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[The Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist When sequels attack!
Sequels are both the bane of and a fact of life for movies and video games. Well, "bane" is a strong word, and you're probably thinking of Batman right now anyway, but personally, I'm always willing to give the benefit of doubt to any continuation of a favorite franchise. While we don't see sequels pop up as often in MMOs, they do exist and have significant effects upon the original title that bears the same name.

It's here that MMOs diverge from movies and other video games. With those, the original is not in any sort of danger, other than the perception of having its legacy dragged down into the muck (Caddyshack II, anyone?) and perhaps overstaying its welcome. An MMO sequel, on the other hand, can cause serious consequences to its ancestor.

Here at Game Archaeologist, we look at classic games that have often seen their time come and go. But what happens to one of these titles when a sequel attacks? Almost anything, it turns out.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2agonanetarenanetasherons-callasherons-call-2aventurinebrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsconsoleconsolesdarkfalldfeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playgagame-archaelogistglobal agendaguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studiosjagexjagex-games-studiojumpgatejumpgate-evolutionl1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimmofpsncsoftneocronneocron-2nostalgiaopen-pvpopinionpvprsrunescapesandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fisquaresquare-enixthe-game-archaeologistthird-person-shootertpsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-online-2ultima-x-odysseySat, 23 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: GameLine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-game-archaeologist-gameline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-game-archaeologist-gameline/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-game-archaeologist-gameline/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Gameline
Modern MMO gamers are blessed with plenty of conveniences that we take for granted. One such convenience is the ability to simply download any online game without having to deal with the hassle of DVDs or CDs (trust me, young people, one day your children will be dubious when you tell them how you'd have to swap in discs to load a game). Game trials, downloadable content, access to a large library of titles, and simply being online are facts of life for us, not cause for us to fall on our knees in total awe.

Before Steam was offering us loads of free-to-play MMOs, before Xbox Live Arcade was offering indie titles a platform for exposure, before CompuServe was making headway in online services, there was an odd artifact on the Atari 2600. Yes, that ancient console that has nary an "X" or "Play" in its name. The artifact was GameLine, and whether or not you've heard of it, it was one of the earliest pioneers of downloadable games services. When I found out about it, it just fascinated the crap out of me. I think it will impress you, too.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: GameLine

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: GameLine originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>america-onlineaolatariatari-2600bbsclassicclassic-mmosclassicsconsolecvcfeaturedgame-archaelogistgamelinehome-music-storemodemnostalgiaopinionquantum-computer-servicesquantum-linkthe-game-archaeologistthe-sourceWilliam-F-von-MeisterWilliam-von-MeisterSat, 09 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-game-archaeologist-origin-stories-of-modern-mmo-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Origin stories of modern MMO studios
A good origin story always captivates me, especially when it gives me a new perspective on something I've come to appreciate over the years. I love looking back at actors' first few films or hearing about how, say, Atari and Microsoft got their start.

With MMO studios, these origin stories abound and are equally fascinating to me. For example, who would've known that the makers of a couple of SNES titles would one day be running the largest MMO in the world? Or what if few gaming hobbyists in the '80s hadn't created MUDs and then gone on to revolutionize online PvP play?

Today we're going to go back to the very beginning of several modern MMO studios to see when and how they came into being. Who knows... it might change how you see them forever.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Origin stories of modern MMO studios originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aolatariAugustine-YipbiowareblizzardBrad-McQuaidclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdaocdark-age-of-camelotfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistgenieGreg-Zeschukid4-onlinejohn-smedleymark-jacobsmicrosoftmythicnostalgiaopinionRay-Muzykasilicon-and-synapsesoesony-online-entertainmentSteve-Cloverthe-game-archaeologistverantverant-interactivewarcraftSat, 23 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Rubies of Eventide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/the-game-archaeologist-rubies-of-eventide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/the-game-archaeologist-rubies-of-eventide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/the-game-archaeologist-rubies-of-eventide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Rubies of Eventide
I can't say that Rubies of Eventide has been on my radar, like, ever. And yet practically every time I've asked for suggestions of a game to cover in this column, it seems like someone pipes up asking that Rubies gets a little publicity. That tells me that there's some underground love for this title.

There are two things that separate Rubies of Eventide from the rest of the MMO pack and make it a fascinating case study. The first is that it's one of the very few MUDs that was transformed into a graphical MMO while retaining its roots in old-school play. The second is that it had an absolutely ridiculous number of playable classes: 104, to be precise. Some days I really miss the era when game designers would aspire to reach these incredible numbers.

Faced with the prospect of an early death, Rubies of Eventide miraculously survived and ran for six interesting years. Let's take a look at a MUD-turned-MMO this week, shall we?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Rubies of Eventide

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Rubies of Eventide originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassic-mmosclassicscyber-warriordoseverquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreeformfreeform-character-creationgame-archaelogistjeff-grubbjulia-howelinguistMnemosynemudnostalgiaopinionroerubies-of-eventidesandboxtentacle-grapethe-game-archaeologistturn-based-combatUltima-OnlineSat, 09 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: EA's Majestic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/the-game-archaeologist-eas-majestic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/the-game-archaeologist-eas-majestic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/the-game-archaeologist-eas-majestic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist EA's Majestic
"This is not a game. Or is it?"

Conspiracy theories and paranoia were hot with pop culture in the 1990s, largely thanks to movies like The Net and TV shows like the X-Files, which had the tagline of "I want to believe." With the rise of the internet during the decade and the fantastic leaps and bounds technology had been making, people were not only experiencing new ways to play games but also growing suspicious that these tools could have a sinister side.

It was into this niche that EA stepped to create an ambitious $20 million project that would fuse massively multiplayer interactivity, the growing variety of technological mediums, and conspiracy theories together. The project was Majestic, an alternate reality game (ARG) that would be the most expensive and highest profile attempt to date. It generated great amounts of interest and publicity, had a promising start, and then flared out hard by the end of 2001.

Considering how ARGs and MMOs have crossed paths since, most recently with The Secret World, I wanted to take a closer look at an attempt to develop a game that would run parallel in many ways with the industry that we love today.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: EA's Majestic

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: EA's Majestic originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-reality-gameanim-xargclassicclassic-mmosclassicsconspiraciesconspiracyconspiracy-theoriesea-majesticeas-majesticfeaturedgame-archaelogisthumanjeff-brownmajesticneil-youngnostalgiaopinionthe-game-archaeologistthe-netthe-secret-worldthe-x-filestswx-filesSat, 26 Jan 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Overcoming obstacles in returning to older games
Let's face it: It's just not that easy to either try out or return to an older MMO. It defies logic because you would think that these games would explicitly crave people to come play them, but it's almost like there's a chest-high wall topped with itchy fiberglass shreds warning people away. It's not impossible to surmount, of course, just inconvenient and a little daunting. And so we log back into World of Warcraft or (thrashes around for a random title) Champions Online instead.

However, this column doesn't care about them fancy games with their exclamation marks and free-to-plays, no sirree. We're all about the love for classic MMOs, and it would behoove us to consider supporting that which we love.

It's that time of year when I feel the call to return to one of my first MMO loves, Anarchy Online. After tangling with the account page, looking for a subscription variant that apparently no longer exists, and mentally adjusting to the extremely dated graphics, I started to wonder if it was even worth it. But a little perseverance paid off, and I wanted to share a few lessons learned about overcoming obstacles when it comes to diving back into the past.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetasherons-callchampions-onlineclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscustomer-supportf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistgraphicsguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesubscriptionthe-game-archaeologistturbineturbine-entertainmentuiuser-interfaceworld-of-warcraftSat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist seals up 2012
As another gaming year spins to a close, we here at the Institute for Digital Interactive Entertainment have been holding our archaeological department hostage with a trained buffy-tufted marmoset until it delivered a final report. After hours of begging and infected monkey bites, the head of that department, Prof. Justin Olivetti, Ph.D., handed us a scrap of urine-soaked paper with the following article inscribed.

While the Institute strongly suggests that you ignore this report and instead work on your button-mashing exercises, the board of directors stated that all such papers must be posted for the public to see.

This report is presented in the Yetbari typeface and contains a sequential series of items that number between 11 and 13.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callasherons-call-2blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscohcovcoxeaelectronic-artseqeq-maceq1eqmaceqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomfuncomgame-archaelogistlord-britishmeridian-59mythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionparagonparagon-studiossandboxsci-fiSeekers-of-Adoulinshadowbanesoasoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroestelonthe-game-archaeologistturbineultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Asheron's Call 2 returns from the dead]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/the-game-archaeologist-asherons-call-2-returns-from-the-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/the-game-archaeologist-asherons-call-2-returns-from-the-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/the-game-archaeologist-asherons-call-2-returns-from-the-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Asheron's Call 2 returns from the dead
No, the above picture is not some sort of long-forgotten, dusty archive picture of Asheron's Call 2 from back in the day; it's from the live game this past Thursday evening. How incredibly, insanely weird is that?

Turbine absolutely stunned the MMO community the other day when it casually announced that it was bringing back its second title, cancelled since 2005, on a new server. Our editor-in-chief burst into the office chat room screaming, "AC2! AC2! AC2!" It took us a minute to realize that she wasn't just discovering the Assassin's Creed series but had in fact learned that the impossible had happened: An old, deceased MMO had been brought back to life.

As the resident MMO historian here at Massively, I felt this was kind of like going to Jurassic Park and seeing all of those dinosaurs after spending most of my time merely reading about them. In the blink of an eye, Asheron's Call 2 went from the ancient past to the playable present. We've got a lot to talk about today, including my hands-on experiences with the title and thoughts about what this means for classic MMOs. Let's not waste any time!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Asheron's Call 2 returns from the dead

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Asheron's Call 2 returns from the dead originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2asherons-callasherons-call-2city-of-heroesclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscohderethfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistnostalgiaopinionresurrectedresurrectionsandboxstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-game-archaeologistturbineturbine-entertainmentzombie-mmoSat, 15 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Steve Nichols' The Realm Online debriefing, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/the-game-archaeologist-steve-nichols-the-realm-online-debriefi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/the-game-archaeologist-steve-nichols-the-realm-online-debriefi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/01/the-game-archaeologist-steve-nichols-the-realm-online-debriefi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Steve Nichols debriefs The Realm, part 2
This week we continue our interview with Steve Nichols, one of the original lead developers on The Realm Online. After his work on this pioneering title, Nichols expanded his MMO resume with projects such as the never-seen Middle-earth Online (MEO), the seminal Freelancer, the PvP-centric Shadowbane, and the cult classic Dungeon Runners. These days, Nichols is with Retired Astronaut Collective, continuing to create games for all of us nutty players to enjoy.

In this riveting conclusion to our talk on The Realm Online, Nichols discusses the difficulties of the game's promotions, lessons learned from his time on the project, and the sundry secrets of hanky-panky in this early MMO.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Steve Nichols' The Realm Online debriefing, part 2

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Steve Nichols' The Realm Online debriefing, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassic-mmosclassicscyber-sexdavid-slaybackdungeon-runnersfeaturedfreelancergame-archaelogistgraphical-mudgriefinginterviewken-williamsleisure-suit-larrymeomiddle-earthmiddle-earth-onlinemudmudsnorseman-gamesnostalgiaopinionshadowbanesierrasierra-on-linestephen-nicholssteve-nicholsthe-game-archaeologistthe-realmthe-realm-onilnethe-sierra-networkSat, 01 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Steve Nichols' The Realm Online debriefing, part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/17/the-game-archaeologist-steve-nichols-debriefs-the-realm-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/17/the-game-archaeologist-steve-nichols-debriefs-the-realm-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/17/the-game-archaeologist-steve-nichols-debriefs-the-realm-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Steve Nichols debriefs The Realm Online, part 1
It's been called one of "the internet's forgotten games," and yet there are those who will never forget the impact that The Realm Online had in their gaming lives. For some gamers in the mid-'90s, it was the very first taste of a graphical MMO. Though it was little more than two-dimensional cartoon graphics added to the then-standard MUD setup, The Realm Online nevertheless helped to forge a path to the brave new world of MMOs.

The Realm, as it was originally called, was a project of Sierra On-Line. Development on the title began in late 1995, with a 1996 beta and launch following soon after. As with other early graphical MMOs, Sierra had little experience or comparisons to draw from while making The Realm but somehow made it work anyway. The resulting game featured a strong emphasis on roleplay, trade, and turn-based combat, although a robust questing experience this was not.

Sierra On-Line never fully got behind The Realm, eventually selling it off to Codemasters in the early 2000s, which then turned around and handed off the title to its current operator, Norseman Games. To date, it's one of the longest continuously operating graphical MMOs in existence and can still be enjoyed by today's gamers.

We reached out to one of the lead developers on The Realm Online, Stephen Nichols, who agreed to an interview on the condition that we give him a very big horn in a tent. Just kidding; the horn is from his private stock. Let's get to it!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Steve Nichols' The Realm Online debriefing, part 1

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Steve Nichols' The Realm Online debriefing, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicclassic-mmosclassicsdavid-slaybackfeaturedgame-archaelogistgraphical-mudgriefinginterviewken-williamsleisure-suit-larrymudmudsnorseman-gamesnostalgiaopinionsierrasierra-on-linestephen-nicholssteve-nicholsthe-game-archaeologistthe-realmthe-realm-onilnethe-sierra-networkSat, 17 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: A City of Heroes memorial, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/the-game-archaeologist-a-city-of-heroes-memorial-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/the-game-archaeologist-a-city-of-heroes-memorial-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/the-game-archaeologist-a-city-of-heroes-memorial-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist A City of Heroes memorial, part 2
Following the last column's memorial for players' City of Heroes characters, I received an email from Cryptic's Al Rivera. He wanted to share his own memories from the game, here are a few choice quotes from that email:

"I was there from the beginning when Cryptic was just 23 people working in a busted office and I was the only system designer. I made the player powers, archetypes and critters while the game was at Cryptic. The game has evolved tremendously since it left Cryptic... I was very sad to see CoH sold off, and now I am again saddened to see this wonderful piece of game history come to an end.

"What was most rewarding was to see all those players log into Atlas Park. To see so many people just so happy with what we made was something impossible to put into words. Thank you, City of Heroes, for all the fond memories. And a special thank you to all the heroes that made me laugh and made me proud. You will be missed."

Let's wrap up this memorial series by visiting the remainder of player-submitted superheroes and their stories.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: A City of Heroes memorial, part 2

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: A City of Heroes memorial, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archeologist A City of Heroes memorial, part 1
When I first heard that City of Heroes would be given a hero's farewell, I felt for the players who call that game home. I also was depressed because I spent a fair amount of time in Paragon City myself and have a particular affection for the game. But beyond empathy and misery, I knew that the Game Archeologist had a duty to perform: to preserve the memories of what would soon fade into history.

Thus, I put out a call for your City of Heroes characters along with their stories so that I could share them with the world at large. Dozens of readers responded, and for the next couple of weeks, we're going to be looking at the digital face of tragedy and memories. These are the avatars who genuinely meant something to someone, and while they are about to be deleted from the servers forever, I hope that by archiving them here, they'll live on for future generations (read: December 2012 readers) to discover.

Let's go meet some of them, shall we?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: A City of Heroes memorial, part 1

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: A City of Heroes memorial, part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationcharacterscity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassicclassic-mmosclassicscohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgame-archaelogistncsoftnostalgiaopinionparagonparagon-studiosplayer-characterssuperherosuperheroesthe-game-archaeologistSat, 20 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: The curious case of Lost Colony]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/the-game-archaeologist-the-curious-case-of-lost-colony/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/the-game-archaeologist-the-curious-case-of-lost-colony/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/06/the-game-archaeologist-the-curious-case-of-lost-colony/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Lost Colony
You know the story of Roanoke, right? That early American settlement that abruptly went missing with only the word "Croatoan" carved into a tree for later colonists to find? It's a big mystery that might not be much of a mystery at all, but I've always been fascinated with it and other similar tales. There's just something about an abruptly vanishing thing or people to arrest the imagination.

So what about an entire MMO that one day just went "poof" and vanished into thin air? And what if it had the ironic name of Lost Colony? And what if I were so bored as to scour the internet for clues as to what happened to it? I think you're going to find out.

Lost Colony came to my attention during a recent trip to Planet Wikipedia, where the natives are interesting if not always fully sourced. I was reading through an article on vaporware when this game caught my eye. An MMO I never heard of that just disappeared? I felt a Scooby Doo mystery coming on!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: The curious case of Lost Colony

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: The curious case of Lost Colony originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Game Archaeologist Happy birthday, Warhammer Online and Fallen Earth!
September is a special month for me because it was around this time that two MMOs personally meaningful to me launched. Four years ago, Warhammer Online came into being amid a flurry of hype, insane expectations, and fan frenzy. It's the game that excited me enough to start my journey as a blogger, eventually landing me a spot here on Massively. And three years ago, Fallen Earth opened my eyes to how much fun an MMO about the end of the world and crafting could be.

Despite the fact that neither of these titles qualifies for the title of "success" these days, I still bear a soft spot in my heart for them. I spent well over a year in each game, racking up several memories and useful lessons that I'd carry with me going forward. And I don't regret a single day playing them.

Since this month is the fourth anniversary of WAR and the third of Fallen Earth, I wanted to offer a hearty "congrats!" and take a minute to see what's been moving and shaking in these games during this past year.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Happy birthday, Warhammer Online and Fallen Earth!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Happy birthday, Warhammer Online and Fallen Earth! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryclassicclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artsendless-trialf2pfallen-earthfantasyfefeaturedfree-to-playg1game-archaelogistgamersfirstmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvprvrsandboxsci-fithe-game-archaeologistwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlinewastelandsTue, 18 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/the-game-archaeologist-is-ultima-online-2-a-doomed-prospect/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect
When it comes to classic MMOs that have strong nostalgic pull with veterans, the topic does arise from time to time what a sequel to any given game would look like and how it would be received in the current gamer climate. We've already talked about updating graphics here in The Game Archaeologist, but I'm talking about more than a new coat of paint -- I'm talking about a new game entirely. A Star Trek: The Next Generation to the classic Star Trek. A One Direction to the New Kids on the Block. A Madden '13 to a Madden '12.

I'm stretching here.

In a recent franchise producer's letter, Mythic's Jeff Skalski gave fans of Ultima Online a teeny tiny glimmer of hope that Ultima Online 2 might one day be a reality. Depending on your read of it, it could've just been a "stop asking about UO2 already" plea, a shameless way to promote Ultima Forever, or one fan talking to another about something that could happen if both parties work toward a common goal.

Considering the troubled past of Ultima Online's sequels, we have to wonder: Is this more false hope than real hope? Is there any conceivable way that this 15-year-old MMO could one day be granted the same honor as EverQuest, Asheron's Call, Guild Wars, and PlanetSide by getting a sequel that actually launches? I have some thoughts on all this, which is good because otherwise there would be a whole lot of white space after the jump.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Is Ultima Online 2 a doomed prospect? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Akalabethasherons-callclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artseverquestfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistguild-warslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-britannianostalgiaopinionplanetsiderichard-garriottsandboxthe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineultima-foreverultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-x-odysseyultimate-rpguouo2Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Reactions to a free Vanguard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/the-game-archaeologist-reactions-to-a-free-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/the-game-archaeologist-reactions-to-a-free-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/the-game-archaeologist-reactions-to-a-free-vanguard/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Reactions to Vanguard F2P
Vanguard's just had its biggest month since its troubled release in 2007, I wager. Its turn to free-to-play makes it the second-to-last SOE title to make the jump, and it's getting a "do-over" of sorts. Personally, I'm glad to see it happen.

Without going into depth on Vanguard's past problems, I'll say that this was a highly hyped game that fell about as hard as any MMO could without being outright canceled. For years, it has been subsiding on a meager population and extremely rare updates (I recall a tiny bug update for Vanguard being laughably big news last summer). Now? Now it's received a new lease on life and attention from players and the media.

If you've been following the news, you'll know that Vanguard soft launched a week early, talked with Massively about the conversion, officially launched thereafter, and is now part of the PSS.1 deal. But the most important word is that of the player on the street, the ground-pounders in Telon who are checking out F2P (and perhaps the game) for the first time. I've gathered several of these perspectives together for your amusement and edification.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Reactions to a free Vanguard

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Reactions to a free Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blogbloggersblogosphereclassicclassic-mmosclassicsf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsforumfree-to-playgame-archaelogistjohn-smedleynostalgiaopinionreactionreactionssandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 21 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Neocron and Neocron 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/the-game-archaeologist-neocron-and-neocron-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/the-game-archaeologist-neocron-and-neocron-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/the-game-archaeologist-neocron-and-neocron-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Neocron
It's the distant future. The high-tech battle armor you wear sharply contrasts with the ruins of civilization that you traverse. You spot an enemy and raise your pulse rifle, firing off shots as you strafe to cover. Technology hasn't solved the issue of war; it's just made it that much more bloody.

PlanetSide 2? Nope -- this is Neocron, the quite-forgettable MMOFPS from the way-back era. I like to call it "that game with the most regrettable cover art in the history of video games," but that isn't quite as snappy.

Going into this article, I have to admit that I previously knew absolutely nothing about Neocron other than the fact that it was a sci-fi MMO that vaguely reminded me of Anarchy Online. Oh, also the fact that nobody I know or perhaps ever will know played it. Is it just a myth? A practical joke to make us believe in a MMO phantom? Only sifting through layers of dust and grime would produce results, so I rolled up my sleeves and started digging.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Neocron and Neocron 2

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Neocron and Neocron 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10tacle-Studiosanarchy-onlinebankruptcybattleground-europebeyond-dome-of-yorkblack-prophecyblade-runnerclassicclassic-mmosclassicscyberpunkf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistgamigoHolger-Nathrathinsolvencyjudge-dreddMartin-J-Schwiezerneocronneocron-2neocron-2-beyond-dome-of-yorkneocron-3neocron-evolution-2.2nostalgianudenude-patchnudityopinionplanetsideplanetside-2reakktorreakktor-mediared-light-districtsci-fithe-game-archaeologistworld-of-warcraftworld-war-2-onlineworld-war-ii-onlinewowTue, 07 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist interviews Puzzle Pirates' Matt Jensen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/the-game-archaeologist-interviews-puzzle-pirates-matt-jensen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/the-game-archaeologist-interviews-puzzle-pirates-matt-jensen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/the-game-archaeologist-interviews-puzzle-pirates-matt-jensen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist interviews Puzzle Pirates' Matt Jensen
Two weeks ago, we opened the book to a strange game indeed. The odd combination of swashbucklers and minigames has sentenced Puzzle Pirates to the fringe of MMO society, yet it's thrived there as an offbeat title that caters to a... very select and fanatical crowd.

Which is totally cool with me, by the way. I love MMOs that take a path less-traveled.

Today I got the pleasure of sitting down with Puzzle Pirates Lead Developer Matt Jensen to talk about what it's like to work on the lovechild of Captain Hook and Bejeweled. If nothing else, he convinced me that it would be awesome to work at Three Rings Design because the dress code every day is peg legs and frilly blouses. His team also has one of the coolest offices ever.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist interviews Puzzle Pirates' Matt Jensen

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist interviews Puzzle Pirates' Matt Jensen originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahoybejeweledclassicclassic-mmosclassicseverquestfeaturedgame-archaelogistlego-indiana-jonesmatt-jensennew-cokenostalgiaopinionpiratepiratespuzzlepuzzle-piratessegaswashbucklersthe-game-archaeologistthree-ringsthree-rings-designyohoho-puzzle-piratesTue, 24 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Puzzle Pirates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/the-game-archaeologist-puzzle-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/the-game-archaeologist-puzzle-pirates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/the-game-archaeologist-puzzle-pirates/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Puzzle Pirates
Up until this point in my life, Puzzle Pirates has always been that "oh yeah, that actually exists!" game to me. Even when I do lists of pirates in MMOs, this title slips right off of my radar. Maybe it's because Puzzle Pirates doesn't make waves (har!) these days, or maybe it's been around for so very long. I can't be the only one; the last time Massively talked about Puzzle Pirates was three years ago.

I think that part of Puzzle Pirates' forgettability is that it doesn't exactly scream MMO. I mean, its combat is more cerebral than anything else, it's all cutesy and stuff, and even its name suggests a casual flash title than anything deep and substantive.

Yet I have friends with a long and abiding love for this game, people who always chide me when I forget it. So to peer pressure I bow: It's high past time that we gave Puzzle Pirates its due as part of the MMO genre. Avast, ye landlubbers, and swab those peepers: We be goin' to sea!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Puzzle Pirates

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Puzzle Pirates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahoyBang-Howdybejeweledclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdaniel-jamesDoctor-Who-Worlds-in-Timeeverquestfeaturedgame-archaelogistmichael-baynemiddle-earth-onlinenostalgiaopinionpiratepiratespuzzlepuzzle-piratessegaSierra-OnlineSpiral-Knightssteamswashbucklersthe-game-archaeologistthree-ringsthree-rings-designubisoftworld-of-warcraftyohoho-puzzle-piratesTue, 10 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: What if World of Warcraft had never happened?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-game-archaeologist-what-if-world-of-warcraft-had-never-happ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-game-archaeologist-what-if-world-of-warcraft-had-never-happ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-game-archaeologist-what-if-world-of-warcraft-had-never-happ/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist What if World of Warcraft never happened
As you know well by now, I do love me some "what ifs?" from time to time. In an industry as volatile and unpredictable as this one, it's not hard to imagine a world where, say, Ultima X did launch or where Bill Roper is coming off his fourth straight successful game or where a different studio secured the rights to a popular IP over another one.

Perhaps the king of all MMO "what ifs" deals with the former (yes, former) king of MMOs. What if World of Warcraft never happened? Putting aside our own personal reaction, which may range from heartfelt relief to severe heartburn, we should look at this question without bias or emotion. Today I'm going to step way, way out on a limb and talk about an alternate universe where one of the biggest MMOs of all time simply did not happen.

In that universe, how did the MMO industry unfold from 2004 on, and what would we be looking at playing today? Maybe it's an impossible mind exercise, but I've been mulling it over for a while, so here are six outcomes that I think are quite likely.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: What if World of Warcraft had never happened?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: What if World of Warcraft had never happened? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbill-roperblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcity-of-heroesclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdoomduke-nukem-forevereqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieqoaeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistguild-warsmarty-mcflynostalgiaopinionsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsuper-mario-brosthe-game-archaeologistultima-onlineultima-xultima-x-odysseyuowalmartwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 26 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Will classic MMOs survive without free-to-play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-game-archaeologist-will-classic-mmos-survive-without-free-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-game-archaeologist-will-classic-mmos-survive-without-free-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-game-archaeologist-will-classic-mmos-survive-without-free-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Will classic MMOs survive without freetoplay
It's amazing to me how quickly the industry has shifted to where we don't just welcome free-to-play as a business model in MMOs -- we downright expect it. Take a look in the comments of any new MMO that dares to launch with a subscription-only model: People will be tripping over each other in an attempt to predict just when said game will break down and admit that it needs F2P. Whether or not BioWare's admission that it's looking into F2P for Star Wars: The Old Republic surprised you or not, it's a sign that no game is immune to the allure, dollar signs, and downright necessity of the popularity and flexibility of this model.

I think this brings a pressing question to bear in the field of classic MMOs: Will they survive without free-to-play? It's a pretty important question for a few reasons. One, a surprising majority of remaining sub-only MMOs are older ones; two, people now expect free in games they try; and three, players aren't exactly flocking to classic MMOs anyway.

This week I want to explore the conundrum that these games are in and why some players may have blinders on when it comes to the fate of their favorite games.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Will classic MMOs survive without free-to-play?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Will classic MMOs survive without free-to-play? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbiowareclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-game-archaeologistthe-old-republictorturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 19 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Maze War]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-game-archaeologist-maze-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-game-archaeologist-maze-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/the-game-archaeologist-maze-war/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Maze War
It's hard to know how far back to go when chronicling the history of early MMOs and their ancestors. After all, the Game Archaeologist has looked at several titles (Air Warrior, Habitat, Neverwinter Nights) that do not fit the modern definition of an MMO yet were bound in blood to the genre nonetheless.

So if today's game seems to be somewhat tenuously related to our favorite hobby, I beg your forgiveness in advance, but I do feel it's pertinent to our exploration of this wonderful genre. The game in question is Maze War, and it holds a general's uniform's worth of medals depicting firsts in the infant genre of video games. Most importantly for us, Maze War was the first graphical video game to be networked and allow players to interact and fight each other. You can see why that may tie in to our current situation.

While the game itself certainly never attained the complexity of modern shooters or RPGs, its innovation and pioneering certainly make it worthy of examination. So let's dust it off and get to it!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Maze War

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Maze War originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-warriorarpanetchristopher-kentclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdarpadoomethernetfeaturedfirst-person-shooterfpsgame-archaelogistgreg-thompsonhabitathoward-palmerimlacmacmazemaze-warmmofpsnasaneverwinter-nightsnostalgiaopinionpongsteve-colleytcpipthe-game-archaeologistwizardryxeroxTue, 12 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: The Anarchy Online bloggers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/the-game-archaeologist-the-anarchy-online-bloggers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/the-game-archaeologist-the-anarchy-online-bloggers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/the-game-archaeologist-the-anarchy-online-bloggers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist The Anarchy Online bloggers
It's a simple fact of life: Newer MMOs get all the blog love. World of Warcraft and EVE Online, in particular, are lavished with so many dedicated blogs that it's almost embarrassing, while most of the games that we look at in this column are practically ignored. It could just be that blogging didn't really come into vogue when these games came out, but whatever the reason, it's kind of a shame that few if any folks are out there blogging about their in-game experiences in Ultima Online or Asheron's Call.

That's why I was utterly surprised to see two brand-new bloggers hit the scene writing about Anarchy Online: Sephora's Closet and Donovan Drones. Both of these blogs came out of a community-wide effort to encourage new game writers in May, and I was so fascinated with their game du jour that I contacted each of them for an interview.

What would drive someone to blog about Anarchy Online in 2012? What is there in the game worth writing? How many more words do I need to write until this paragraph doesn't look pathetically skimpy? Come with me and we'll find out!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: The Anarchy Online bloggers

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: The Anarchy Online bloggers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoasherons-callblogbloggersblogsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscosmetic-clothingcosmetic-outfiteve-onlinefeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistinterviewinterviewsnostalgiaopinionsci-fithe-game-archaeologistultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftTue, 05 Jun 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Richard Garriott
Whenever you get really into a new hobby, it's natural to want to blab about it to anyone who drifts into your gravitational field. That's why we all talk about MMOs, right? It's also why any friends, family members, and coworkers have had to put up with excited rambling about my discovered love for Geocaching.

Some of you probably know Geocaching, as it's been around for over a decade now. For those of you who haven't, it's a worldwide treasure hunt that involves over a million and a half "caches" of various sizes that are hidden and then marked with GPS coordinates. Players head to the official site or one of the open-source projects to get the coordinates and go hunting for them. There's a useful two-minute introduction to this hobby on YouTube if you're curious.

I noted on our Massively Speaking podcast that Geocaching has a lot in common with MMOs: Both encourage questing and exploration, both have treasure to be found, and both plug you into a community of adventurers. Listener Terrence heard this and send in an email with an interesting revelation that ties these two hobbies even closer together, as a game developer brought his online world to a real-world location.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Richard Garriott's haunted cache.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britannia-manorcacheclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistgeocachegeocachinginternational-space-stationisslord-britishmudmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaocean-flooropinionrichard-garriottsecond-pass-mushthe-game-archaeologistthe-guardians-questthe-necropolis-of-britannia-manortitanictorilmudtrailertrailersultimaultima onlineuovideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-game-archaeologist-dark-sun-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-game-archaeologist-dark-sun-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/the-game-archaeologist-dark-sun-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dark Sun Online
Computer RPG players in the late '80s and early '90s were surely familiar with Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) and its now-infamous Gold Box series. The series, so named because of their distinctive gold packaging, ran on a solid engine that helped the company churn out over a dozen titles within a five-year span. From Dungeons & Dragons' Pool of Radiance to Buck Rogers: Countdown to Doomsday, these titles quickly became revered among the gaming community. I personally have very fond memories of playing both Buck Rogers titles, despite not having ever watched the show.

While the Gold Box series has not become as timeless or replayable as late '90s classics like Baldur's Gate and Fallout, they definitely had a huge impact on the PC scene and helped elevate the CRPG genre. Following the Gold Box engine, SSI went on to produce another engine that it used for a completely new series set in the D&D campaign setting of Dark Sun. Dark Sun: Shattered Lands (1993) and Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager (1994) were both modest hits, and when it came time for a third game in the series, SSI decided to make the leap to the then-untested realm of online gaming.

What followed was a wild two-year experiment in MMOs that happened prior to the Ultima Online and EverQuest generation. While ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its potential or gaining a large audience, Dark Sun Online: Crimson Sands made a valiant attempt at achieving the inevitable future of gaming.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Dark Sun Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-QadimAndre-VrignaudAOLathasattatt-interchangeBaldurs-GateBuck-Rogersbuck-rogers-countdown-to-doomsdayclassicclassic-mmosclassicsCompuServeCountdown-to-Doomsdaycrimson-sandsdark-sundark-sun-onlinedark-sun-online-crimson-sandsDark-Sun-Shattered-LandsDark-Sun-Wake-of-the-RavagerdnddosDungeons-and-DragonsFalloutfeaturedgame-archaelogistGameStormGEniegold-boxgold-box-enginehackhackinginterchangemudmushNeverwinter-NightsnostalgiaopinionPool-of-Radiancerich-donnellyrick-donnellyshattered-landsssistrategic-simulations-inctenthe-game-archaeologistThe-Shadow-of-YserbiusthunderscapeTotal-Entertainment-Networkwake-of-the-ravagerwindowswindows-95Word-of-Aden-ThunderscapeTue, 15 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-game-archaeologist-looks-at-guild-wars-utopia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars Utopia
Aztecs. Chronomancers. Mounts. Halberds. Golems. Dual wielding.

These are all but a hint of what a fourth Guild Wars campaign could have been, a campaign that was under development in the mid-2000s but was scrapped by 2007. Replacing it was the expansion Guild Wars Eye of the North and the workings of a super-secret sequel to the game (which you've probably never heard of). It was the forgotten campaign, swept under a rug while it was still under the rug.

But what if, in some alternative timeline, ArenaNet had gone ahead with this campaign? What if it became an established part of the Guild Wars legacy, as familiar to us today as Nightfall and Factions?

What if Guild Wars Utopia had lived?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist looks at Guild Wars Utopia originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetasuraazteccampaignchronomancerclassicclassic-mmosclassicsdestroyersEric-Flannumeye-of-the-northfactionsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-eye-of-the-northguild-wars-factionsguild-wars-nightfallguild-wars-propheciesguild-wars-utopiagwgw2ncsoftnightfallnostalgiaopinionpropheciesSidhesummonersylvariTannecksthe-game-archaeologistutopiaTue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-game-archaeologist-when-dead-mmos-come-back-to-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hellgate Tokyo
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy).

But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing.

Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ultima Online
"I'd play this game again if the graphics were updated."

"If they re-released this game with modern graphics, it would be way more popular."

"The Game Archaeologist is my hero, and I will name my progeny in his honor."

How many times have we heard the above statements? From my perspective as someone who tries to keep tabs on classic MMOs, I see these claims quite a lot. Such sentiments pop up in nearly every other post Massively does about older games: "This title is rock-solid except for its aging visuals. Update those, and it would recapture its former glory and then some."

This has gotten me thinking whether such logic would pan out or not. With Anarchy Online's much-hyped graphics overhaul on the way, this discussion seems to crop up more often. Is the power of a graphics conversion or overhaul strong enough to pull back in previous players and fresh blood? Or is it merely slathering on new paint over a rusting hulk?

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Are graphical updates worth the hassle? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsclienteaelectronic-artsenhanced-clientfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-archaelogistkingdom-rebornlord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaopinionsci-fithe-game-archaeologistultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 24 Apr 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-veteran-of-kesmai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-veteran-of-kesmai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-veteran-of-kesmai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Air Warrior ad
Aaand we're back! Did you miss me? No? Not even a little bit? Aww, you know how to make me feel all kinds of appreciated!

Even though it's been quite some time since we finished up our two-part series on the Kesmai company and its incredible (and little-remembered) role in powering up the MMO genre, I wanted to return to take the topic for one last spin. A fellow blogger, Wilhelm "The Ancient Gaming Noob" Arcturus, backs his nickname up by providing memories and stories from gaming eras well before many Massively readers' time. Since he actually played several Kesmai titles back in the day and lived to tell the tale, I wanted to pick his brain before we moved on to other titles.

So join me in welcoming Wilhelm and his magical clockwork nostalgia retrieval system!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-dair-warriorappleapple-iiapple-iieclassicclassic-mmosclassicscompuservefeaturedgame-archaelogistgeniekesmaikesmai-corporationMegaWars-IIImud1nostalgiaopinionstellar-emperorstellar-warriortagnthe-ancient-gaming-noobthe-game-archaeologistwilhelm-arcturusWolfenstein-3-DTue, 17 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/the-game-archaeologist-bio-break/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Man oh man, why couldn't I just take a month or so off of this column without getting sucked back into it? Why must classic MMOs be so compelling and newsworthy these days?

I planned to take some time off of TGA while I went through Dark Age of Camelot in Choose My Adventure (which you're all reading, yes?), but there was so much to talk about regarding older MMOs that I couldn't sit back and stay mum. Ergo, I've dashed off this special "break" column devoted to commenting on recent news about classic games. Hopefully this will help tide you over until I get back into the full swing of things in April.

On the docket for today's discussion is Vanguard's forthcoming F2P change, EverQuest's recent conversion, Anarchy Online's stunning graphic engine video, and more!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Bio break!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Bio break! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseqeq-nexteq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistmmofpsnostalgiaopinionplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-2playstation-3psps1sandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstationstation-accesstelonthe-game-archaeologistvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-kesmai-legacy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Air Warrior
Most studios would be overjoyed to have pioneered one significant advancement in video game history, but then again, most studios aren't Kesmai. While it's not a household name today, it's reasonable to say that without the heavy lifting and backbreaking coding that this company shouldered in the '80s and '90s, the MMO genre would've turned out very different indeed.

Last week we met two enterprising designers, Kelton Flinn and John Taylor, who recognized that multiplayer was the name of the future and put their careers on the line to see an idea through to completion. That idea was Island of Kesmai, an ancestor of the modern MMO that used crude ASCII graphics and CompuServe's network to provide an interactive, cooperative online roleplaying experience. It wasn't the first MMO, but it was the first one published commercially, and sometimes that makes all the difference.

Flinn and Taylor's Kesmai didn't stop with being the first to bring MMOs to the big time, however. Flush with cash and success, Kesmai turned its attention to the next big multiplayer challenge: 3-D graphics and real-time combat. Unlike the fantasy land of Island of Kesmai, this title would take to the skies in aerial dogfighting and prove even more popular than the team's previous project.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Kesmai legacy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-warriorair-warrior-for-windowsair-warrior-iiair-warrior-iiialiens-onlineaolbattlefield-1942cd-romChris-Holdenclassicclassic-mmosclassicscompuservedark-age-of-camelotdungeons-of-kesmaieaelectronic-artseverquestfeaturedgame-archaelogistgame-developers-conference-choice-awardsgamespotgamestormgdcgdc-choice-awardsgenieharpoon-onlineisland-of-kesmaijohn-taylorkelton-flinnkesmaikesmai-corporationkesmai-studioslegends-of-kesmaimark-jacobsmatchmakingmeridian-59Multiplayer-Battletechmythicnews-corpnostalgiaonline-game-legend-awardopinionrealm-vs-realmrvrthe-game-archaeologistultima-onlinewarwarhammer-onlineythic-entertainmentTue, 13 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist discovers the Island of Kesmai]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-game-archaeologist-discovers-the-island-of-kesmai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-game-archaeologist-discovers-the-island-of-kesmai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/06/the-game-archaeologist-discovers-the-island-of-kesmai/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Island of Kesmai
It was the mid-'80s, and I was just a kid in love with his family's IBM PC. Not having a wealth of capital at the time, I relied on hand-me-down copies of software that rolled in from friends and family and probably the Cyber-Mafia. Practically none of the disks came with instructions (or even labels, sometimes), and as such I felt like an explorer uncovering hidden gems as I shoved in 5 1/4" floppy after 5 1/4" floppy. Some titles were great fun, some were so obtuse I couldn't get into them, and some were obviously meant for those older and wiser than I.

One game that fell into the latter category was a brutally difficult RPG that smelt of Dungeons & Dragons -- a forbidden experience for me at the time. It was just a field of ASCII characters, jumbled statistics, and instant death awaiting me around every corner. I gave it a few tries but could never progress past the first level, especially when I'd keep running out of arrows, so I gave up.

Unbeknownst to me, I had my first brush with Rogue, an enormously popular dungeon crawler that straddled the line between the description-heavy RPGs and arcade titles like Gauntlet. Rogue defined the genre when it came out in 1980, spawning dozens of "Roguelikes" that sought to cash in on the craze. Not five years after its release, Rogue got a worthy successor that decided it could bring this addicting style of gameplay to the larva form of the Internet. It was called Island of Kesmai, but you may call it "Sir, yes sir!"

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist discovers the Island of Kesmai

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist discovers the Island of Kesmai originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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John Smedley
A week ago I sat here writing up what I thought was going to be the epitaph for EverQuest's odd foray into an Apple-only product, EverQuest Macintosh. The word came down from on high that with the coming of free-to-play, EQMac's diminutive server population would be ushered out the doors as Al'Kabor got sent to the retirement home.

That was a week ago. Boy, what a difference a week makes, right?

Since the writing of that article, we received word that not only did Sony Online Entertainment reverse its decision to kill EQMac but that it will be making the server completely free for its community for the indefinite future. I learned that while under the influence of a 102-degree fever, so I initially thought it was just my brain cooking in my skull. But no, it was the truth. So what happened in the span of that week? Why did SOE do a 180 and keep alive an ancient relic of its flagship MMO?

For the whole, unadulterated truth, I called up SOE President John Smedley to get the full scoop on the wild rollercoaster he's taken this loyal community on these past few weeks. Finding out what he said will only cost you one click. It's worth it, trust me.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist chats with John Smedley about EQMac's salvation

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist chats with John Smedley about EQMac's salvation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Play MMOs long enough and you'll eventually come to realize that there's one game out there with your name on it. It may be your first, it may be the one you played the longest, or it may be a combination of those two variables (or countless others). One thing's for certain, though: You'll never truly get it out of your system.

Whether he's comparing each new game to "the one," rolling his eyes when "next gen" titles fail to incorporate innovative aspects of said older game, or returning home as he inevitably gets bored with new and shiny, eventually almost every gamer comes to realize how much a particular title meant to him (and ultimately shaped his MMO worldview).

For this morning's edition of The Daily Grind, tell us which title sticks in your craw, refuses to let you move on, or otherwise informs your MMO-related opinions and discourse. In short, what game can you never really leave (and is that a good thing)?

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 game can you never truly leave behind? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The beauty of EVE Online is often cited as a major draw to the game. EVE's graphics presently come in two flavors: Classic graphics, which is essentially EVE as it's always looked, and Premium graphics, which came out in 2007 and is quite an improvement over Classic. Despite how good Premium graphics look now, according to EVE dev CCP Zulupark, they could look even better.

In fact, CCP Games would like to push ahead with EVE's graphics, but supporting the game in Classic in tandem with improving the Premium graphics has been holding them back. Essentially, CCP has been supporting two different clients and thus a dual pipeline, where they must create two versions of each art asset introduced into the game. Zulupark says, "It complicates build and patching processes considerably and, for the most part, it simply doesn't allow us to make EVE look as beautiful as we want." The solution to this problem, he states, is for CCP to drop the Classic client altogether and focus their attention on Premium graphics as the game moves forward.

Continue reading EVE to drop Classic graphics support, possibly some subscribers in the process

MassivelyEVE to drop Classic graphics support, possibly some subscribers in the process originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next EVE Online expansion, called Apocrypha, will launch on March 10 and promises to bring a long-missing feature to the Mac client: high res graphics. The Trinity graphics engine (aka Premium graphics) has been available to players using the Windows client since December of 2007. As of today, all active accounts using the Mac client can opt to download a second enhanced client to try out EVE's Premium graphic content on the Singularity test server.

EVE's Community Manager CCP Wrangler says, "This is the culmination of over a year of effort on the part of development teams at both CCP Games and Transgaming and we are extremely happy to see EVE running in all its splendor on the Mac OS." That splendor, however, may not be coming for some EVE players running older Mac hardware.

Continue reading EVE Online kicks off Mac open beta for high-res graphics engine

MassivelyEVE Online kicks off Mac open beta for high-res graphics engine originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask any MMOG player about EverQuest, and you'll get one of three responses: either they loved it, they hated it, or they didn't play it (and don't want to). Nobody thinks that it was just a mediocre game, and a lot of people look back fondly on their time there, warts and all. There were a lot of warts. When I was chatting with Scott Hartsman at this year's IMGDC, he explained to me that EverQuest was rife with any number of "pain points" which later games were able to identify, fix, and build upon to make their own game better. Taking most of what was good about EverQuest and cutting most of what was bad was one of the things that helped World of Warcraft dethrone the game and take its seat as the number one MMORPG on the market.

However, not everyone agrees with all of the "improvements" that Blizzard made to the genre when they created WoW. The arguments over what should and shouldn't be left out of a great MMORPG continue to this day, and there's no quick and easy guide to what's MMOG gold. Plenty of companies are learning the hard way that cloning World of Warcraft isn't a winning strategy. It's a great game, but that doesn't mean it's the only way to play. My question for you all today is this: What if instead of EverQuest 2, Sony had given us EverQuest 2.0? EverQuest 2 was a spiritual successor at best to the original game (Vanguard is much closer to an actual sequel). If SOE had remade the DikuMUD-inspired world of Norrath, set in the same time period, with an updated graphics engine and the pain points fixed differently than WoW chose to do, what might it have looked like? More importantly, is it something you'd want to play?

Continue reading Player vs. Everything: Rebuilding EverQuest

MassivelyPlayer vs. Everything: Rebuilding EverQuest originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 May 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesclassicdeath-penaltyeverquesteverquest-2featuredgame-designpain-pointsplayer-vs-everythingremakesoloinguser-interfacevanguardwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftThu, 15 May 2008 17:30:00 EST