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[Learn the basics of Diablo III gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III
Massively's sister site WoW Insider brings us this special bonus article tonight on the basics of Diablo III for folks who normally play MMOs like World of Warcraft. Enjoy the rest of Joystiq's WoW team's Diablo coverage over on WoW Insider, and stay tuned for our own Diablo III launch roundups tomorrow morning!

Since Diablo II was released 12 years ago, it's safe to say that Diablo III will be the first Diablo title many people will have ever played. It's one of the most anticipated titles of the season and is attracting countless new players to the genre. We've received a number of questions asking how this game is even played -- and if it has anything in common with your favorite MMOs.

We have you covered.

The core of Diablo gameplay is the mouse click. You do everything from combat to looting to movement with your mouse, and your interactions with your keyboard are extremely minimal overall. On Twitter recently, many Diablo diehards have mentioned they were buying a new mouse specifically to use with Diablo III -- and that's not a bad idea. No, we're not talking a brand-new $80 Razer Naga; we're talking some $10 to $15 thing you can pick up off of a department store shelf. You want a mouse that you're not going to mourn when your buttons inevitably give out from the mountain of abuse you're about to unleash upon them. Grab something cheap and disposable so that when it dies, you will consider it a victory -- just another technological corpse for the bone pile.

Continue reading Learn the basics of Diablo III gameplay

MassivelyLearn the basics of Diablo III gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbarbarianbattlenetbattletagbattletagsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopclassclassesd3demon-hunterdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsgothic-fantasyguideguideshow-to-play-diablo-3how-to-play-diablo-iiimonkmultiplayernewbienewbie-guideonline-multiplayerroguelikerpgrunesrunestoneswitch-doctorwizardwow-insiderMon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: PAX East, D3 unlocks, and MOBA news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/not-so-massively-pax-east-d3-unlocks-and-moba-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/not-so-massively-pax-east-d3-unlocks-and-moba-news/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/not-so-massively-pax-east-d3-unlocks-and-moba-news/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
With just less than a month until Diablo III hits the shelves, Blizzard released another 275,000 beta keys into the wild. The share meter on the game's social media microsite also reached 30% this week and unlocked the first three pieces of exclusive content. Meanwhile, Path of Exile celebrated an incredibly successful pre-order campaign, netting over $200,000 in just six days and selling 13 of its $1,000 diamond packages.

In the land of MOBAs, League of Legends looked back on PAX East this week and celebrated some of the incredible costumes that fans turned up in. Dota 2 fixed a few behavioural problems with bots, added the ability to skip straight to kills in a game replay, and brought back the popular Random Draft game mode. Bloodline Champions revealed its new bloodline Dryad, and Rise of Immortals revealed its new crystalline tank immortal Shard. Heroes of Newerth released its third ranged agility hero in a row this week, the unfortunately named Artillery.

Continue reading Not So Massively: PAX East, D3 unlocks, and MOBA news

MassivelyNot So Massively: PAX East, D3 unlocks, and MOBA news originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgannieartillerybarbarianbattlenetbeta-keybeta-keysblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbloodline-championsbook-of-caincompetitive-gamingd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidiablo-iii-betadotadryade-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhonleague-of-legendslolluxmobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeroriannapath-of-exilepaxpax-eastpax-east-2012petroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepre-orderpvprandom-draftriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesshardstunlockstunlock-studiosunlockvideoMon, 16 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard highlights the Barbarian in Diablo III's newest video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/blizzard-highlights-the-barbarian-in-diablo-iiis-newest-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/blizzard-highlights-the-barbarian-in-diablo-iiis-newest-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/blizzard-highlights-the-barbarian-in-diablo-iiis-newest-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jump around.
There are some classes in every game meant to explore arcane mysteries, to sneak through trials with subtlety and focus upon finesse and careful action. The Barbarian of Diablo III is not one of those classes. No, the Barbarian is the class for when you want to just smash everything until it stands no taller than dust, and then smash yourself some dust for good measure. It's the latest reveal for the game, and as expected, it comes with an accompanying video.

In lore terms, as a Barbarian you play one of the last members of a proud nomadic people whose tireless defense of Mount Arreat ultimately failed, leaving the Barbarians to wander disillusioned and hopeless. Meanwhile, in game terms, you'll focus on savage melee attacks, thundering war shouts, and a variety of extremely powerful weapons and armor. So go ahead and pound on your mouse until you get past the break to view the Barbarian in all his bloody, savage, not-quite-housebroken glory.

Continue reading Blizzard highlights the Barbarian in Diablo III's newest video

MassivelyBlizzard highlights the Barbarian in Diablo III's newest video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbarbarianbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopclassclassesd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasymultiplayeronline-multiplayerpreviewsroguelikerpgtrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 11 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/lost-pages-of-taborea-faction-flags/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/lost-pages-of-taborea-faction-flags/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/lost-pages-of-taborea-faction-flags/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I love taking screenshots. There, I said it. Give me endless zones with nooks and crannies to explore around every corner and I'll take screenshots of them. I'm currently sitting at 11.2 Gigs -- just for Runes of Magic. Buildings, landscapes, caves, outfits, weapons, mounts; You name it, and I've probably taken a screenshot of it. Oddly enough, it's the action shots I usually don't try to capture. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy capturing a good light show as my guild face-plants a boss, but the majority of my screenshots folder is overwhelmingly filled with persistent-world shots devoid of player characters.

Many of the factions in RoM have unique architecture and flags signifying their peoples. I've dug through the beast I call a screenshot folder and put together a visual trip through the many different ways factions choose to advertise. Did I say there were many? There are. I didn't include every last faction-flag I could find, but I've chosen from some of the more common ones -- and some of my favorites. As you'll see, there are some really great designs that help immerse you in RoM. I love these little attentions to detail that show the effort developers put into designing a world.

Continue reading Lost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags

MassivelyLost Pages of Taborea: Faction flags originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbariancapracentaurscyclopsfactionsfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveice-dwarfice-dwarvesjeremy-strattonleoninelost-pages-of-taboreaminotaursnpcobsidian-strongholdorder-of-the-dark-gloryraceracesromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentvaranasMon, 08 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/the-game-archaeologist-sees-the-shadow-of-yserbius/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/the-game-archaeologist-sees-the-shadow-of-yserbius/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/the-game-archaeologist-sees-the-shadow-of-yserbius/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Really, I blame my parents for not being filthy rich. If they were, we could've afforded the $130/month unlimited subscription fee to the ImagiNation Network (INN) back in the early '90s. Just think! All of the gaming, the socializing, and the roleplaying that you could handle -- for such a low price! I mean, sure, there were hourly options, but who'd want to play for a mere five hours a month?

So instead of becoming part of a growing online community, I had to be content with my SNES and copy of Chrono Trigger -- hard times, indeed. Sometimes I think how my life would've been different if we had subscribed to Sierra's colorful online world, because I would've had a chance to get in on one of the first graphical MMOs: The Shadow of Yserbius.

It was a step forward in graphic quality from the text-only MUDs of the day but perhaps a step backward from the complexity that many MUDs brought to the table. Still, for a few shining years, it entranced thousands who lined up to delve dungeons deeply alongside their friends (and a couple of complete strangers with odor disorders).

Today we're going to take a quick peek at one of the first MMOs that stepped into the realm of lush color and animations and see what made The Shadow of Yserbius so enduring.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-d3-daolbarbarianchrono-triggerclericdeath-penaltydnddungeondungeon-crawlerdungeon-crawlingdungeons-and-dragonselvesEn-li-Kilfeaturedgremlinsguildguild-hallhalflingsimagination-networkinnknightmagemudmudsneverwinter-nightsorcsshadow-of-yserbiussierrasierra-onlinesnesThe-Fates-of-Twinionthe-ruins-of-cawdorthe-shadow-of-yserbiusthieftrollswarriorwizardyserbiusTue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: My expedition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-my-expedition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Today I feel a little like Jake from The Blues Brothers, the Jake who, while on the defensive when confronted with his failings, comes up with a laundry list of excuses including earthquakes, flat tires, a lost tuxedo, a stolen car, floods and locusts: "It wasn't my fault, I swear to God!" Yup, Jake, I empathize.

After going through an excellent month of EverQuest on The Game Archaeologist here, I had every intention to marinate in old-fashioned EQ goodness for the very first time in my life. I set several evenings aside, put on my chainmail bikini and Viking hat, and told the computer to, I quote, "Bring it on."

Then the floods and locusts happened, in the form of a number of personal crises compounded by an unexpectedly difficult time just getting into the EverQuest Escape to Norrath unlimited trial. I don't know what's going on over at SOE, but the signup for this trial simply doesn't work. I followed the directions and downloaded the client, but the next screen (which contained the activation key) never appeared. It appears that I'm not alone dealing with this frustrating experience, but long story short, I eventually created a second account to just get the 14-day trial (instead of the unlimited one) to get in the game. By then I was down to just a mere two evenings of EverQuest trompings, which I knew would not be enough to satisfy the fans looking for an in-depth impressions of their favorite game.

So I have to throw myself on your mercy and tell you that I played it, but not nearly as much as I should've. That said, it definitely was an intriguing expedition from which I took away quite a few notes and during which I at least had the opportunity to get my feet wet. What is EverQuest like to an experienced MMO player who's coming to the game for the first time over a decade after it released? Hit the jump and let's see how far down this rabbit hole goes!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: My expedition

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: My expedition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlinebarbarianbeastlordbeastmasterbeginner-zoneblues-brotherscity-of-heroesddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeqeq2eqiiescape-to-norratheverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifirst-impressionsframeratehailjakekill-ten-ratsnorrathplanetsidesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-blues-brothersthe-game-archaeologistthe-simstutorialuiWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Class selection guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/the-anvil-of-crom-class-selection-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/the-anvil-of-crom-class-selection-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/the-anvil-of-crom-class-selection-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Welcome, my barbaric friends, to The Anvil of Crom. Last week we kicked around the difficult dilemma of server selections for my return to Age of Conan, and with that out of the way we can delve into some of the class choices available in Funcom's version of Hyboria. Given that I'm currently playing two rangers (one on Wiccana, one on Cimmeria), this column will ultimately focus heavily on those experiences. I'll also toss in the occasional comment on assassins (my launch day character and now an alt) as well as how my rangers fare against all twelve classes.

Age of Conan is a unique title in many ways, but none are more readily apparent than the melee combat system and the newish take on traditional MMORPG class roles. If you're new to the game or newly returned, chances are you're having a bit of a time deciding which class is right for you. If you pick one based on prior genre experience, you may find some surprises in store. Hit the link below for some basic class breakdowns as well as my reasons for going ranger.

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Class selection guide originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-guidesassassinbarbarianclass-guideclassesconquerordark-templarfeaturedfuncomguardianopinionpvepvprangertempest-of-setthe-anvil-of-cromSun, 18 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King Conan lowers prices on long-term subscriptions for all]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/king-conan-lowers-prices-on-long-term-subscriptions-for-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/king-conan-lowers-prices-on-long-term-subscriptions-for-all/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/king-conan-lowers-prices-on-long-term-subscriptions-for-all/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If there was ever a benevolent government in these rough financial times, it's King Conan's monarchy. But we don't honor him for the order that he brings to the lands of Hyboria and not for rippling muscles and barbarian tactics that he brings to the throne. We honor him today for the price drop!

While the usual $15 a month price hasn't changed, the 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month prices have dropped. The 3 month now offers a 20% discount, the 6 month is a 30% discount, and the 12 month subscription is now a 45% discount.

This brings the prices to $99 for the 12 month, $63 for the 6 month, and $36 for the 3 month. Certainly good news for anyone who's been sucked in by the barbarians, or looking forward to the release of Rise of the Godslayer.

MassivelyKing Conan lowers prices on long-term subscriptions for all originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbarbarianconanfuncomking-conanlong-term-subscriptionprice-droprise-of-the-godslayersubscriptionsubscription-priceMon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AoC dev blog discusses class tweaks and recruiting more advocates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/aoc-dev-blog-discusses-class-tweaks-and-recruiting-more-advocate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/aoc-dev-blog-discusses-class-tweaks-and-recruiting-more-advocate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/03/aoc-dev-blog-discusses-class-tweaks-and-recruiting-more-advocate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Funcom's Glen "Famine" Swan has put another entry into his blog at MMORPG, discussing Age of Conan's upcoming guild features (which Craig Morrison elaborated on in his recent game director letter) as well as some class tweaks that the developers have been working on. Right now the dev team is looking at the Bear Shaman and Barbarian classes, with the Conqueror and Dark Templar up for possible changes after they're done with the first two. He doesn't spill the beans on exactly what might be happening with these classes but we're told to stay tuned for more information soon.

The rest of Famine's blog post relates to things outside of the game. It sounds like the Advocate Program has been going well, but Funcom would like to bring a few more advocates on board. Along with the existing class advocates, they might be recruiting advocates specifically for areas like roleplaying and player-versus-player, as was planned some time ago. Famine also gave a quick update on Funcom's plans for Dragon*Con in Atlanta this September. Among the activities will be a developer panel featuring Age of Conan's lead designer Joel Bylos.

MassivelyAoC dev blog discusses class tweaks and recruiting more advocates originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advocate-programadvocatesage-of-conanbarbarianbear-shamanconquerorcraig-morrisondark-templardragon-condragon-con-2009dragonconfaminefuncomglen-swanMon, 03 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan patch notes for the 17th of July]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/age-of-conan-patch-notes-for-the-17th-of-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/age-of-conan-patch-notes-for-the-17th-of-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/age-of-conan-patch-notes-for-the-17th-of-july/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The next weekly update for Age of Conan has been deployed, and while it's not the PvP patch, there are a number of things to be happy about this time around. Along with the expected patch notes, Funcom decided to post their reasoning behind the bigger changes in the patch, something which they hope to do every week from now on. After the break, we've made a shortlist of some of the more interesting changes, and due to popular demand we've also included the entire patch notes for your perusal.

Continue reading Age of Conan patch notes for the 17th of July

MassivelyAge of Conan patch notes for the 17th of July originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>17th-julyage-of-conanaocassassinbarbarianbreakingcombosdemonlogistfuncommountspatchpriest-of-mitrarangertempest-of-settotem-of-originstradeposttravelThu, 17 Jul 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch notes available for AoC's 10th of July update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/patch-notes-available-for-aocs-10th-of-july-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/patch-notes-available-for-aocs-10th-of-july-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/patch-notes-available-for-aocs-10th-of-july-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The next major patch hits Age of Conan's live servers today. The patch notes are lengthy, chocked full of details on all of the quest, item, UI and NPC fixes that made it in. Necromancers, Dark Templars and Heralds of Xotli took the lion's share of class tweaks, although Priests of Mitra, Rangers, Assassins and Barbarians also had some smaller changes.

Female characters received some fixes to the way they swing their weapons, and had their other combat animations corrected. Among the quest amendments, the "Obtaining the Noble Arena Key" fix stands out, hopefully allowing the poor people who could not enter the Arena in the Arsman's Tavern to finally complete their quests.

As good as all of this progress is, we're going to sound like a broken record by mentioning the big PvP update again -- can we pretty please have it next patch? You can take a look at what we do have for now in the full patch notes.

MassivelyPatch notes available for AoC's 10th of July update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocassassinbarbarianbreakingdark-templarfuncomherald-of-xotlinecromancerobtaining-the-noble-arena-keypatch-notespriest-of-mitrapvpThu, 10 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Undocumented changes for AoC 26th of June patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/undocumented-changes-for-aoc-26th-of-june-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/undocumented-changes-for-aoc-26th-of-june-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/undocumented-changes-for-aoc-26th-of-june-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In keeping with tradition, Age of Conan players have found some changes that did not make it on to the official patch notes for today's update. The community's findings have been compiled into one handy forum thread, and here are some of the more significant items on the list (although the thread will likely have more added to it later on):

  • Barbarian talent "Cyclone of Razors" has had its damage lowered from 28% to 10% at 5 points.
  • Necromancers can no longer send pets to attack while hidden.
  • Assassin ability "From the Darkness" animation changed and damage after charge reduced by up to 70%.
  • Rangers mez shot seems to not be working properly.
  • Dark Templar's magic damage coefficient is bugged.
  • A bug with casting from your mount, a feature reintroduced today on the official notes. Casters can begin casting a spell while standing still on their mount, and are then free to run around while casting it without interruption, leading to easy kiting.
  • Still to be verified: Variety of loot from epic Kheshatta bosses increased, and new blues dropping.

MassivelyUndocumented changes for AoC 26th of June patch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocassassinbarbariandark-templarfuncommountnecromancerpatchrangerstealthstealth-nerfundocumentedThu, 26 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sneak a peek at AoC's test server patch notes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/sneak-a-peek-at-aocs-test-server-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/sneak-a-peek-at-aocs-test-server-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/sneak-a-peek-at-aocs-test-server-patch-notes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Curse.com has posted a list of patch notes from Age of Conan's test server, which will likely go live in one of this coming week's scheduled downtime slots. You will notice that stat gains from equipment will finally be functioning correctly, and it's going to be interesting to see just how much of a difference this will make to the strength of each class.

The patch notes also feature another round of class tweaks, notably some buffs for Dark Templars and damage changes for Priests of Mitra. Confusingly, Bear Shamans will be getting improved Wreck Armor combo visuals and sounds -- however, this is a Barbarian combo, so is this change actually for Barbs or did they mean the BS combo Crush Armor? Other really good things: lower level mobs will knock you off your mount a lot less (although higher mobs will do it more) and attackers at your sides will have half the chance of knocking you off -- attackers from the front will never knock you off. Finally, player cities will be able to get their Trader NPC at last. Take a look through the full patch notes for some other changes, including quest and item fixes, and perhaps start speculating on what changes will be left off the list this time.

MassivelySneak a peek at AoC's test server patch notes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbarbarianbear-shamancombodark-templarhorsesmountmountspatchpatch-notespriest-of-mitratest-servertraderSun, 15 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TurpsterVision: I am a real Barbarian]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/turpstervision-i-am-a-real-barbarian/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/turpstervision-i-am-a-real-barbarian/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/20/turpstervision-i-am-a-real-barbarian/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Age of (Hulk)Hogan
Every Tuesday think "T" for Turpster and take the "a" in "day", capitalise it, remove the little bit in the middle, turn it upside down and you get a "V". Put the two together and you'll have TV for TurpsterVision -- the best Internet video podcast on Massively! (Never mind that business about it being the only video podcast on Massively...)

It is a well known fact that Turpamania is running wild, but before Turpamania there was Hulkamania; arguably not as widespread and with as many Turpamaniacs, but our lesson has to begin somewhere. You see, Age of Conan was released today, and with that it conjures up images of the greatest barbarian of all time, Hulk Hogan - don't pretend like you don't remember all the words to his song, "I am a real Barbarian".

Anyway, I digress: AoC has been billed as one of the four horsemen to herald the end of Blizzard's evil tyranny over the MMO market, but can any game, or any group of games, really topple the giant that is World of Warcraft? No, of course not, but that doesn't mean that they aren't great fun!

Continue reading TurpsterVision: I am a real Barbarian

MassivelyTurpsterVision: I am a real Barbarian originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbarbarianboobsfeaturedfunnyhulk-hoganhulkamaniahulkhoganhumourlolmaturetittiesturpamaniaturpsterturpster-visionturpstervisiontvwowwrathTue, 20 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on in PvP with Age of Conan's mages]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/hands-on-in-pvp-with-age-of-conans-mages/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/hands-on-in-pvp-with-age-of-conans-mages/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/hands-on-in-pvp-with-age-of-conans-mages/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Players interested in running around Age of Conan casting magic left and right will be happy to know that in the world of Hyboria mages are quite impressive.

Some players will be slightly unhappy to hear that there is no straight-up archetypical magic user in AoC. There is no class that basically shoots fireballs while standing around like a glass window just waiting to be shattered into a million little pieces.

That doesn't mean certain classes couldn't be tweaked to play similarly to a more traditional MMO magic caster, but for better or worse you're going to have to use pets when you play a magic class in AoC. Well, unless you're planning on being a Herald of Xolti -- in that scenario you'll be using lots of demonic strength and magic.

Gallery: Age of Conan Mages

Continue reading Hands-on in PvP with Age of Conan's mages

MassivelyHands-on in PvP with Age of Conan's mages originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocassassinbarbariandemonologistfeaturedfuncomherald-of-xotlihoxjoystiqfeaturesnecromancerpvppvp-weekendTue, 22 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AoC teases a new character selection screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/aoc-teases-a-new-character-selection-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/aoc-teases-a-new-character-selection-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/aoc-teases-a-new-character-selection-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Those rapscallions at FunCom must love the power they wield over us -- releasing provocative statements, pushing the live date back -- and now this. According to their site, they've uncovered a never-before-seen character selection video, straight from the dev team. And, while the news was written in a coy manner, it's clear that this is actual information, and that we'll be seeing this screen when the real thing finally hits.

Aside from that, it's a straightforward video, if short. It shows three different high-level characters: an Aquilonian Conqueror, a Stygian Herald of Xotli (pictured to the right), and a Cimmerian Barbarian. They all look fantastic, and the level of detail is striking. It's coming, kids ... are you prepared?

MassivelyAoC teases a new character selection screen originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaquilonianbarbariancharacter-selectioncimmerianconquerorfuncomherald-of-xotlistygianvideoSat, 12 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Twelve trails of blood in Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/twelve-trails-of-blood-in-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/twelve-trails-of-blood-in-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/twelve-trails-of-blood-in-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Over the years of its development cycle Age of Conan has seen a lot of class changes and mergers. After all this time Funcom has settled on providing players with four archetypes that each have three classes to pick from, resulting in a total of 12 classes. Each class in AoC has a specific set of skills, but none are fully pigeonholed into any singular role. We've gone ahead and created an easy-to-navigate list of the archetypes and classes offered. Funcom has released more information for some classes than others, but at this point each one is pretty clear in the role they'll play in Age of Conan come May 20th.

Twelve trails of blood in Age of Conan >>>>>

MassivelyTwelve trails of blood in Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocassassinbarbarianbear-shamanconquererdark-templardemonologistfeaturedfuncomguardianherald-of-xoltijoystiqfeaturesnecromancerpriest-of-mitrarangertempest-of-setMon, 07 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An all things Age of Conan interview with Jørgen Tharaldsen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/an-all-things-age-of-conan-interview-with-jorgen-tharaldsen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/an-all-things-age-of-conan-interview-with-jorgen-tharaldsen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/an-all-things-age-of-conan-interview-with-jorgen-tharaldsen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There's been a lot of discussion here at Massively about Age of Conan -- it's a given that you probably know we're just a little excited about its impending release. So when we recently got the chance to interview Funcom's own Jørgen Tharaldsen on several subjects concerning the upcoming barbarian invasion, our minds were instantly exploding with questions to ask -- it was difficult not to overload the poor man with endless queries. Rest assured that our craniums are still in one piece and Jørgen hasn't sent barbarians to lop off our heads -- at least for the moment.

The end result turned out fairly well, we think. Within this interview you'll discover the skinny on matters of whether or not pre-order customers really are getting early access, user interface customization, system requirements and all sorts of other topics that we're sure you'll find very interesting.

Gallery: Age of Conan Artwork

Thirsty Dog Inngore 4yetiguardiangore 1

Continue reading An all things Age of Conan interview with Jørgen Tharaldsen

MassivelyAn all things Age of Conan interview with Jørgen Tharaldsen originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbarbarianeidosfeaturedfuncominterviewjorgen-tharaldsenjoystiqfeaturesThu, 27 Mar 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six reasons to be excited about Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/six-reasons-to-be-excited-about-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/six-reasons-to-be-excited-about-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/six-reasons-to-be-excited-about-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Everyone seems to be aware of one or two great features coming with Age of Conan, but we realized that not everybody has a complete view of some of the coolest ones -- which has led us to sort of a blind men and the elephant situation. So in an effort to give a more complete view of why Funcom's newest title looks exceedingly cool, we've gone and thought of six reasons to truly be excited about Age of Conan. Our barbarian urges are beginning to take over, so we'd better get to the good stuff before we run into the hills and slaughter a bear or something.

Take a look by simply clicking the image above or the gallery link below.

Gallery: Six reasons to be excited about Age of Conan

Character creationReal CombatReal Combat continuedCombat continuedSpellweaving

MassivelySix reasons to be excited about Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbarbariancharacter-creationcombatfeaturedfuncomgraphicsjoystiqfeatureslorematurespellweavingWed, 26 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan FAQ reveals system requirements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/age-of-conan-faq-reveals-system-requirements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/age-of-conan-faq-reveals-system-requirements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/age-of-conan-faq-reveals-system-requirements/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If you've been waiting with bated breath (much like us) for Funcom to finally release the recommended and required system specs for Age of Conan, then you'll be pleased to hear that the wait is finally over. It's about time too, we were starting to look into the cost of flying to Norway and raiding their offices Barbarian-style. Then when we thought about it, the cost of double-sided great axes and authentic moleskin trousers was just too much when combined with the plane ticket.

It all works out in the end, since you can find the much-awaited required specs after the break.

Continue reading Age of Conan FAQ reveals system requirements

MassivelyAge of Conan FAQ reveals system requirements originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbarbarianbreakingfaqfuncomgreat-axesystem-requirementsFri, 07 Mar 2008 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Age of Conan's Barbarian class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/hands-on-with-age-of-conans-barbarian-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/hands-on-with-age-of-conans-barbarian-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/17/hands-on-with-age-of-conans-barbarian-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Last week at CES, I was able to do a hands on with Age of Conan's Dark Templar class. I also spent a good couple of hours ignoring the dirty looks of conventioneers as I hogged the Barbarian class demo machine as well. I was able to take a couple of shaky videos of gameplay (I blame the excitement) and write down some of the abilities of the class currently in beta.

Before you dive in after the jump, you might also want to check out Michael Zenke's hands-on impression of the game, his interview with with Conan Designer Jason Stone about the graphic upgrades recently introduced to the closed beta and Age of Conan's newly announced Collector's Edition information, And if that's not enough information, you can also check the extensive tour and interview Akela Talamesca had of the game in December with more video coverage than you can shake a DV cam at.

Now, on to the details of my test drive with AoC's Barbarian class.

Gallery: Age of Conan CES 2008 Gallery

Continue reading Hands-on with Age of Conan's Barbarian class

MassivelyHands-on with Age of Conan's Barbarian class originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocarmageddon-fallsbarbarianberserkerces-2008eidosfeatsfeaturedfuncomgameplay-videojoystiqfeaturesno-escapereaverThu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan Product Developer interview, with gameplay video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/age-of-conan-product-developer-interview-with-gameplay-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/age-of-conan-product-developer-interview-with-gameplay-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/14/age-of-conan-product-developer-interview-with-gameplay-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

On December 5th, I was invited to the Eidos/Funcom Age of Conan press event, where I was privileged enough to be granted access to both the game itself and the development team. I was able to play the opening area, leading into the first town. I sussed out the combat and the conversation interface. I spoke with Jørgen Tharaldsen, the Product Developer, and he let drop a metric ton of knowledge upon my fevered noggin. I reprint here our conversation, interspersed with my handheld-shot video pieces, the first of which is shown above, which is where the game starts, with you as a survivor of a shipwrecked slaver ship. I'd like to thank Jørgen and the entire Eidos/Funcom team, all of whom I found to be gracious, witty, and enthusiastic about their game, which is refreshing to see. My take? The game looks incredible, and it's extremely immersive from the get-go. They say they're on schedule for an early 2008 release, so this is something to anticipate indeed.


More videos and the interview after the jump!

Continue reading Age of Conan Product Developer interview, with gameplay video

MassivelyAge of Conan Product Developer interview, with gameplay video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1-surroundage-of-conananarchy-onlineaquiloniaarcherarchitectarnold-schwarzeneggerbarbarianbreakingcimmeriacommandercromdark-templardidrik-tollefseneidosfeaturedfuncomgameplay-videogermanyguardianhour-of-the-dragonhyboriainterviewjorgen-tharaldsenjoystiqfeatureskushitesmagemammothmarvel-comcsmassivelymitramtvnorwaypictsprestigepriestrobert-e-howardshadowlandssiegestygiathe-longest-journeythoth-amonvanirFri, 14 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST