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[SWTOR: So you want to play a Bounty Hunter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-bounty-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-bounty-hunter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-bounty-hunter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

SWTOR - The Bounty Hunter
So you're thinking of being a Star Wars: The Old Republic Bounty Hunter, are you? It's a fine choice of profession. Challenging work, definitely. Requires a lot of travel, a quick draw, and a willingness to take on impossible odds. Some Hunters might see themselves as the avenging hand of the law, some just want to get paid, and some of them genuinely care about the Sith cause. But at the end of the day, every Bounty Hunter lives according to the same code: Find the mark and get paid for the job.

Of course, the in-game Bounty Hunter has all the tools needed to make that happen. With a plethora of tricks in his suit of armor, Hunters can do everything -- provide field medical support, keep targets occupied long enough for others to take them down, or even just waste everything with a plethora of missiles. There are a lot of options available to players who go down the route of the Bounty Hunter, and it doesn't hurt that the entire class oozes with style and intrigue from the start.

Continue reading SWTOR: So you want to play a Bounty Hunter

MassivelySWTOR: So you want to play a Bounty Hunter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-austinbounty-hunterclassclass-mechanicsclassesdpseaea-biowareelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguideguideshealerhealingloremechanicsopinionrolesstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-class-guideswtor-guideswtor-launchswtor-launch-guidetanktankingthe-old-republictorMon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 developer diary looks at ranged classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-developer-diary-looks-at-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-developer-diary-looks-at-range/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-developer-diary-looks-at-range/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The cannon is not a class.
WindSlayer 2 has kicked off its closed beta, giving a select group of players the chance to see how the game plays before it goes live. But for everyone else, the game's previews are the only clues as to how the game will play once you can log in. Here at Massively, we've been posting a series of exclusive diaries straight from the team over at Ignited Games to show off what the game will have to offer players fond of the side-scrolling sprite format.

Our last diary, of course, dealt with the game's three classes devoted to getting within arm's reach of monsters and pounding them senseless -- the melee classes, to be more prosaic. So it's appropriate we have a new exclusive today previewing the game's three ranged classes. Click on past the break for discussion of the Archer, Mage, and Priest -- what they're able to do, how they're meant to play, and what players can expect from each.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 developer diary looks at ranged classes

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 developer diary looks at ranged classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-mechanicsclassesdeveloper-diariesexclusiveignitedignited-gamesmassively-exclusivepreviewsrangedranged-classesupcoming-titleswindslayerwindslayer-2Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What class would you cut from your game of choice?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-daily-grind-what-class-would-you-cut-from-your-game-of-choi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-daily-grind-what-class-would-you-cut-from-your-game-of-choi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/the-daily-grind-what-class-would-you-cut-from-your-game-of-choi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's a budget shortage at your favorite class-based game. It doesn't matter whether your favorite game is Final Fantasy XI or RIFT, the fact is that one of the classes has to go. Assume that said class is asking for unreasonable benefits, deferred signing bonuses, shares of the gross profits per expansion, whatever you want. What's important is that one of the classes is getting cut, and it's up to you to decide which one gets banished to the land of wind and ghosts.

So in said favorite game, which class gets the axe? Is it a class that you feel gets over-represented anyway that your specific game can live without (Final Fantasy XI's Ranger)? Is it a unique class without enough solid mechanics or interesting elements to keep itself afloat (Guild Wars' Ritualist)? Or is it a solid class that just feels like an unnecessary addition to an already-crowded landscape of different playstyles (Dungeon and Dragons Online's Favored Soul)? Which class seems like it would be missed the least if it were removed?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What class would you cut from your game of choice? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclass-balanceclass-interplayclass-mechanicsclass-relationshipsclass-warfareclassesddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineff11ffxifinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiguild-warsgwnormal-classesopinionrepeat-classesriftrift-planes-of-telarathe-daily-grindThu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should the MMO holy trinity be a thing of the past?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/the-daily-grind-should-the-mmo-holy-trinity-be-a-thing-of-the-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/the-daily-grind-should-the-mmo-holy-trinity-be-a-thing-of-the-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/13/the-daily-grind-should-the-mmo-holy-trinity-be-a-thing-of-the-p/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dungeons, lairs, and instances, oh my! No, Toto, you are definitely not in Kansas anymore. No matter what game you play, there is usually some sort of division of roles that a toon you roll takes on -- some characters are support, some are up-font and center, and others stick to the side and unload what their mama gave them. Undeniably, the holy trinity seems to be something of a standard in most MMOs -- you are going to have to make a choice at some point about how you actually play.

But maybe some day you wouldn't have to choose a spec, roll a new toon, or make compromises in your class picks. Dreams of being a healer who can actually kick some serious winged-monkey butt could be a thing of the future. Or maybe it will never happen. That's why I pose the following to all of you: If the holy trinity became a thing of the past, how would you envision your favorite game changing? Would you rather see every class be able to use a mix of skills? Could it actually work, or would it just create games full of clone characters?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should the MMO holy trinity be a thing of the past? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-mechanicsclassesdpsgroupinghealersholy-trinitytankstdgthe-daily-grindtrinitySun, 13 Mar 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dervishes get a major turnaround in Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/dervishes-get-a-major-turnaround-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/dervishes-get-a-major-turnaround-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/dervishes-get-a-major-turnaround-in-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Introduced with the third campaign of Guild Wars, Dervishes have always been a unique class, swinging scythes in wide arcs and using a combination of enchantments and melee strikes to take out opponents. Of course, being a unique class also leads to a lot of unique issues, which the development team is hoping to address with the coming update. The preview promises that over 90% of the Dervish skills have been changed, with the overall goal of improving the class in a broad spectrum rather than just tweaking the numbers on a handful of skills.

Among the more far-reaching changes are several Dervish skills using Adrenaline, the addition of new "flash enchantments" to allow Dervishes to enchant themselves while on the move, and a restructuring of the many "teardown" combos in place that capitalize on Dervish enchantments. Several of the new skills are previewed, as are examples of how players can use the changed mechanics to still retain the essential playstyle of a Dervish with much more flexibility than before. If you're a Dervish in Guild Wars, the changes should keep you spinning up in the best possible way.

[Thanks for the tip, Teina!]

MassivelyDervishes get a major turnaround in Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adjustmentsanetarenanetbalancebalancing-patchclassclass-mechanicsclass-playstyleclass-skillsclassesdervishf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsGuild-warsgwmechanicsncsoftpatchessubscription-freeupdatesThu, 10 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Final Fantasy XIV site updated]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/official-final-fantasy-xiv-site-updated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/official-final-fantasy-xiv-site-updated/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/official-final-fantasy-xiv-site-updated/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The official site for Final Fantasy XIV follows several Square-Enix site traditions, by being designed entirely in Flash and having an obnoxiously slow update schedule. Thankfully, an official update has just hit the site, both in the form of several new screenshots (including the lovely in-game shot seen above) and more solid ability information about several of the game's disciplines. Much of it mirrors what we'd seen in early leaks from Japanese magazines, but the abilities and spells of each class shed more light on how the game will play.

Conjurers are apparently going to play similar to Scholars, with both traditional black and white magic spells in their arsenal, as well as unique tricks such as being able to cast while moving. Thaumaturges, meanwhile, inherit several Dark Knight draining/sacrificing abilities along with several status ailments. And those are just the two casting professions -- each of the five physical damage professions seem poised for a wide variety of ability combinations, along with a heavy emphasis on position. The beta information for Final Fantasy XIV still seems to be restricted, but the game is already looking intruiging for both fans of the series and general MMO players.

MassivelyOfficial Final Fantasy XIV site updated originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-mechanicsclassesconjurersdark-knightsff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivofficial-sitescholarssquaresquare-enixthaumaturgesSun, 14 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's the most important part of the trinity?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-trinity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-trinity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/14/the-daily-grind-whats-the-most-important-part-of-the-trinity/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While the structure of the jokingly-named "holy trinity" in MMOs -- tanks, healers, and damage dealers -- isn't universal, it's certainly common enough to be recognizable. Even in games without pre-defined classes, such as Champions Online, have a group structure oriented toward the three roles.

But you can't have classes without a struggle between them, and there's always a discussion in relation to the trinity about which part is the most important. Tanks point to their relative scarcity and the pressure of their job, Healers point to their relative scarcity and the importance of their job, and DPS points to the fact that healers and tanks can't keep their stunts up forever if nobody is killing the target.

So where do you fall in this debate? Which part of the trinity do you think is the most important to a group's success, and which one is the most superfluous? Do you think that (by astonishing coincidence) the role you play most frequently is the most important one, or do you think it's lower on the scale and you play it for other reasons?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's the most important part of the trinity? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-mechanicsclassesdpsgroupinghealersholy-trinitytankstdgthe-daily-grindworld-of-tankswotSun, 14 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Advance leaks from Famitsu and Dengeki shed more light on Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/advance-leaks-from-famitsu-and-dengeki-shed-more-light-on-final/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/advance-leaks-from-famitsu-and-dengeki-shed-more-light-on-final/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/advance-leaks-from-famitsu-and-dengeki-shed-more-light-on-final/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The first round of testing is just around the corner, and for some people that means that Final Fantasy XIV is holding much more mental real estate than the just-released Final Fantasy XIII. All things considered, information is likely to start coming fast and furious as soon as the testing opens, but some advance copies of Famitsu and Dengeki Playstation have made their way into the hands of people who just can't wait another day. FFXIVCore has helpfully translated the information available, which already paints an interesting picture of how the game will play.

Fighting is confirmed to be on the move, with a strong emphasis on positioning and MP conservation. We've also got some picture of how the classes will play, with Pugilists inheriting a workalike to Provoke and Gladiators inheriting Phalanx and Shield Bash, albeit with different characteristics. There's also talk about Miners and Blacksmiths working in parties, pointing out utility for gathering or crafting disciplines in groups. We've also got a little information on the Illusionist, meaning most likely that an official site update is on the way. With testing beginning soon, expect Final Fantasy XIV information to become more and more available -- but what we're hearing so far definitely sounds like a good ride.

MassivelyAdvance leaks from Famitsu and Dengeki shed more light on Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclass-mechanicsclassesdengekidengeki-playstationfamitsuff14ffxivfight-mechanicsfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivnewssquaresquare-enixtranslationsWed, 10 Mar 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle of the Immortals reveals classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/battle-of-the-immortals-reveals-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/battle-of-the-immortals-reveals-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/battle-of-the-immortals-reveals-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Perfect World Entertainment has spent a fair amount of time talking up their upcoming PvP-focused game, Battle of the Immortals. The game certainly looks gorgeous, but we've only heard bits and pieces about how it will actually play. The most recent update, however, certainly provides a fair bit more information on how the game, as it details the game's classes -- Berzerker, Heretic, Magus, Slayer, and Champion. Each class is given a brief writeup of their strengths, weaknesses, and preferred opponents.

In no particular order, Slayers deal a mix of physical and magical damage at close range but have next to no defensive abilities. Heretics are a combination of priests with more sinister magics, dealing damage and healing as well as inviting a few obious comparisons. Magi (or maguses, if you prefer) are... well, okay, they're kind of obvious. Berzerkers have an errant "z" in their name and focus on dealing out physical damage at the cost of some defense, and Champions wield a weapon and shield to be all but indestructible. The classes seem set to provide a fair mix of the usual "holy trinity" mechanics and PvP skills, so take a look at the official preview to get a clearer picture of what you might want to play once the game goes live.

MassivelyBattle of the Immortals reveals classes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you've played MMOs for any length of time, you've probably grown very familiar with the trinity. You can't help but be acquainted with it in any sort of group content, where in more games than not there's that split between the tank, the healer, and the DPS. Certainly there are subdivisions and extra roles, but for the most part those extra roles are slight twists on one of the existing roles. (Controllers in City of Heroes are DPS with a debuffing/controlling aspect and slightly less damage, for instance). Brian "Psychochild" Green has an article on Gamasutra examining the issues with the holy trinity in game design: what purposes it serves, what its drawbacks are, and how useful it might be to get rid of it entirely.

Examining the roots of the trinity design in Dungeons & Dragons and common gameplay types it offered, Green goes on to take a look at how the structure has become codified, what other potential systems could be put in place, and if there's even an advantage to doing so. He discusses the issues of hybrid classes, group versus solo design, and proposes a potential alternative that remains rooted in the core elements of the design. Anyone with an interest in design should take a look at the full article, as it contains some interesting insights and analysis of one of the core underpinnings of our genre.

MassivelyAttacking the holy trinity of MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-greenbrian-psychochild-greencity-of-heroesclass-mechanicscohdpsdungeons-and-dragonsgamasutrahealerhealingholy-trinityhyrbidspsychochildtanktankingTue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST