players can select to call home in Final Fantasy XIV, but there are five cities of importance. Over the past few weeks I've looked at the former group, but that leaves two important places to be covered. At the same time, those cities are by necessity harder to talk about because we haven't set foot in either. Everything we know about them is secondhand, via quests and inference and in one case the ability to longingly gaze over an ornate stone bridge.

Ishgard and Ala Mhigo both cast long shadows over Eorzea, but neither one is accessible to players. There are details about both swimming through the game, but it's always secondhand, always with one or two pieces gleaned from outside sources. In its own way, this makes both cities more alluring -- because one we know to be the heart of darkness and the other could be almost anything when the gates finally swing open. If, in fact, they ever do.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Ishgardbul, not Ala Mhigonople

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Ishgardbul, not Ala Mhigonople originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ala-mhigobackstorycitiesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivishgardloremog-logopinionsettingsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 31 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Eligium's world history, chapter 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/massively-exclusive-eligiums-world-history-chapter-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/massively-exclusive-eligiums-world-history-chapter-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/massively-exclusive-eligiums-world-history-chapter-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eligium
Maybe you've been following Eligium since it was first announced. Maybe you've been interested after reading our impressions of the title from GDC. Maybe you're only just now hearing about it. Whatever camp you fall into, the game is continuing along with its testing and nearing an official release. And while some players might be interested only in leveling particularly involved mounts and enjoying some wide-open exploration, others want to know a little more about the world the game inhabits.

We've seen snippets of the game's lore from the various racial reveals, but the team at Frogster is putting together a series on the game world's history in more detail. The first installment gives a quick and broad overview of the pre-history of the game's setting; it's just after the cut. If you're interested in the game, enjoy, and keep your eyes peeled for future installments in the history updates.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Eligium's world history, chapter 1

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Eligium's world history, chapter 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryeligiumeligium-the-chosen-onef2pfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-usagame-historyhistorylorelore-historypreviewsshanda-gamesshanda-interactiveSat, 31 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Breaking down Guild Wars 2's character creator]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/breaking-down-guild-wars-2s-character-creator/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/breaking-down-guild-wars-2s-character-creator/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/breaking-down-guild-wars-2s-character-creator/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

GW2
The second Guild Wars 2 press beta weekend has come and gone, and Massively was there every step of the way. Stay tuned throughout the day today for even more guides, impressions, videos, and Q&As to get you ready for the highly anticipated sequel to Guild Wars.

In just the few minutes that it takes to traverse the 10 screens of Guild Wars 2's character creation process, I'm left with one overriding thought: This game looks ridiculously good. Ludicrously so, even. And I didn't even enter the game world yet!

I always love a good, in-depth character creation system, as there's a joy in spending a good amount of time making exactly the sort of character you want to play. Unfortunately, most MMOs have stripped this process down to the bare basics, which is why I'm pleased to announce that it's actually a mini-journey in and of itself in Guild Wars 2.

The point of this process isn't just to make a character but help you grow attached to this person and get to know him or her through it. What are this character's motivations? What branch of his or her profession is the most appealing? How did you become a hero? What obstacles do you have to overcome?

Instead of playing the game itself, I took some time over this beta testing weekend to dissect every step of the character creation system and bring my findings back to those of you who want to start building your character in your mind.

Continue reading Breaking down Guild Wars 2's character creator

MassivelyBreaking down Guild Wars 2's character creator originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbackstorycharactercharacter-creationcharacter-creatorcharacter-customizationcharacterscharrclassclassescustomizationfantasyfeaturedguideguidesguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-guideguild-wars-2-previewgw2hands-onhumanncsoftnornpreviewraceracesstoryMon, 26 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Living large in Limsa Lominsa]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-mog-log-living-large-in-limsa-lominsa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-mog-log-living-large-in-limsa-lominsa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-mog-log-living-large-in-limsa-lominsa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log header image by A. Fienemann
Limsa Lominsa isn't like the other cities in Final Fantasy XIV chiefly because it's not a city. You can argue the definition, but cities are generally places where a group of people decided to settle down and stay for an extended period of time. Limsa Lominsa is more like what would happen if everyone went for a hike, a lot of people wound up double-parked, and then in the aftermath, all of the hikers just threw up their hands and decided to stay where they were instead of going home.

Even if you ignore the city's ridiculous origin, however, you're stuck with a city that's still ridiculous in its own way. The city's government is determined by boat races, the local pirates come standard so long as they adhere to a few fairly simple rules, and pretty much everyone has an eye toward becoming the top dog. The result is a place that's refreshingly open about all of its dangers, but despite that, it's no less threatening. You'll be threatened by brute force rather than subterfuge, but you're still facing down the wrong end of a weapon.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Living large in Limsa Lominsa

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Living large in Limsa Lominsa originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>areasbackstorycitiesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlimsa-lominsaloremog-logopinionregionssquaresquare-enixsquenixstorythe-mog-logSat, 24 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Howsabout another 5000 TERA closed beta keys?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/howsabout-another-5000-tera-closed-beta-keys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/howsabout-another-5000-tera-closed-beta-keys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/howsabout-another-5000-tera-closed-beta-keys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Don't spear me bro
Massively's got a treat for those of you who were off doing something crazy like sleeping, eating, or working last Thursday, such that you missed out on grabbing one of the 10,000 TERA closed beta keys we gave away that very day in just under four hours. The treat is a picture of a centaur stabbing a dude with a spear! Just kidding -- it's 5,000 more keys!

These keys will secure your spot in TERA's Closed Beta Test 4 for North American players only, which runs this weekend, beginning on March 23rd. Just click the button below, claim your key, and then copy and paste it into the appropriate section of your En Masse Entertainment account, which you can create at the official site. After you've verified your email address, click the "enter code" button on the right side of your account window and submit your key. You can download the TERA client via the button on the account overview tab.

Don't forget to have fun!

GET YOUR KEY

MassivelyHowsabout another 5000 TERA closed beta keys? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreabackstorybetabeta-giveawaybeta-keysblueholebluehole-studiosclosed-betacontestcontestsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygiveawaygiveawaysteratera-betatera-beta-giveawaTue, 20 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your free TERA beta keys here!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/get-your-free-tera-beta-keys-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/get-your-free-tera-beta-keys-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/get-your-free-tera-beta-keys-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

TERA - that's one big-ass monster
So you're not in the TERA beta yet, but you'd like to be, amirite? I mean, come on -- sexy avatars, action combat, gorgeous fantasy graphics -- what's not to like? Well, Massively is your sugar-daddy because today we've got 10,000 keys to give away, each of which will unlock the world of Arborea via TERA's Closed Beta Test 4 for North American players only.

All you have to do is click the link below, claim your key, and then copy/paste it into the appropriate section of your En Masse Entertainment account. What's that? You don't have an En Masse account? What are you waiting for, foo? Head to the firm's official site and make one right now! After you've gone through the email verification song and dance, click the "enter code" button on the right side of your account window and submit your key. Then download the TERA client via the button on the account overview tab.

GET YOUR KEY
En Masse has also brought word of a new video that shows off TERA's high-level Temple of Temerity instance. The dungeon tasks players with holding off hordes of enemies bent on destroying a relic, and the instance made its public debut at last week's GDC demo. Finally, En Masse is releasing an e-book called The Amaranthine Heart which expounds on TERA's lore and backstory. It's available for a palty $.99 on Amazon (and the instance video is free of charge after the cut).

Continue reading Get your free TERA beta keys here!

MassivelyGet your free TERA beta keys here! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaranthine-heartarboreabackstorybetabeta-giveawaybeta-keysblueholebluehole-studiosclosed-betacontestcontestsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygiveawaygiveawaysloretemple-of-temerityteratera-betatera-beta-giveawaytera-beta-keystera-dungeontera-e-booktera-instancethe-amaranthine-heartvideoThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Staying off the grid in Gridania]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-mog-log-staying-off-the-grid-in-gridania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-mog-log-staying-off-the-grid-in-gridania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/10/the-mog-log-staying-off-the-grid-in-gridania/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log
At first glance on a trip through Final Fantasy XIV's cities, Gridania probably seems like the nicest city in Eorzea. Ul'dah always has the smile of a used car salesman, Limsa Lominsa stinks of fish and is full of pirates, Ishgard isn't welcoming even without the dragons, and Ala Mhigo sort of has a bad case of Garlean occupation. But Gridania is built in the middle of rather nice forest territory, and it doesn't seem to suffer from any of the power struggles or unfriendly residents that your other options have. Sure, the forest can be a bit tempermental, but it's a peaceful spot.

But as you may have guessed, it only looks that way until you actually spend some time there. Then you realize that the city is not nearly so welcoming as you initially thought -- it's a hotbed of activity, stuffed to the brim with spirits that do not necessarily have the best interests of adventurers or anyone else at heart. Gridania doesn't suffer the internal conflicts of the other cities, but that's mostly because the place is already being crushed too thoroughly by all of the external threats it has to face just to keep treading water.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Staying off the grid in Gridania

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Staying off the grid in Gridania originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackstoryblack-shroudcitiesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgridanialoremog-logopinionregionssquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 10 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cutter's Cry previewed for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/cutters-cry-previewed-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/cutters-cry-previewed-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/07/cutters-cry-previewed-for-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The place is sadly a bit monochrome.
When patch 1.21 goes live for Final Fantasy XIV on Friday, it brings along with it two new instanced raids. The first one, Cutter's Cry, sounds like it won't be a fun time for your character in the first place; after all, it's on the road between Thanalan and Mor Dhona, which isn't going to be a pleasant route. The fact that a powerful chimera was once known to be within the cave only makes things worse. And while a group of adventurers supposedly defeated the beast some 30 years ago, the beast has been heard within the depths again...

The dungeon is meant to be an extremely challenging encounter for players at level 45 and up, and the preview video shows off several characters in full Job regalia tackling its challenges. There are the beasts you'd expect to find within a cave in Thanalan, of course, including the requisite antlings and peistes. And of course, there's something worse waiting at the end -- but you can take a look at the video and see that for yourself.

Continue reading Cutter's Cry previewed for Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyCutter's Cry previewed for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryconsoleconsolescutters-crydungeonfantasyffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.21final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivinstanced-dungeoninstanced-raidlorepreviewsquaresquare-enixvideovideosWed, 07 Mar 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Who mourns for Eorzea?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-mog-log-who-mourns-for-eorzea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-mog-log-who-mourns-for-eorzea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/11/the-mog-log-who-mourns-for-eorzea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Final Fantasy XIV takes place in Eorzea, which is one of the continents of Hydaelyn. It's also the smallest continent, and it's generally sort of off in the middle of nowhere. The land is surrounded by tiny islands, it's filled with bickering city-states of varying influence, and it generally seems to be seen as a place that's both wild and not always particularly pleasant. And from the player's perspective... well, we don't even see all of the continent.

So every single player adventure has taken place on a small portion of the smallest continent in the world. And yet despite this, this tiny little land mass has apparently become massively important.

The Garlean Empire is preparing to sweep into the land with all its might, and the land has become a hotbed of activity as the various city-states try to stop stabbing one another long enough to mount a defense. But all of that prompts the question about what, precisely, makes Eorzea noteworthy. Why is this tiny little corner so important?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Who mourns for Eorzea?

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Who mourns for Eorzea? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycolumncolumnseorzeafeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivloreopinionsquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 11 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2 website features new Terran Republic lore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/planetside-2-website-features-new-terran-republic-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/planetside-2-website-features-new-terran-republic-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/02/planetside-2-website-features-new-terran-republic-lore/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 - TR Mosquito
It's been a while since we've featured a PlanetSide 2 lore update, mainly because more interesting gameplay info was on offer from Sony Online Entertainment. In the absence of new vehicle screens and Matt Higby Q&A's, though, we'll happily tell about the latest story-centric update to the official site (hey, some PS2 news is better than no PS2 news, amirite?).

Last night's blurb features one Tom Connery (presumably no relation to Sean, since it's the year 2640). Connery is prone to making holovid records of his life in the Terran Republic, and his latest is a somewhat harrowing account of a collapsing wormhole and the plight of the 40,000 colonists stuck on the wrong side of it. Click over to the official PS2 website for the full report.

MassivelyPlanetSide 2 website features new Terran Republic lore originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Try and read the entry out loud without trying to fit in the word 'shiny' or 'verse' a couple times.
Humans are the standard basis for comparison in games that feature non-human races, almost as if said games were being made by humans for other humans. But there's still a distinct flavor to the human race depending on the setting. Case in point, the latest WildStar "interview" with one of the three lore characters from the cinematic trailer gives players a peek at a typical human, and he's a bit different than what you might have been expecting.

While the other major characters identify a specific world as "home," humans are portrayed as being a bit more free-forming, having roamed out in space for so long that they're really not bound to a location. The entry also discusses some of the lore behind being an Explorer and some of the perils associated with intentionally venturing into the unknown (it involves lots of things that try to eat you, if you need the short version). If you've been enjoying the flavor of the world Carbine Studios is slowly building, you'll probably enjoy this latest look as well.

MassivelyWildStar discusses the exotic and alien human race originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycarbine-studioshuman-beingshumanslorelore-charactersnewsnpcsplayer-racesraceswildstarwildstar-wednesdaywsWed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Weakness is strength]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-mog-log-weakness-is-strength/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-mog-log-weakness-is-strength/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/the-mog-log-weakness-is-strength/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
If you think about characters in the online Final Fantasy games compared to the console-based equivalents, you have to come to a kind of demoralizing conclusion: Your character online is pretty weak. In Final Fantasy XI, you can cap out your Black Mage and you'll still never learn Ultima. In Final Fantasy X, by the time you have your Black Mage using Ultima, you've still got most of the endgame ahead of you. Final Fantasy XIV might move the power scale upward, but at this point your character hasn't even actually mastered being a Paladin, much less summoning anything. Final Fantasy VII, by contrast, gave us three different versions of Bahamut to summon just to keep him relevant, and he was still nowhere near the best.

And you know what? It makes the games much more fun to have these barriers in place.

Players have been clamoring for high-end summons in Final Fantasy XI since forever ago, and the fact that it's not even on the visible horizon for Final Fantasy XIV is disheartening to some. But there's something to be said for a play environment where these touchstones of power remain out of reach, certainly for now and possibly forever.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Weakness is strength

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Weakness is strength originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unfortunately, no bunny-men yet. Oh, well.
There's a lot to be learned about the setting of WildStar before the game starts in on testing, but there are also a lot of prospective players eager to learn whatever they can. So they'll probably be happy to take a look at the latest entry on the official blog, a mock-interview with the Aurin character Liara from the game's original cinematic trailer. Aside from providing some character insights, it gives a look at the Aurin as a species beyond the obvious.

The Aurin come from the forested planet of Arboria, where large ears and long tails for balance have some decided evolutionary advantages. Unfortunately for the Aurin, the Dominion invaded the planet and began cutting everything down, leading to the displaced animal-people lending their knowledge to the Exiles. It's an interesting glimpse at the game's lore for both the Aurin and for Scientists, something that several eager WildStar fans will no doubt devour with vigor.

MassivelyWildStar invites players to meet the Aurin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurinbackstorycarbinecarbine-studiosdevelopmentlorencsoftpreviewssettingwildstarThu, 26 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: We are (among) the champions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/storyboard-we-are-among-the-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/storyboard-we-are-among-the-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/storyboard-we-are-among-the-champions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wait, there can't be two of them!
The night before I started writing this column, I finally managed to clear Chapter 1 in Star Wars: The Old Republic with one of my characters. I overcame great obstacles, beat back horrible odds, and defeated a great menace to the galaxy. I was hailed as a hero by the authorities in charge, and while it had been at great cost to myself, I was now more than worthy of respect, accolades, and the gratitude of a galaxy unaware of how close it had been to almost insurmountable danger.

But then I finished the quest.

This problem is not unique to Star Wars: The Old Republic at all, though. By the end of my career in World of Warcraft, I had slain several unique individuals dozens of times on multiple characters, including several kills that were noted by NPCs as being once-in-a-lifetime achievements. Final Fantasy XI made me a pivotal figure in historic events that I could then jump right back into any time I had a friend doing the same quest. And let's not even get into the chronological strangeness that can erupt in Lord of the Rings Online. What's to be done when there's an ongoing story that your character is part of and not a part of?

Continue reading Storyboard: We are (among) the champions

MassivelyStoryboard: We are (among) the champions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycharacterscolumnfeaturedin-game-storyloremissionsopinionquestsroleplayingrpstorystory-progressstoryboardFri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes performs 'Death of a Statesman']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/city-of-heroes-performs-death-of-a-statesman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/city-of-heroes-performs-death-of-a-statesman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/city-of-heroes-performs-death-of-a-statesman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Lore nerds may note who's missing among the pallbearers and who's included.
He's been the face on the package, the man on the cover, the big guy above all other big guys. But today, he is no more. Statesman, the most iconic hero in the City of Heroes lore, is going to meet his end, and it's time for everyone to say goodbye. Episode 5 of the signature story arc is live today, and while the titular question "Who Will Die?" has been answered, it's time to see what happens when Statesman does meet his end.

There's more to do than just go play through the arc, however. A new issue of the Intrepid Informer is available in which Matt Miller discusses why the team decided that now is the right time to kill off the game's biggest hero. And if you need a little more help catching up with the story so far, the final vidoc on the arc is embedded just past the cut, giving players a recap of what the Freedom Phalanx is, what is represents, and what this death means for Paragon City.

Continue reading City of Heroes performs 'Death of a Statesman'

MassivelyCity of Heroes performs 'Death of a Statesman' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcovcoxfreedom-phalanxintrepid-informerlorelore-characterslore-figuresmatt-millerncsoftnpcsparagonparagon-studiospatchesplotsignature-story-arcstatesmanupdateswho-will-dieTue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World answers community questions about the Illuminati]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-secret-world-answers-community-questions-about-the-illuminat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-secret-world-answers-community-questions-about-the-illuminat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/the-secret-world-answers-community-questions-about-the-illuminat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I'd love to tell you what you're shooting at, but you don't have the clearance. I also would love to tell you if bullets hurt it or not.
Do you have questions about the Illuminati? Of course you do -- that's sort of their whole method of operation. But when it comes to The Secret World, some of those questions got answered via yesterday's community question-and-answer session on Facebook. While you'll have to Like the page in order to view all of the answers, you're rewarded for doing so with a breadth of facts about the secretive power-mongers and hoarders of secrets.

Among the first questions was the simple one of how the Illuminati aren't in control of everything in the game world if their operatives have infiltrated the highest level of government; as it happens, with the world exploding and lighting up with the supernatural, the Illuminati are too concerned with working overtime to keep things under wraps to try to take total control. The answers also reinforce the idea that the Illuminati crave power and competence above all, up to the organization's willingness to discard lesser members for valuable information. You can take a peek at the full set of answer on Facebook, but keep in mind that you're going to need to Like the page first.

MassivelyThe Secret World answers community questions about the Illuminati originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycommunityfactionsfuncomilluminatilorenewspreviewsq-and-aquestionsquestions-and-answerssecret-societiessocietiesthe-secret-worldtswupdatesMon, 16 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the 5th Column and the Council]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-5th-column-and-the-co/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-5th-column-and-the-co/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-5th-column-and-the-co/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header image by A. Fienemann
There are certain villains that just resist all logic and refuse to go out of style. Case in point: Nazis. Despite the fact that they were a political party in a war that ended about 70 years ago, somehow it's still satisfying to beat them up. That was the basis behind the initial placement of the 5th Column on the launch of City of Heroes... a position that was later usurped, then reclaimed, and now remains in a sort of back-and-forth limbo.

You can't talk about the 5th Column without talking about the Council because the two groups are almost the same. Of course, one is a lot more reprehensible than the other, which oddly makes them far more interesting. Put simply, it's a tangled web of subterfuge and backstabbing, and the two organizations are still struggling for dominance on the streets of Paragon City. They're like a slightly more accessible version of Nemesis for one another.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the 5th Column and the Council

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the 5th Column and the Council originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-columna-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncouncilcovcoxfeaturedfifth-columnlorencsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosthe-councilWed, 11 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ree Soesbee talks about her career with ArenaNet and Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/ree-soesbee-talks-about-her-career-with-arenanet-and-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/ree-soesbee-talks-about-her-career-with-arenanet-and-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/ree-soesbee-talks-about-her-career-with-arenanet-and-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Of course there's a Mesmer involved. Apparently, there's always a Mesmer involved.
Ree Soesbee has a long and productive career history even without her current duties on Guild Wars 2, but that's probably the part that MMO fans are most interested in. Guild Wars Insider recently conducted a lengthy interview with Soesbee, discussing her early career and her experiences working on Guild Wars 2 as it prepares for launch. And it's a meaty interview, filled with looks at the crevices of lore to be revealed over time.

Soesbee explains that she and Jeff Grubb share a secret wiki project where they collaborate on the sprawling storylines, making sure that both of them know what's going on at any given moment. There are some interesting rumors of naval approaches against dragons, hints of lore to be uncovered deep within the game, and talk of the Sylvari redesign. If you're looking forward to the game, it's well worth reading the full feature, which should provide several bits of information to hopeful fans.

MassivelyRee Soesbee talks about her career with ArenaNet and Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbackstorydesignguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2interviewinterviewsjeff-grubblorencsoftree-soesbeeupcoming-loreupcoming-titlesWed, 11 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest City of Heroes video documents the heroes of the Freedom Phalanx]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/newest-city-of-heroes-video-documents-the-heroes-of-the-freedom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/newest-city-of-heroes-video-documents-the-heroes-of-the-freedom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/newest-city-of-heroes-video-documents-the-heroes-of-the-freedom/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We've got tons of heroes here. They're like rats, but bigger and half of them are on fire.
The Surviving Eight, the members of the Freedom Phalanx, are the most important heroes in the mythology of City of Heroes. But in the not-so-distant future, they're going to be down a member as the game's first signature arc reaches its conclusion. In case you're not totally familiar with the characters in question, however, you're in luck -- the latest video documentary shows off the big eight in all their glory, explaining how they got where they are and what the team hoped to explore with each character.

Narrated by Matt Miller and Sean McCann, the video goes into detail about the powers of the survivors and their roles in the game, from Positron to the now-marked Statesman. It's a useful refresher on the game's lore, so if you're looking forward to the remainder of the signature arc and want to get a refresher on some of the fine points of lore, jump past the break for the video.

Continue reading Newest City of Heroes video documents the heroes of the Freedom Phalanx

MassivelyNewest City of Heroes video documents the heroes of the Freedom Phalanx originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfree-to-playlorematt-millerncsoftparagonparagon-studiossean-mccannsignature-arcsurviving-eightvideovideo-documentaryvideosvidocwho-will-dieTue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's Illuminati week reveals backstory, ranking mission]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-secret-worlds-illuminati-week-reveals-backstory-ranking-mi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-secret-worlds-illuminati-week-reveals-backstory-ranking-mi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/the-secret-worlds-illuminati-week-reveals-backstory-ranking-mi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Secret World - Inside Illuminati HQ
Don't tell the Illuminati, but someone's been whispering its secrets in a very public place. Funcom has revealed a bit of backstory on the secretive faction, which is only natural since it's Illuminati week at The Secret World website.

Funcom says that prospective Illuminati players will need to find the group's secret headquarters in New York City, as well as undergo "rigorous psychological tests." The group then molds its raw recruits into "focused and efficient Illuminati machinery," and the end goals are victory in the eternal war for influence, knowledge, and power.

The article also hints at an Illuminati ranking mission that involves a young United States senator not yet under the group's thumb. Read all about that and more at MMORPG.com.

MassivelyThe Secret World's Illuminati week reveals backstory, ranking mission originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryconspiracyfantasyfuncomhorrorilluminatiilluminati-weekloreranking-missionthe-illuminatithe-secret-worldtswTue, 10 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's third novel dropping ship in January]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/eve-onlines-third-novel-dropping-ship-in-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/eve-onlines-third-novel-dropping-ship-in-january/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/eve-onlines-third-novel-dropping-ship-in-january/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Templar One
CCP's Tony Gonzales is set to unveil his latest EVE Online novel, titled EVE: Templar One, this January 3rd. But for Gonzales, it is a bittersweet moment, as it marks his final contribution to the game world: "EVE: Templar One is a labor of love that began in 2009. For now, it is my last contribution to EVE's fiction as I was amongst the casualties of the recent difficult times CCP endured."

EVE: Templar One should prove of particular interest to DUST 514 followers, as the novel reveals the backstory of the immortal soldiers who will make up the game. Gonzales also says that it will follow up on the events of his previous book, EVE: The Empyrean Age. Readers who want to beef up on the lore of both games will appreciate the explanations of how the immortals work and some of the many mysteries that have popped up in the EVE universe.

Gonzales concludes the announcement of the novel's impending release with heartfelt appreciation to fans: "Your support over the years has been overwhelming, and I'll never forget it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything."

Currently the novel is available for pre-order through Amazon.com.

MassivelyEVE Online's third novel dropping ship in January originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.combackstorybookccpccp-gamesdust-514eveeve-onlineeve-templar-oneEVE-The-Empyrean-Ageimmortalslorenovelpre-ordertemplar-oneThe-Empyrean-AgeTony-GonzalesFri, 23 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The story's the thing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-storys-the-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-storys-the-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-storys-the-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
Story is important in the superhero genre. For most people, stories are what originally makes the genre interesting over the more ubiquitous fantasy or science fiction options. And for every superheroic comic with lackluster execution you can point to, there's something else you can point to that provides some fascinating new takes on the archetypes and ideals.

OK, maybe that correlation isn't quite one for one, but the point is made. Stories are a big deal, and as a result, the way story works in City of Heroes is worth examining, especially since another game has recently come out with an emphasis on storylines. So, doubly relevant.

If you're only going to read the introductory blurb here, though, I can bottom-line it for you without the rest of the column -- the approach is pretty schizophrenic. The game has some moments of brilliance and some moments of idiocy, and there are also some near-choked with a general apathetic vibe. It's kind of what you'd expect from a story told by hundreds of people over seven years. The times when it's on, sadly, are somewhat scattershot, which makes it hard to say, "This is worth playing just for the story."

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The story's the thing

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: The story's the thing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playloremissionsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosquestsstoryWed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Different points of view]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/storyboard-different-points-of-view/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/storyboard-different-points-of-view/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/storyboard-different-points-of-view/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're reading this, I've been in my house for days playing SWTOR. Please help. This hasn't happened as I write this, but you know, I know where this is going.
There are blanks spots in the lore.

This is not news to anyone who has been reading this column for a while. I've talked about dealing with the lore twice, both times pointing out that there are spaces for you to drive your character. Sometimes it's comfortable, and sometimes it's like wedging a needle into your gums and trying to kill a dental nerve at the root. But whether or not it has parallels to my recent dental surgery, there are places in the lore where you sort of have to just fill in the blanks.

Unfortunately, this creates major issues when you intend to interact with another player, which is something that will be happening roughly all the time in roleplaying. So you might very well come up with an answer for something that isn't just different from everyone else's answer, but you might wind up with an answer that's outright mutually incompatible with someone else's. And while you sometimes can take comfort in the fact that the lore will eventually steamroll both of you, sometimes it's just the two of you trying to deal with a part of your fictional world that is now being disbelieved by someone else.

Continue reading Storyboard: Different points of view

MassivelyStoryboard: Different points of view originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycolumncommunicationcommunityconcessionculturefeaturedloreopinionroleplayingrpstoryboardFri, 16 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: The story and presents behind RIFT's Fae Yule]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/massively-exclusive-the-story-and-presents-behind-rifts-fae-yu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/massively-exclusive-the-story-and-presents-behind-rifts-fae-yu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/massively-exclusive-the-story-and-presents-behind-rifts-fae-yu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
All in-game holiday festivals were not born equal, but they do seem to share a family resemblance when it comes to being merry and bright. RIFT's Fae Yule is but one of many, many Christmastime MMO holidays that we're witnessing this month, but the team at Trion Worlds is looking to make it stand out from the rest of the crowd with its depth and sense of fun.

So why do the inhabitants of Telara celebrate Fae Yule and take time out of their busy schedule of slaughter and soul-absorbing to decorate the town and scarf down bucketfuls of eggnog? What do they sing about when gathered around a crackling fire? What kind of present is appropriate for the fellow who already has the gift of immortality?

It's time to sit on Trion's lap and ask for your greatest wish in game while jolly St. Hartsman tells you all about the lore and in-game goodies behind RIFT's festivities. Ho-ho-hit that jump and let's get started!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: The story and presents behind RIFT's Fae Yule

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: The story and presents behind RIFT's Fae Yule originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backgroundbackstorychristmaschristmas-eventexclusivefae-yuleholidayholiday-eventIlluminariain-game-eventloreriftscott-hartsmanstorytriontrion-worldsVaiyuuTue, 13 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Star Trek Online developer diary explores the abandoned Jem'Hadar ships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/new-star-trek-online-developer-diary-explores-the-abandoned-jem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/new-star-trek-online-developer-diary-explores-the-abandoned-jem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/new-star-trek-online-developer-diary-explores-the-abandoned-jem/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hopefully these fare better in the hands of players than as enemies.
The Dominion is, in many ways, the opposite of the Federation in Star Trek Online. Rather than being composed of several races cooperating freely for shared exploration, the Dominion features multiple races honed into single-purpose tools by the Founders. One of those tools is the Jem'Hadar, the warriors of the organization and the pilots behind the fast scarab-like attack vessels players are no doubt familiar with. And as the latest developer diary outlines, the Jem'Hadar ships are turning into a mystery -- because they're turning up empty and unharmed in the middle of Federation and Klingon space.

In game terms, the ship is small and quick and mounts a heavy offensive arrangement of officers and equipment. In lore terms, however, the presence of the ships could easily be the subject of an entire set of missions (and may be in the future, in the Foundry if not from the development team). It's an interesting fictional read as well as an interesting look at a new ship type in the game, both of which should appeal to fans of Star Trek Online

MassivelyNew Star Trek Online developer diary explores the abandoned Jem'Hadar ships originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdeveloper-blogdeveloper-diaryf2pfree-to-playlorenewspatchesperfect-world-entertainmentpweseason-5shipsst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineupdatesWed, 07 Dec 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New EVE Online Chronicle provides a meeting of the minds over ships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/new-eve-online-chronicle-provides-a-meeting-of-the-minds-over-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/new-eve-online-chronicle-provides-a-meeting-of-the-minds-over-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/new-eve-online-chronicle-provides-a-meeting-of-the-minds-over-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shipping news?
If you're only a casual follower of EVE Online news, you could be forgiven for thinking that the game's setting is sparse at best, since most of the news about the game doesn't really touch upon it. But there is a sprawling weight of lore behind the game, with no shortage of reasons for the massive inter-player conflicts that define the game's environment. The newest installment of the EVE Chronicles is a look behind the scenes at the way the game's universe operates, with or without players.

On the face of it, the piece is simply a bit of fiction about two individuals meeting to discuss a business deal. But it also shows off the labyrinthine politics, rules, and subterfuge involved in the game. Even if you're not familiar with the setting, the tale stands on its own as a piece of science fiction -- and if you are familiar, you may well find something of interest in the simple exchange of words over battleships.

MassivelyNew EVE Online Chronicle provides a meeting of the minds over ships originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefictionlorenewsWed, 07 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Vahzilok]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-vahzilok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-vahzilok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-vahzilok/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
A lot of the villains in City of Heroes started out as pretty nasty characters and only got worse from there. You can certainly justify why the Skulls feel the need to be a bunch of vandalizing thugs, sure, but it doesn't change the fact that the gang formed because a couple of thugs got to be top dog in the area. The Sky Raiders have always pretty much been out for piracy, the Circle of Thorns are one side of a battle of evil against evil, and the good acts that come out of Crey are more a testament to the size of the organization than anything.

And then you have the organizations that started out with good intentions. Often times these groups still have good intentions, in fact -- it's just that they don't have good ways of executing them. So it goes with Dr. Vahzilok and his loose coalition of involuntary surgeons. Oh, sure, they're modern boogeymen on the streets of Paragon City, but their goals are noble -- a fact that's easy to forget when you're faced with zombie bombs.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Vahzilok

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Vahzilok originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncovcoxenemiesfeaturedlorencsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosvillainsWed, 07 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: RIFT - Drowning in Snow, Chapter VI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/massively-exclusive-rift-drowning-in-snow-chapter-vi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/massively-exclusive-rift-drowning-in-snow-chapter-vi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/massively-exclusive-rift-drowning-in-snow-chapter-vi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Water, water everywhere, and it wants to eat your soul.
All good things must come to an end, and that's the case for Drowning in Snow. We've been bringing you the chapters for several months now, but it's time for the story to fade off into the sunset, with the heroes riding off in triumph...

Wait, no, that's not right at all. When we last left the adventurers Kira and Uriel, they weren't riding off in triumph. They were knee-deep in betrayal, which throws the entire story up to this point into question. So it does seem they've got a little adventuring left to do, doesn't it?

Click on past the break for Prone Meridian, the final chapter in this exclusive piece of RIFT fiction, brought to you by the team at Trion Worlds and (of course) the team here at Massively. Or take a look at the previous five chapters if you've missed them before now, since this one won't make much sense otherwise.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: RIFT - Drowning in Snow, Chapter VI

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: RIFT - Drowning in Snow, Chapter VI originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorydrowning-in-snowexclusivefictionloremassively-exclusiveriftrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsTue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III game designers talk Inferno difficulty and twinking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/diablo-iii-game-designers-talk-inferno-difficulty-and-twinking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/diablo-iii-game-designers-talk-inferno-difficulty-and-twinking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/diablo-iii-game-designers-talk-inferno-difficulty-and-twinking/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Oh no, color! Destroying the ambiance!
Diablo III is not an MMO by any stretch of the imagination, but it certainly has some strong online elements like previous installments. It also has a lot of expectations to live up to, several of which are discussed in a recent PC Gamer interview with Wyatt Cheng and Andrew Chambers. Both designers discuss the challenge level of the new Inferno difficulty, which is aimed at max-level characters in good gear who have already completed the Hell difficulty level. They confirm that while it's meant to be brutal, it can be played and beaten solo -- although having a friend won't hurt.

And speaking of getting by with a bit of help from one's friends, Cheng and Chambers both agree that twinking out new characters is a time-honored part of the game's tradition; their job as designers requires them to find ways to ensure that twinking is a fun process for players. It's the sort of interview that can leave fans wanting more of the game before it's released -- which ties in nicely to the fact that you can pre-order the Book of Cain (a collection of in-universe lore and artwork) on Amazon right now. And you can even take a look past the break to see what the book looks like.

Continue reading Diablo III game designers talk Inferno difficulty and twinking

MassivelyDiablo III game designers talk Inferno difficulty and twinking originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardandrew-chambersartifactsbackstoryblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchallenged3designdiablodiablo-3diablo-iiidiablo-iii-betadifficultydiiiinterviewsloremultiplayernewsupdatesvideowyatt-chengMon, 05 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Narrative voices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/the-mog-log-narrative-voices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/the-mog-log-narrative-voices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/the-mog-log-narrative-voices/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header image by A. Fienemann
One of the things that I've said for years about both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV is that these are MMOs that love story. Other MMOs have a narrative, sure, but it's in Vana'diel and Eorzea that story is really a big part of the game's appeal. There's a definite push in both games for players to take part in a narrative, to feel as if they're taking part in an epic story.

So let's not kid ourselves. There's another game coming out that offers to do the exact same thing, and it's doing so with a real set of chops. Star Wars: The Old Republic is on its way, and it's staking claim to the same territory with a very different presentation.

Both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV are niche games that are never going to have the same sort of mass-market appeal as BioWare's behemoth; that much is a given. But the real question is what happens when one of the big selling points of these niche games is co-opted. Is the story in Star Wars: The Old Republic better? Will it even matter? What happens when someone else decides that story is a good place to hang a design philosophy?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Narrative voices

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Narrative voices originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycolumnfeaturedffff11ff14final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivloreopinionopinionssquaresquare-enixstar-wars-the-old-republicstoryswtorthe-mog-logSat, 03 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Volume III, Book 5 diary available for Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/volume-iii-book-5-diary-available-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/volume-iii-book-5-diary-available-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/volume-iii-book-5-diary-available-for-lord-of-the-rings-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Continuing the epic saga of doing the work necessary so the heroes don't all die.
One of the challenges facing the storyline in Lord of the Rings Online is that it has a very definite deadline to contend with. While the story runs in parallel to the events in the books, it also has to line up in terms of what's taking place, which is why players will be parting company with the Grey Company starting in the next installment. Instead, as outlined in a new developer diary, Book 5 of Volume III will see players working with Prince Théodred, heir to Rohan, as he works to organize the defense of his country's borders.

The diary also gives a firm date to mark story progress by; according to the book's timeline, Frodo should reach Mount Doom in about a month. Players will find this book to be a bit shorter than the previous installment, but it should still be a vital component as the game approaches the climax of the trilogy. They'll also receive a cosmetic set of equipment at the beginning of Book 5 to help them look like a Ranger, which is appropriate considering the story progress up to this point.

MassivelyVolume III, Book 5 diary available for Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorybook-5developer-diaryepic-storyf2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelotrlotrostoryturbineturbine-entertainmentupcoming-patchesupcoming-updatesupdatesvolume-iiivolume-iii-book-5Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Snakes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-snakes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-snakes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/23/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-snakes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
For the first several villain group spotlights, I haven't been focusing on problems that are unique to the Rogue Isles. This is not entirely by accident -- City of Heroes was what came first, and generally speaking, I'd say the most relevant villain groups started out in Paragon City. And most of those groups do wind up interfering with your activities for Arachnos, too, so it sort of balances out. But Mercy Island faces its own problem, one that starts slithering up from the depths...

Unfortunately, this is also a threat that very quickly gets sent back underground. The Snakes are not really what you'd call a big-ticket villain group; they skulk in the shadows and are very quickly supplanted by other villainous organizations. And with the revamp to Mercy Island, they're no longer even your first enemies off the boat. So it's probably for the best that we remember the Snakes now because there might be no more Snakes to remember tomorrow.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Snakes

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Snakes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcolumncovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlorencsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosvillain-groupsWed, 23 Nov 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Fluffballs on parade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-mog-log-fluffballs-on-parade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-mog-log-fluffballs-on-parade/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/the-mog-log-fluffballs-on-parade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Despite what it might have seemed like, last week's column was not actually meant as a direct response to Final Fantasy XIV's announcement of class revisions. It was just a happy coincidence, really. I could go into more detail, of course, but I had already planned on talking about the eponym of the column, which I haven't done since I kicked the column off in the first place.

Moogles are ubiquitous in Final Fantasy XI, and while they're a bit rarer in Final Fantasy XIV they're still not a secret. This is understandable -- after all, the small little critters are part of the glue that holds the series together conceptually. So it's odd that when you get right down to it, they're only peripherally involved with the settings of the games they appear in. Despite the ubiquity of the moogles, it's debatable whether some of them are even there.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Fluffballs on parade

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Fluffballs on parade originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryculturefeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivhumorloremetaopinionsettingsquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 19 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Lost]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-lost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-lost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/a-mild-mannered-reporter-spotlight-on-the-lost/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
Paragon City has the same problems as any large city. Drug addiction, financial ruin, and any number of other horrible circumstances have conspired to give the city a large population of the homeless and hopeless, left wandering the streets and trying desperately to survive. But something emerged within the homeless population of the city, something that smells of a familiar evil and a problem that was never appropriately dealt with the first time. If your goal is to defend the system, your enemies will find the people whom the system has failed...

The Lost are among the saddest of all of the villainous groups in City of Heroes because at their core the group is made up of people who in many ways simply had no options. It's not even that they turned to crime out of desperation. These are people who, for better or worse, were blameless of anything more than minor crimes and poor decisions. And then they found themselves knee-deep in a war, moving from one sort of victim to another.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Lost

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Spotlight on the Lost originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumnscovcoxenemiesenemy-groupsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlorencsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosriktithe-lostvillain-groupsWed, 09 Nov 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: RIFT - Drowning in Snow, Chapter V]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/massively-exclusive-rift-drowning-in-snow-chapter-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/massively-exclusive-rift-drowning-in-snow-chapter-v/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/05/massively-exclusive-rift-drowning-in-snow-chapter-v/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Run, run! Or you'll be well-done! Or frozen.
For the past several months, Trion Worlds and Massively have been bringing you installments of Drowning in Snow, a special fiction piece for RIFT following two Defiants as they trek across frozen tundra on a rescue mission. We've waited a bit longer than normal since the last chapter, and it's been a wait made all the worse because the last chapter ended on quite a cliffhanger, implying that Uriel and Kira had a traitor to contend with.

The wait for the next part is over as of today, however, and we can promise you that this installment will indeed answer the question of who the traitor is. But it might very well not be who you had expected. Take a look past the cut for the fifth chapter of Drowning in Snow, and keep your eyes open for the next installment.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: RIFT - Drowning in Snow, Chapter V

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: RIFT - Drowning in Snow, Chapter V originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorydrowning-in-snowexclusivefictionloremassively-exclusiveriftrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsSat, 05 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are there lore elements you feel don't get used enough?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/the-daily-grind-are-there-lore-elements-you-feel-dont-get-used/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/the-daily-grind-are-there-lore-elements-you-feel-dont-get-used/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/the-daily-grind-are-there-lore-elements-you-feel-dont-get-used/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I want this armor. Preferrably in cat-ear sizes.
Most MMOs have a pretty expansive list of lore characters and groups. It's not surprising, really -- the games cover entire continents and worlds, so there have to be a lot of different stories going at any given time. But sometimes an interesting group of villains or interesting story promises don't quite get the attention they deserve. You enjoy what's there, but it feels like a really interesting group or plot thread got dropped in favor of something else.

Maybe you felt like the Scarlet Onslaught deserved more attention in World of Warcraft. Maybe you want more stories in Final Fantasy XIV centering around the individual nation conflicts. Perhaps you just wanted to see another series of missions in City of Heroes to wrap up some loose ends from Praetoria. Whatever the case, are there lore elements you feel don't get used as often as they deserve? Or do you think that most of the stories in your game of choice feel just the right length?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are there lore elements you feel don't get used enough? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryenemy-groupsfactionslorelore-characterslore-groupslore-npcsnpcsopinionstorytdgthe-daily-grindSun, 30 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you identify with your side?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/the-daily-grind-do-you-identify-with-your-side/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/the-daily-grind-do-you-identify-with-your-side/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/the-daily-grind-do-you-identify-with-your-side/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

And when these two groups meet up in the middle? HUGS.
World of Warcraft wasn't the first game to introduce the idea of players being inextricably tied to a faction, but it was one of the first to create two groups in direct opposition to one another. And it's continued on since then, with the Guardians versus the Defiants in RIFT, the Sith and the Republic in Star Wars: The Old Republic, Order and Chaos in Warhammer Online. When you create a character, you are part of a group, like it or not.

Of course, for some players, the side you're on is just the side that has the class and race you want to play, nothing more. For others, the side is almost more important than either of those details. So where do you fall? Do you identify as part of your faction, first and foremost? Or do you play both factions and not quite understand people who think that your choice of one side or the other makes a statement about you as a person?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you identify with your side? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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