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[Ask Massively: On mourning a netbook edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ask-massively-on-mourning-a-netbook-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ask-massively-on-mourning-a-netbook-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/ask-massively-on-mourning-a-netbook-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No, it's not a picture of River. I can't take a picture of her right now, she's wounded. It would be wrong.
Well, I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later. My stalwart little netbook, River, finally developed a serious problem: Her screen developed a pair of nasty cracks. I've had her for only a couple of years, but she's been a great portable machine and a real help at getting work done. Now if only it weren't such an enormous pain finding someplace where I could get her repaired, as I'd really prefer not to replace her. But it might come to that.

Even with an injured performer, however, the show must go on, and the show in question is Ask Massively. This week, we're fielding questions about ArcheAge and working in the gaming field, something that I'm sure is of interest to many of our readers. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, mail it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: On mourning a netbook edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: On mourning a netbook edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeageask-massivelycareerscolumncolumnsdevelopmentfeaturedgaming-industryjobslocalizationmmo-industryopinionwester-releaseThu, 26 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Waging WAR: Patch 1.3.6 and the proverbial DPS-Healer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/waging-war-patch-1-3-6-and-the-proverbial-dps-healer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/waging-war-patch-1-3-6-and-the-proverbial-dps-healer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/waging-war-patch-1-3-6-and-the-proverbial-dps-healer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There aren't very many companies that open up planned patch changes to their players and fans for discussion; however, Mythic is one that does. This week, Waging WAR focuses on the suggested career balance changes for the Zealot and Runepriest coming in patch 1.3.6 for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. We'll cover the issue as well as the proposed solution for these careers. We'll also discuss the impact that these changes might have on the affected careers and on the community in general. There's also a part where Greg throws some drama at the fan and rants about "DPS-Healers."

Let's start by clarifying the main issue and the proposed change. Currently, the other healing careers (Archmage, Shaman, Warrior Priest and Disciple of Khaine) have their mastery paths organized by the role which they might play (i.e. damage focus, healing focus, etc.); whereas, the Zealot and Runepriest don't. Their mastery paths are organized by the delivery method of their healing (i.e. over time, direct, or area). The problem is, after deciding whether to specialize offensively or defensively and gearing to that role (a freedom of choice that they should be given), the Zealot and Runepriest are left with only one-half of an effective skill-set -- the other half of their skills being rendered ineffective by role choice and gear itemization. To bring these careers in line with their archetypical cousins, a new mechanism is proposed which gives Zealots and Runepriests a chance to retain some effectiveness in skills that are outside their chosen role.

Continue reading Waging WAR: Patch 1.3.6 and the proverbial DPS-Healer

MassivelyWaging WAR: Patch 1.3.6 and the proverbial DPS-Healer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archmagecareersdeveloper-chatdeveloper-forumdevelopersdpsdps-healerdps-stancedpsingEAea-mythicforumshealerhealer-gearhealershealingmythicmythic-eaMythic-Entertainmentofficial-forumsofficial-websitepatch-1.3.6pvprunepriestwaging-warWarhammerwarhammer-eaWarhammer-OnlineWarhammer-Online-Age-of-Reckoningwarhammer-online-eazealotzealotsSat, 19 Jun 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reaching out to potential EVE players with "Get a Clone"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/ccp-reaching-out-to-potential-eve-players-with-get-a-clone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/ccp-reaching-out-to-potential-eve-players-with-get-a-clone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/ccp-reaching-out-to-potential-eve-players-with-get-a-clone/#commentsFiled under: , ,


EVE Online creators CCP Games are taking a different approach to promoting the game with a new website. All players in EVE's setting of New Eden are "capsuleers" -- starship pilots who have attained immortality through cloning technology. CCP's "Get a Clone" site invites you to "Clone yourself. Not the way you are, but the way you want to be." The site belongs to Duvolle Laboratories, one of EVE Online's NPC corporations, and provides an in-character introduction to some of the basic career paths a pilot can explore in the game.

But first, Duvolle Labs asks you five questions that pin down how morally flexible you are (as a game character). Would you rather build or tear down? Would you risk your life for money or glory? Is success is measured by profits or progress? Your responses to five questions Duvolle Laboratories asks places you in one of four broad career paths - military, exploration, business, or industry.

Continue reading CCP reaching out to potential EVE players with "Get a Clone"

MassivelyCCP reaching out to potential EVE players with "Get a Clone" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careersccpccp-gamesclonescloningduvolle-laboratorieseveeve-onlinefreeform-professionsprofessionssci-fiThu, 05 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online devs seek your input on improving the New Player Experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/eve-online-devs-seek-your-input-on-improving-the-new-player-expe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/eve-online-devs-seek-your-input-on-improving-the-new-player-expe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/15/eve-online-devs-seek-your-input-on-improving-the-new-player-expe/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online can be a daunting game to get a handle on. Still, the New Player Experience (NPE) that greets rookies today is far better than the early tutorials that some of us at Massively, and no doubt a number of our readers, experienced 'back in the day'. There are many careers and mini-professions a player can choose to pursue in EVE, but conveying this in the NPE -- and guiding these new players towards these playstyles -- remains a challenge for CCP Games. This is the focus of the latest dev blog by EVE Online developer CCP Soundwave.

He explains how player feedback has made those first weeks of gameplay a much smoother learning experience for the game's rookies. However, he notes that they're continuing to improve the NPE for the next expansion. To that end, CCP is seeking input from the players on these questions:

Continue reading EVE Online devs seek your input on improving the New Player Experience

MassivelyEVE Online devs seek your input on improving the New Player Experience originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careercareersccp-gamesccp-soundwavedev-blogdev-blogseveeve-onlineforumsgame-mechanicsmini-professionsnew-player-experiencenpeprofessionssci-fitutorialtutorialsWed, 15 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The lowdown on EVE Online's New Player Experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/the-lowdown-on-eve-onlines-new-player-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/the-lowdown-on-eve-onlines-new-player-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/the-lowdown-on-eve-onlines-new-player-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Among all the massively multiplayer online games out there, with their respective learning curves, EVE Online perhaps has the deserved reputation for being the hardest MMO to get a grasp of. Much of that confusion is because the game itself is such a departure from your standard fantasy MMO, in almost every respect: open world/single server, PvP can happen everywhere, a harsh setting, and a UI that's a far cry from anything a player has seen in World of Warcraft.

The EVE in-game tutorial has been revamped a few times in order to make it easier for new players to get a handle on things. What is currently offered is a noticeable improvement over the tutorial of a few years ago, but CCP Games is in the process of completely reworking a player's first steps into the game's setting of New Eden. EVE Online developer CCP Fear's latest blog is, in his words, required reading for anyone interested in the game, new player or not. He says, "I want to get one misconception out of the way. This blog *will* concern you and everyone else. If you have played for a year, 6 years, 3 months or a week, you will want to read further than this. Chances are there will be changes that will affect you!"

Continue reading The lowdown on EVE Online's New Player Experience

MassivelyThe lowdown on EVE Online's New Player Experience originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaattributescareersccpccp-fearccp-gamescharacter-creationclassesdev-blogeveeve-onlineexpansionsforumslearning-curvenew-edennew-player-experiencenpeprofessionsracesre-specrespecsci-fiskill-trainingskillstutorialuiuser-interfaceWed, 18 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online opens public test server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/warhammer-online-opens-public-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/warhammer-online-opens-public-test-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/17/warhammer-online-opens-public-test-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively multiplayer online games are continually changing, from the time a game launches to the day the servers shut down. Sure, patch notes spell out most of those changes, but it's always good when an MMO developer opens up a test server for the players. It allows you to check out new game mechanics firsthand, risk-free, and see what works for you and what doesn't. More importantly, it lets the developer know what they need to improve. This is what Mythic Entertainment is doing for Warhammer Online players as of today (Tuesday, February 17th), letting them preview the changes coming to Realm vs. Realm combat as well as Career balance changes on the public test server.

Mythic will be conducting a large scale Tier 4 Open Field Realm vs. Realm test on Wednesday, February 18th at 8pm EST. The dev announcement states: "Bring your friends to the PTS and be amongst the first to experience the new Zone Domination system in a focused player test. Be sure to log on early to join the premade guilds (points of contact for invites will be announced in game) for the night."

Detailed info on how to access the public test server is found in the Warhammer Herald announcement as are the patch notes for the public test of Game Update 1.2.
Warhammer Online Coverage Mythic has announced the first expansion to Warhammer Online! Check out the announcement itself, the two brand-new classes coming to the game, and the enormous new dungeon/zone slated for a few months away! Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyWarhammer Online opens public test server originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careersclassescombatfantasygame-mechanicsguildsmythic-entertainmentopen-rvrorvrpatchesprofessionspublic-testpublic-test-serverpvprealm-vs-realmrvrtest-serverwarwarhammer-heraldwarhammer-onlinezone-dominationTue, 17 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythic prank hints at Orc Choppa career coming to WAR next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/mythic-prank-hints-at-orc-choppa-career-coming-to-war-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/mythic-prank-hints-at-orc-choppa-career-coming-to-war-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/mythic-prank-hints-at-orc-choppa-career-coming-to-war-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The folks at Mythic Entertainment recently gave a pretty big hint about a new Warhammer Online career to be introduced, through a creative gag. They sent hair dye and a trimmer to WAR bloggers Keen and Graev, a nod to the upcoming Dwarf Slayer career. Lightning has struck twice now though, with what The Greenskin posted yesterday.

Mythic Entertainment sent The Greenskin a DVD of Predator, with instructions to go to the meme Schwarzenegger shouts at 1:16:06... "Get to da choppa!" With this hint, it seems a given that the Orc Choppa career is coming to Warhammer Online. The DVD also came with the hint that there would be "more to come" on January 29th.

[Thanks Brooke]
Warhammer Online Coverage WAR has gone 1.1! Check out our full coverage of the 1.1a patch, along with our interviews exploring upcoming content and the open RvR changes. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!


MassivelyMythic prank hints at Orc Choppa career coming to WAR next week originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careerschoppaclassesdwarf-slayerfantasygagmythicmythic-entertainmentorc-choppaprankpredatorracesslayerthe-greenskinwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 23 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online launches Recruit-a-Friend offer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/warhammer-online-launches-recruit-a-friend-offer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/warhammer-online-launches-recruit-a-friend-offer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/warhammer-online-launches-recruit-a-friend-offer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Warhammer Online December newsletter is filled with some of the announcements we've already mentioned at Massively, such as the Keg End holiday event, the two new careers, and some the other big changes that are impacting the game.

What we haven't mentioned yet is that Warhammer Online has a Recruit-a-Friend program. It doesn't give the experience bonuses that the World of Warcraft offer of the same name does. In fact, the WAR Recruit-a-Friend is similar to what's happening with EVE Online: you invite a friend to a free trial. If that friend becomes a subscriber, the invitation sender receives 30 days of free game time credited to their account. You can recruit up to three people, although over your time subscribed this increases to a maximum of six recruitment notices you can have on deck at any given time. For more info on how this works, log into your master account to see how it's done.
Warhammer Online Coverage WAR has gone 1.1! Check out our full coverage of the 1.1a patch, along with our interviews exploring upcoming content and the open RvR changes. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyWarhammer Online launches Recruit-a-Friend offer originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscareerseaea-mythiceve-onlinefantasyfree-trialholiday-eventkeg-endmythicmythic-entertainmentrecruit-a-friendtrialwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 20 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No new careers any time soon, say the Warhammer developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/no-new-careers-any-time-soon-say-the-warhammer-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/no-new-careers-any-time-soon-say-the-warhammer-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/11/no-new-careers-any-time-soon-say-the-warhammer-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We've already talked this morning about today's patch 1.1a for Warhammer Online, as well as the numerous changes to RvR incentivizing the open field style of play. We also spoke with Adam Gershowitz and Josh Drescher about the recently released new careers: the Knight of the Blazing Sun and the Black Guard. They indicated those two will be the last new careers we should expect to see in the game for some time. We already knew the Dwarf Hammerer was out permanently; now it looks like anyone looking forward to the Orc Choppa or even the rumored Dwarven Slayer will be doing so for a while yet.

Said Josh Drescher, "We're not going to add things back in simply to say, 'hey, new crap'. If you see new careers in the future, it will be because we see it as new, useful content that improves on the experience the players are already enjoying."

Read on below the cut for our full discussion about the new careers and the future of content addition in the game.

Continue reading No new careers any time soon, say the Warhammer developers

MassivelyNo new careers any time soon, say the Warhammer developers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careersclassesfeaturedinterviewmythic-entertainmentwarwar-patch-1.1warhammer-onlineThu, 11 Dec 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online 1.0.6 patch adds new classes, tidal wave of updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/warhammer-online-1-0-6-patch-adds-new-classes-tidal-wave-of-upd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/warhammer-online-1-0-6-patch-adds-new-classes-tidal-wave-of-upd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/02/warhammer-online-1-0-6-patch-adds-new-classes-tidal-wave-of-upd/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


All those Warhammer Online players who where playing along with the Heavy Metal event in November will be happy to know that today the fruits of their labor has arrived. That's right: Today, Mythic brings us Black Guards and Knights of the Blazing Sun! For those who didn't finish the full Heavy Metal event, don't worry, the classes will become available to everyone next week. Servers are going down at 3:30AM PST / 6:30AM EST for North American players with Oceanic servers following at 9:00AM EST. No specific time-frame was given for the updating process, so we'll just have to sit tight and wait it out.

New classes aren't the only thing found in this patch, however. There's a ton of general game updates, performance updates, bug fixes and class tweaks coming with the 1.0.6 patch, too. In fact, there are so many class tweaks that Bright Wizards, Chosen, Engineers, Ironbreakers, Maguses (Magi?), Shadow Warriors, Sorcerers, Squig Herders and Swordmasters are all getting their mastery points refunded. Combat also seems to be a big focus, with a ton of improvements to auto-attack animations, ability responsiveness, morale responsiveness and root responsiveness.

All in all, we're pretty impressed with Mythic on this patch, as it delivers some substantial changes that many players have been waiting to see.
Warhammer Online Coverage Did you enjoy this? Make sure to check out our Warhammer guides: Massively's Character Creation Guide and our WoW Player's Guide to Warhammer. Plus, don't miss any of our ongoing coverage as Massively goes to WAR!

MassivelyWarhammer Online 1.0.6 patch adds new classes, tidal wave of updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-guardbreakingbright-wizardcareerschosenclasseseaelectronic-artsengineerheavy-metalironbreakerknight-of-the-blazing-sunmagusmythicpatch-1.0.6shadow-warriorsorcerersquig-herderswordmasterwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineTue, 02 Dec 2008 06:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Five futures of Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/five-futures-of-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/five-futures-of-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/five-futures-of-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What does the future hold for Warhammer Online? Not only that, but what should the future hold for Mythic's newest MMO and its players? Everyone wonders these things at one point or another, so we've gone ahead and explored our thoughts on the topic. Then, after much deliberation, we distilled them down into five possible futures for Warhammer Online. Take a look and judge for yourself what feature is or isn't a matter of time.

Gallery: Warhammer Online

MassivelyFive futures of Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careersclasseseaelectronic-artsfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmounted-combatmountsmythicmythic-entertainmentracesracial-pairingssocial-networkingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineThu, 30 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The week in Massively features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/the-week-in-massively-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/06/the-week-in-massively-features/#commentsFiled under: ,


Massively interview: KingsIsle on Wizard101
We recently had the chance to check up on KingsIsle and talk to them about their three-year conjuration, Wizard101. We sat down with the studio's director, Todd Coleman, to discuss what's in store for the tween-centric wizard school MMO.
First Impressions: Requiem: Bloodymare
We've been talking about this game for months now, and Requiem: Bloodymare is finally available to play. Hailed as the first horror MMO, there are definitely aspects of R:B that are pretty gruesome.
EVE Online Community Spotlight: a Q&A with Chribba
Trust is a rare commodity in EVE Online. Many players are drawn to the game by the fact that almost any form of deceit, betrayal, and outright treachery is allowed in EVE. Not all players head down this path, of course, but plenty do. This element of risk is what makes the game exciting ...
MMOGology: Mobile MMOGs
Several weeks ago at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Steve Jobs announced the 3G iPhone. The announcement wasn't much of a shock to industry experts since other cell phones have been using 3G networks ...
MMO MMOnkey: Why I stopped playing Age of Conan
I like Age of Conan. I like the combat system that demands active engagement rather than the auto-attack, go-make-a-cup-of-coffee style of combat used in so many other MMOs. I enjoy exploring Funcom's recreation of Hyboria ...

Continue reading The week in Massively features

MassivelyThe week in Massively features originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conancareerscity-of-her-ese3eve-onlineeverquest-2featureskheldianlord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymobile-mmomountsmyst-online-uru-liverequiem-bloodymareturbinewarhammer-onlineweekly-recapwizard-101Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dungeons and Dragons Online coming to consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/rumor-dungeons-and-dragons-online-coming-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/rumor-dungeons-and-dragons-online-coming-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/rumor-dungeons-and-dragons-online-coming-to-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Our good friend reader Schad sent us a tip that rings strangely true, as weird as may sound: Turbine may be releasing Dungeons and Dragons Online for the Xbox 360 and/or PS3 consoles. The game is riding high after their big Module 7 release last week, and connecting the dots on this just might mean DDO is console-bound.

Before you try to throw the case out of court, hear out the evidence first:
  • Schad notes that Turbine's careers page calls for a console engineer, and if you read the description of what they're looking for, phrases like "extend the functionality" and "updating Turbine's MMOG engine" point directly to a console port kind of situation.
  • And the DDO team specifically has just recently announced that big changes are in the air over there -- they've suspended the "Weekly Dev activities" alert, saying that what they're working on is under wraps, and that the Turbine PR team is giving them more focus.
Which is exactly what you'd expect from a console port. Doesn't sound as strange after that, does it? And after thinking about it, DDO's "real-time" control scheme does lend itself very well to console controls, and the ongoing rumors that the game is going free-to-play would also make things easier for a console version. It's still a rumor for now, but all the signs we can see point to a possible console-based Stormreach in the future.

MassivelyRumor: Dungeons and Dragons Online coming to consoles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcareersconsoleddoddo-module-7dungeons-and-dragons-onlinerumorschadspeculationstormreachturbinetweet-thisxbox-360Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online hands-on]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/warhammer-online-hands-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/warhammer-online-hands-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/warhammer-online-hands-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


The beta may be closed now, but we were lucky enough to get our mitts on Warhammer Online at EA's booth at E for All recently. We were only able to access lowbie characters and starting area content, so unfortunately weren't able to experience some of the juicier RvR content that awaits characters later in the game -- but a few hours' worth of exploring several zones and spending some time with a handful of Warhammer's 24 careers left us pretty excited to see what else is in store when this launches.

Initial impression: the game looks gorgeous. The environments are lush, detailed, compelling, immersive. The art style is unique -- not as "cartoonish" as WoW but not photo-realistic either... unique. The combat animations are dynamic and diverse for characters and NPCs alike. The several zones we saw were populated with a diverse assortment of nasties to beat on, interesting landmarks and scenery, and a general feeling that there's a lot of action going on around you -- there's a huge war on, and Warhammer manages to convey a sense of generalized anxiety and excitement that makes it difficult to forget that you're in this world with one primary duty: to smash faces.

Gallery: Warhammer Online: E for All 2007

Continue reading Warhammer Online hands-on

MassivelyWarhammer Online hands-on originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careerschosene-for-allea-mythicfeaturedhands-onjoystiqfeaturesmaguspreviewsRvRshamanwarhammerwitch-hunterFri, 02 Nov 2007 11:30:00 EST