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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/leaderboard-bless-vs-black-desert-vs-blade-and-soul-vs-archeag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - Long Plains Coast
There are plenty of interesting MMOs coming out of Korea these days, and whether we're talking sandboxes like Black Desert, themeparks like Bless, or hybrids like ArcheAge, I'm pretty excited to try all of them. Let's not forget Blade & Soul, either, and even Aion has a new expansion on the way that's introducing a couple of game-changing classes.

For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these games against one another and see which one will claim the title of Massively's most anticipated Korean import. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge

MassivelyLeaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmoleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert interview talks active combat and the big picture]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/black-desert-interview-talks-active-combat-and-the-big-picture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/black-desert-interview-talks-active-combat-and-the-big-picture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/black-desert-interview-talks-active-combat-and-the-big-picture/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Is it just me or does that guy have a punchable face?
Black Desert is not a game that can be faulted for lack of ambition. A recent interview with the design staff helps show off just how big the game aims to be, which includes territory control, building relationships with NPCs, and an open-world housing system with a limited number of houses. It also discusses the game's combat, which is meant to be realistic active combat with an emphasis on skill and momentum.

The game's combat system will include combat on foot or while mounted, with mounted combat having several obvious advantages -- charging while mounted can be incredibly damaging, and you have an easier time knocking down targets on foot. Combat is meant to be slightly loose rather than forcing characters to have perfect timing, but the emphasis is on "realistic" combat over a string of abilities. For more details, take a look at the full interview (scroll down to see the English version).

MassivelyBlack Desert interview talks active combat and the big picture originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active-combatambitionblack-desertcombatfantasyhousinginterviewkoreakorean-mmomounted-combatnewspearl-abysssandboxupcoming-titlesThu, 18 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert shopping for Western publisher, shares more details about its game world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/black-desert-shopping-for-western-publisher-shares-more-details/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/black-desert-shopping-for-western-publisher-shares-more-details/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/black-desert-shopping-for-western-publisher-shares-more-details/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Black Desert shopping for Western publisher, shares more details about its game world
Black Desert, a soon-to-be-released sandbox MMO in Korea, is shopping around for publishers to bring the title to the U.S. and Europe. MMO Culture spoke with Pearl Abyss' Director of Business Development Brian Oh about the progress of the game's development and all of those pesky details that we MMO players like to know when checking out a new title. While the interview took place last September, it's only now being posted.

Oh spoke on several topics relating to Black Desert's development, such as why the team decided to create its own game engine instead of licensing an existing one. "We aspired to create an entirely different game from typical MMORPGs available today," Oh said, "including the rendering of art and graphics. So with an abundance of in-house experience in developing game engines gained through previous projects, we made our own."

Details about Black Desert's world were shared over the course of the interview, including the news that all classes are available to both genders and can engage in mounted combat. Oh pontificated on the castle siege system, the limited player housing market, and backstory and setting for the game.

MassivelyBlack Desert shopping for Western publisher, shares more details about its game world originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertbrian-ohclassesfantasygame-enginehousinginterviewkoreakorean-mmopearl-abysspublishersandboxwesternFri, 08 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Black Desert screens show Blader class, hurricane]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/new-black-desert-screens-show-blader-class-hurricane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/new-black-desert-screens-show-blader-class-hurricane/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/new-black-desert-screens-show-blader-class-hurricane/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Black Desert hurricane
Pearl Abyss has updated its Facebook page for Black Desert, a spectacularly rendered fantasy sandbox that wowed us with spiffy trailers on a couple of occasions.

The update reveals a bit of info on the Blader class, which appears to be an "oriental warrior concept" complete with dual-wielding capabilities, a "two-handed grab," and some sort of magic sword. The devs have also provided a screenshot of Black Desert's world map complete with a huge cyclone heading toward the town of Velia. Black Desert's weather system will feature, snow, rain, and storms.

[Thanks to gifthorse for the tip!]

MassivelyNew Black Desert screens show Blader class, hurricane originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertblack-desert-weatherbladerclassesfantasyhousingkoreakorean-mmopearl-abysssandboxweatherweather-systemTue, 05 Feb 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gorgeous Black Desert trailer shows off combat, classes, and weather]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/gorgeous-black-desert-trailer-shows-off-combat-classes-and-wea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/gorgeous-black-desert-trailer-shows-off-combat-classes-and-wea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/gorgeous-black-desert-trailer-shows-off-combat-classes-and-wea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Black Desert - Predator class
Pearl Abyss has released seven minutes of stunning new footage from its Black Desert MMORPG. The clip features an eyeful of the game's unique weather and climate systems (which are specific to each region) as well as plenty of fly-through shots featuring varied environments.

We also get a good look at mounts, combat, and closeups of various classes like the Valkyrie, Wizard, and more. Steparu has posted a brief write-up on the game as well as a couple of additional videos covering housing and the trade map. Combat is described as a hybrid between third-person action titles like TERA and Vindictus and FPS-style systems like those in the Elder Scrolls series.

Head past the cut for the full trailer.

Continue reading Gorgeous Black Desert trailer shows off combat, classes, and weather

MassivelyGorgeous Black Desert trailer shows off combat, classes, and weather originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatblack-desertblack-desert-trailerblack-desert-videocombatfantasymountspearl-abysssandboxtrailervideoweather-systemsTue, 22 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert sandbox launching in 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/black-desert-sandbox-launching-in-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/black-desert-sandbox-launching-in-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/10/black-desert-sandbox-launching-in-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Black Desert sandbox launching in 2013
We've talked a bit about Black Desert before, and its visuals, housing, and parkour systems have us pretty excited. Thanks to this week's G-Star 2012 convention, we now know when to expect the Korean fantasy sandbox (in Korea that is, there's no word on a U.S. or European launch).

MMO Culture reports that the game is 70% of the way toward its open beta milestone, which is currently scheduled for August or September of 2013. Closed beta will happen during "the first half of 2013."

Pearl Abyss has 50 developers working on the game, which boasts a seamless open world comparable in size to vanilla World of Warcraft. The devs are also working on a new samurai-type class.

MassivelyBlack Desert sandbox launching in 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertblack-desert-launching-2013fantasyg-starg-star-2012korean-mmopearl-abysssandboxSat, 10 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert shows off time transitions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/black-desert-shows-off-time-transitions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/black-desert-shows-off-time-transitions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/08/black-desert-shows-off-time-transitions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So now you can ask yourself if it's really three in the morning in the game, too.
We've all sat down to play our favorite game in the evening only to be alerted to the time by sunlight filtering in through the window. In many games, however, day and night are simply toggles -- the game goes from dark to light, possibly with some dimming or brightening along the way. Black Desert is going for a more realistic approach, and a new set of photos shows off the game's transition from the deep of night into the brightness of day.

According to translations, a full day cycle runs in four hours, with a gradual progression of the sun from the horizon to its zenith and then back down again. The result are shadows and light patterns that reflect the time of day. Time will also be reflected in the habits of NPCs, with shopkeepers returning home to rest and monsters swarming in increased numbers. There will also be content only available during the day or night, something to look forward to as the sun rises or sets.

MassivelyBlack Desert shows off time transitions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertday-transitionfantasyhousingkoreakorean-mmolightnight-transitionpearl-abysssandboxtimetime-of-daytime-transitiontimingverisimilitudeMon, 08 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert Facebook page hints at parkour system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/black-desert-facebook-page-hints-at-parkour-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/black-desert-facebook-page-hints-at-parkour-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/26/black-desert-facebook-page-hints-at-parkour-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Black Desert Facebook page hints at parkour system
Black Desert is rapidly approaching too-good-to-be-true territory, at least for this sandbox-starved gamer. While there are still a ton of unanswered questions regarding the newly announced Korean import, we have seen some spectacular visuals and an interesting twist on player housing.

Today the Pearl Abyss Facebook page has updated with a look at the game's parkour system. Steparu.com reports that players will be able to "run up on walls, jump on obstacles, climb balconies, and stuff."

There's no video as of yet, but there is a screenshot montage that shows a free-runner vaulting over ground-based obstructions and climbing onto a balcony.

MassivelyBlack Desert Facebook page hints at parkour system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertdo-wantfantasyfree-runningparkourpearl-abysspvesandboxWed, 26 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Desert's housing system detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/black-deserts-housing-system-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/black-deserts-housing-system-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/black-deserts-housing-system-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

black desert housing system
Curious about Black Desert's sandbox pedigree? We are too, and it looks as if the newly announced Korean import from Pearl Abyss isn't skimping when it comes to player housing.

The game's Facebook fanpage revealed that players will be able to purchase all of the houses in the game's cities and towns. That's not all, as you can also turn part of your humble abode into a shop or a crafting area as well as create furniture and cabinets to store your valuables. Pearl Abyss seems to be aiming for lively cities and towns, as it will not allow players to build houses anywhere in the open world, though temporary tents are an option.

MassivelyBlack Desert's housing system detailed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertcraftingfurniturehousingpearl-abysspgcplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingplayer-shopssandboxuser-generated-contentMon, 24 Sep 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New interview sheds light on Black Desert's open world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/new-interview-sheds-light-on-black-deserts-open-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/new-interview-sheds-light-on-black-deserts-open-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/19/new-interview-sheds-light-on-black-deserts-open-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

New interview sheds light on Black Desert
Last week we told you about a new MMO called Black Desert. There was a trailer, it was gorgeous, etc. Today we've learned a little more about the Korean import thanks to an interview at Steparu.com.

For one thing, all those beautiful vistas in the trailer are part of a seamless world. For another, the combat is action-focused and features the ability to dodge and block. There's also something called horse-drifting, which the devs say is part of a battle and movement system inspired by Red Dead Redemption.

The game is class-based; current archetypes include Fighters, Sorcerers, Beasts, and Tamers, though the names will likely change going forward. Black Desert also looks to feature optional PvP as well as bind-on-equip items that don't drop if you're killed by another player. When can you get your hands on all these fine features? Not for a while, it seems. The devs say they're shooting for a Korean beta sometime in 2013.

MassivelyNew interview sheds light on Black Desert's open world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bind-on-equipblack-desertclasseshorse-driftinginterviewkorean-mmopearl-abysspvepvpsandboxseamless-worldWed, 19 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 215: Red sunset]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/massively-speaking-episode-215-red-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/massively-speaking-episode-215-red-sunset/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/massively-speaking-episode-215-red-sunset/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 215
A warning in advance: There might be a lot of tears on this show. Bree and Justin cope with the upcoming shutdown of City of Heroes, which marks the third of Bree's favorite games cancelled within the past year. Is there still hope from the player population, or is this a done deal? Oh my, fair listeners, we have not begun to fight! Or sing!

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

Get the podcast:
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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 215: Red sunset

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 215: Red sunset originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertbrantbrianna-roycecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconquestcovcoxeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfreedomhumorjustin-olivettilinuxmacmassively-speakingmmo-shootermmofpsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospcplanetsideplanetside-2podcastpodcastingpodcastsps2pvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrryzomsandboxsci-fantasysci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptrailertriontrion-worldswinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgateTue, 11 Sep 2012 14:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 215Massively.com Staff01:15:19podcasts<![CDATA[New Black Desert trailer impresses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/new-black-desert-trailer-impresses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/new-black-desert-trailer-impresses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/07/new-black-desert-trailer-impresses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

New Black Desert trailer impresses
One of the more spectacular MMO trailers we've seen in a while comes to us courtesy of a company called Pearl Abyss. The MMO in question is Black Desert, the firm's maiden offering that is apparently getting ready for public testing in either Korea or Japan.

We say apparently because official details are sketchy. Fan site Steparu.com says that publisher GameOn recently signed a contract with Pearl Abyss, but no dates or territories have been announced.

In terms of the trailer itself, there are plenty of gorgeous environmental fly-throughs, mounted combat, and several stunning character model examples. See for yourself after the break.

Continue reading New Black Desert trailer impresses

MassivelyNew Black Desert trailer impresses originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-desertblack-desert-trailerdo-wantfantasygame-ongameontrailervideoFri, 07 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST