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Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker

Jef Reahard — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, PvE, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, TERA

This all feels very familiar.

The gorgeous Asian aesthetics, the sexed-up avatars, and the hordes of high school tykes runting and squealing in global chat take me back to September of 2009 and the opening gyrations of the themepark orgy that was Aion.

Only this time, there are no angel wings, there's but one faction, and the game's called TERA.

Continue reading Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker

Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfect World dev blogs discuss gear upgrades, Berserker class

Jef Reahard — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Classes, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

If you're looking for a little reading material to go along with your Thanksgiving leftovers, look no further than the latest War of the Immortals dev blogs from Perfect World Entertainment. The first piece focuses on WoI's gear upgrading mechanics, and there are five different methods player can choose from to enhance their equipment (including gem slotting, reformation, and more).

PWE has also released a new class video for the Berserker. This particular brute is fond of throwing him or herself into combat with reckless abandon, and the class skill set allows players to "close the distance on their enemies and wreak havoc on anyone that stands before them," according to a PWE blurb. Check out the full clip after the cut.

Continue reading Perfect World dev blogs discuss gear upgrades, Berserker class

Perfect World dev blogs discuss gear upgrades, Berserker class originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary looks at melee classes

Matt Daniel — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, News items, Dev Diaries

Last week, Ignited Games announced the upcoming 2-D side-scroller WindSlayer 2. This week, the title is back for more with a new developer diary that looks at the game's melee classes. Those who prefer to go wading into battle on the front lines will have three choices: the valiant Warrior, the dexterous Rogue, or the enlightened Monk.

For the full details on each of these classes, head on past the cut for the full dev diary. And once you're done, don't forget to head on over to the game's official site (linked below) to register for a shot at a spot in the closed beta test.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary looks at melee classes

Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary looks at melee classes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A look at Luvinia Online's Berserker and Watchman

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Classes, Previews, Free-to-play

As Luvinia Online's heading toward closed beta testing here in the states, Outspark is trying to pump up interest in the title by highlighting the game's classes. Two of the revealed classes are the Berserker and Watchman, subsets of the Fighter and Scout roles.

The Berserker is your typical barbarian-who-unleashes-his-inner-Hulk character, utilizing rage to increase his damage, hit multiple targets, and pump up critical strikes. As Outspark says, "The heavens hath no fury like a Berserker scorned!"

On the flip side of rage is the Watchman's cool, collected poise. She uses ranged skills, traps and tricks to frustrate and kill enemies from afar, preferring the use of a bow over melee weapons. An interesting mechanic to the class is that the farther the Watchman is from her target, the more damage she does.

You can take a peek at the many classes of Luvinia Online, including the class grid, in the gallery below!

Gallery: Luvinia-Online

A look at Luvinia Online's Berserker and Watchman originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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En Masse releases new TERA Community Play Diary entry

Jef Reahard — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, New titles, News items, TERA

TERA may have had a relatively laid-back showing at this year's GDC, but development continues apace for the folks at En Masse Entertainment. Community director Jason "BrotherMagneto" Mical and community manager Evan "Scapes" Berman have returned to give anxious fans another peek behind the curtain, courtesy of the latest installment in the ongoing Community Play Diary series.

This week's episode, dubbed Learning the Ropes, sees our intrepid hosts showing off a few of TERA's more unique tutorial aspects. Activities include bomb-throwing and climbing along with more traditional NPC interaction and UI familiarization fare that takes the form of story-based quests from the perspective of a raw Valkyon Federation recruit.

Read all about it on the official TERA website, and check out this handy forum thread if you've missed any of the previous series installments.

En Masse releases new TERA Community Play Diary entry originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively's exclusive TERA lore: Contents Under Pressure

Jef Reahard — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lore, New titles, News items, TERA

Ah, Berserkers. If you've ever wondered what goes on in the minds of warriors who let their emotions run wild, the newest TERA "Day in the Life" lore entry might pique your interest. Either that, or pay a visit to the nearest MMORPG forum.

In any event, En Masse Entertainment lead writer David Noonan has penned a tale of battle, bloodlust, and bodacious armor that features Naurene, a High Elf Berserker with a giant axe and an attitude to match. While she's easy on the eyes in that typical TERA fashion, Naurene isn't exactly a girl you'd bring home to meet the family, as she's in the habit of talking to her recently deceased foes and rarely anyone else.

Jump the cut for her story as well as a few new screens.

Continue reading Massively's exclusive TERA lore: Contents Under Pressure

Massively's exclusive TERA lore: Contents Under Pressure originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA unveils new class information and its plans for GDC

Larry Everett — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Classes, Events, real-world, Lore, New titles, Races, TERA

For a hack-and-slash-type MMO, TERA doesn't skirt around with the lore. Each of the player races has its own distinct personality traits. This week, En Masse Entertainment is talking about the High Elves. As a player race, the High Elves reward ambition and intellectual prowess yet frown on emotional outbursts. Despite being the last members to join the Valkyon Federation, these accomplished Sorcerers, Mystics, and Slayers will probably be running things for a while.

Speaking of classes, En Masse revealed more information about the Berserker and Priest classes. The team claims that, although a Berserker rages through his enemies, it is still a very tactical class to play. And despite the Priest's adept healing abilities, this class is still a terror on the battlefield, dishing damage one second then turning around the next to help keep his friends alive. Nine new images of these classes were added to the gallery below.

If this lore or these classes interest you, then you will be pleased to know that key members of En Masse Entertainment, along with a brand new demo of TERA, will be available at GDC in San Fransisco on March 2nd - 4th. If you are attending, you can be one of the first in North America to get your hands on this action-MMO.

Gallery: TERA Race and Class series

TERA unveils new class information and its plans for GDC originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA class videos explode from Frogster!

Larry Everett — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Classes, New titles, News items, TERA

Bluehole Studio has been a bit silent as of late regarding its action MMORPG, TERA. But today, European publisher Frogster treated us with not one, not two, not even three, but eight trailers from the lands of TERA. These stunning videos give us a taste of each player class: Warrior, Lancer, Slayer, Sorcerer, Archer, Priest, Mystic, and Berserker. Despite what it may look like, each teaser is shot using TERA's in-game engine and textures -- there's no outside studio work here. Never-before-seen class features are showcased, and Frogster hopes to whet your appetite with these action-packed videos.

Follow after the break to judge each class video for yourself. So, truthfully, do these videos make you more excited about TERA?

Continue reading TERA class videos explode from Frogster!

TERA class videos explode from Frogster! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfect World launches Legend of Martial Arts

Jef Reahard — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, New titles, News items, Free-to-play

The MMO machine that is Perfect World Entertainment has churned another title off the publishing assembly line. The new game is called Legend of Martial Arts (formerly known as Kung Foo! during beta) and it's now live and available for direct download or via bit torrent. The game features various martial arts disciplines, a demonic race called Reavers that offer players a choice between Berserker and Oracle classes, and a unique transformation mechanic that ranges from the aesthetic to the practical (via character attribute buffs and skills).

Legend of Martial Arts also boasts a PvE dungeon matchmaking system, PvP-specific dungeons, and a legendary weapon system that features leader boards and the chance to earn unique items. Check out the official website for more details on the free-to-play title.

Perfect World launches Legend of Martial Arts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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En Masse revamps TERA website, adds dev blog and class skill videos

Jef Reahard — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Video, New titles, News items, TERA

TERA's visual style is a big part of the forthcoming title's identity. From the high poly-count graphics to the controversial outfits and animations, En Masse Entertainment's Asian import is covered in a shiny, shimmering gloss. Earlier this week, the publisher revamped TERA's official website to match, doing away with the older Flash design for a sleeker, slicker content-focused look.

The site boasts an array of new features, including a new developer blog section and a media area with several new class videos viewable among the entries. In addition to the game's trailers, check out the skill-based videos for the various classes, including Lancer, Berserker, Priest, Slayer, Archer, Mystic, Warrior, and Sorcerer (the last of which you can also view after the cut).

Continue reading En Masse revamps TERA website, adds dev blog and class skill videos

En Masse revamps TERA website, adds dev blog and class skill videos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA berserker interview, part two

Jef Reahard — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, New titles, News items, TERA

TERA, the upcoming action fantasy MMORPG from En Masse Entertainment and Bluehole Studio, is looking to put a fresh spin on both genre combat and the traditional healer/tank/damage dynamic. One way the designers are attempting to do this is through individual classes that play a bit differently from what you might expect. Take the berserker for instance. Rather than opting for your standard meat shield, Bluehole has given the class significant DPS capabilities as well.

En Masse's Brian Knox and and Scott James Magner recently chatted about the berserker's unique features in part two of a lengthy interview with ZAM.com. "You want to be a target as a Berserker, but you also want to be targeting. And that's not a word we use a lot for this game. We talk about action and the way we play, but you are a destination for damage, just as you are an output of damage going the other direction," Magner says.

Check out the new interview segment, as well as the previous installment, at ZAM.com.

TERA berserker interview, part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TERA invites the Berserker to visit for tea

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, TERA

When you heard that one of TERA's classes was to be called the "Berserker" and you either thought of either the 80's arcade cabinet classic or an obscure song from the movie Clerks, then we could be fast friends. In any case, TERA's Brian Knox and Scott James Magner sat down with ZAM to talk about this brutal class and why it might appeal to the barbarian in all of us.

TERA's Berserker is a two-handed axe wielder who has his weapon constantly in motion. The relatively short range of the class means that Berserkers have to get up close and personal with any foe they're fighting, but the increased risk of such moves are paid off with some of the highest DPS of the game. Because TERA uses both collision and positioning in its combat system, it's essential for the Berserker to hit with the blade and then duck away before getting slammed in return. Get too close, and you'll end up hitting with the hilt and wondering why the monster is laughing at you.

You can read the full interview at ZAM and check out a series of screenshots detailing one of the Berserker's key moves. The official TERA site also has an outline of the class, along with a video for your eyes only (it will self-destruct after viewing).

TERA invites the Berserker to visit for tea originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Significant aggro changes on the way for EQII

William Dobson — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Classes, Game mechanics, Patches, Grouping

There's a fairly hefty set of changes to EverQuest II's hate/aggro system currently being ironed out on Test, and they aren't to everyone's liking. Due to the the complexity of the changes, developer Chris "Aeralik" Kozak has offered up a summary for players to wrap their heads around. We'll attempt to boil it down even more for you, at the cost of including some of the finer details.

The problem with the aggro system begins with the fact that hate has scaled linearly as the game has progressed, and damage has scaled exponentially with gear and new skills, making it hard for designated aggro-holders to keep control of mobs. One of the changes on Test has given taunts the chance to hit critically, just like damage spells, and there will be a base and normalized amount of threat from taunt abilities.

Continue reading Significant aggro changes on the way for EQII

Significant aggro changes on the way for EQII originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on with Age of Conan's Barbarian class

Dan O'Halloran — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, Age of Conan, Classes, New titles, Previews, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on

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

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Hands-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.

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Lineage II free expansion, The Chaotic Throne: The Kamael, and new gender-bending service

William Dobson — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Lineage 2, Expansions, Launches, Previews

A new official website has launched to show off the features of upcoming Lineage II expansion, The Chaotic Throne: The Kamael. It is to be a free major content update, featuring the titular Kamael, a soldier race with a single angel wing. Let's hope they aren't trying to fly anywhere with half a wingspan and heavy armor. They will have a new class tree, with a few of the final class choices being available exclusively to one gender. Males get the melee-centric Berserker class, and females can be the ranged-attacking Abalester.

On the subject of gender, the expansion will also see a few new services introduced to Lineage II. Two of them are fairly mundane, but useful, a character transfer service and name change service. However, the third ought to raise a few eyebrows (and has already been commented on at Warcry's Razorwire), as players can organise to change their avatar's sex. Razorwire speculates that this may be to do with a ban in China of cross-gender MMO play, but this was only in one game, King of the World, and they confusingly only prohibited men from playing female characters -- women can still play whatever they want, provided they prove their gender by webcam. Riiiight. Moving on.

The Kamael also contains some new areas to explore. Isle of Souls is a low level zone for the Kamaels to start in, and there will be new high level and raid content elsewhere. Additionally, Fortress Battles will be introduced to allow sieging to happen at any time, instead of needing to wait for a castle siege to occur. Follow the link below to check out the preview site for yourself.

Lineage II free expansion, The Chaotic Throne: The Kamael, and new gender-bending service originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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