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[Wings Over Atreia: Class builds -- Cleric]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/11/wings-over-atreia-class-builds-cleric/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Last week we discussed how personality influences class choice, so after some deep reflection, you have decided that it is time to reveal your true nature and be reborn as a cleric in Aion! Either that, or maybe you just wanted to solo some dungeons to horde all the loot. *cha-ching* Perhaps you already became one to impress that really cute voice in vent who is always looking for a healer. Whatever your reason, the life of servitude is for you. Now what?

Welcome to Build-a-Cleric. While some Daevas are content to just play with what they get from drops or quests, a number actually want to outfit their characters the best they can. Even if leveling too quickly to worry about uber gear thanks to mentoring and an easier grind, it is never a bad idea to keep an eye on endgame. And with the plethora of manastones, armor sets, weapons, and stigmas available -- not to mention advice, both solicited and unsolicited -- it can be a daunting task to maximize your potential. So to help you wade through the possibilities, Wings Over Atreia will be exploring each class individually and highlighting popular and effective builds. With any luck, some advance knowledge will help you make informed decisions and avoid the catastrophes of expending all of your energies in obtaining the wrong gear for your needs. Nothing shouts broke like having to re-socket entire sets or enchant new ones!

Roll up your sleeves and explore various builds for Aion's Cleric class after the cut.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Class builds -- Cleric

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Class builds -- Cleric originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamearmorarmor-setarmor-set-bonusesarmor-setsblockclass-buildsclericfeaturedhealerhealer-dpshealersHPmagic-boostMagic-ResistanceMBMRnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpriestweapon-set-bonusesweapon-setsweaponsWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 11 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT unveils Cleric class video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/rift-unveils-cleric-class-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/rift-unveils-cleric-class-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/rift-unveils-cleric-class-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's been a while since we got our hands on one of RIFT's class videos, but it would seem that the wait is over. Today we have a short trailer highlighting RIFT's Cleric class. If your idea of a Priest is a robe-wearing, finger-wiggling, back-lines pansy, think again.

Telara's Clerics can take it as well as dish it out, and the video proves it. In the trailer, we get to see a Cleric taking on the roles of ranged DPS, healing, and melee DPS, showcasing the class's excellent versatility. And if you want to jump into the boots and hauberk of a Cleric yourself, keep in mind that RIFT is on sale for $10 on Steam for today only. To see the whole Cleric trailer for yourself, jump on past the cut.

Continue reading RIFT unveils Cleric class video

MassivelyRIFT unveils Cleric class video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class-videoclerichealerriftrift-planes-of-telaratrailertrailerstriontrion-worldsvideovideosThu, 07 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Eden Eternal turns the spotlight on the Cleric]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/eden-eternal-turns-the-spotlight-on-the-cleric/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/eden-eternal-turns-the-spotlight-on-the-cleric/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/eden-eternal-turns-the-spotlight-on-the-cleric/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Despite being deep in the beta process -- or perhaps because of it -- Eden Eternal has emerged to highlight another one of its 15 classes: the Cleric. Master of buffing and heals, the Cleric promises to be a welcome addition to any team (not to mention a very solo-capable class).

Clerics are unlocked at level 5 and are the first characters to be capable of healing and supporting others. The class has access to seven Cleric-only skills as well as five skills available to all support classes. And while Clerics -- like all classes in the game -- can wield any weapon, they do the best when equipped with a mace.

You can check out the class trailer for the Cleric after the jump, and make sure to check out our first impressions of Eden Eternal if you haven't done so already!

Continue reading Eden Eternal turns the spotlight on the Cleric

MassivelyEden Eternal turns the spotlight on the Cleric originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesbetabuffsclassclassesclericeden-eternalf2pfree-to-playhealersupportThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/the-game-archaeologist-sees-the-shadow-of-yserbius/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/the-game-archaeologist-sees-the-shadow-of-yserbius/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/the-game-archaeologist-sees-the-shadow-of-yserbius/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Really, I blame my parents for not being filthy rich. If they were, we could've afforded the $130/month unlimited subscription fee to the ImagiNation Network (INN) back in the early '90s. Just think! All of the gaming, the socializing, and the roleplaying that you could handle -- for such a low price! I mean, sure, there were hourly options, but who'd want to play for a mere five hours a month?

So instead of becoming part of a growing online community, I had to be content with my SNES and copy of Chrono Trigger -- hard times, indeed. Sometimes I think how my life would've been different if we had subscribed to Sierra's colorful online world, because I would've had a chance to get in on one of the first graphical MMOs: The Shadow of Yserbius.

It was a step forward in graphic quality from the text-only MUDs of the day but perhaps a step backward from the complexity that many MUDs brought to the table. Still, for a few shining years, it entranced thousands who lined up to delve dungeons deeply alongside their friends (and a couple of complete strangers with odor disorders).

Today we're going to take a quick peek at one of the first MMOs that stepped into the realm of lush color and animations and see what made The Shadow of Yserbius so enduring.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist sees The Shadow of Yserbius originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5-d3-daolbarbarianchrono-triggerclericdeath-penaltydnddungeondungeon-crawlerdungeon-crawlingdungeons-and-dragonselvesEn-li-Kilfeaturedgremlinsguildguild-hallhalflingsimagination-networkinnknightmagemudmudsneverwinter-nightsorcsshadow-of-yserbiussierrasierra-onlinesnesThe-Fates-of-Twinionthe-ruins-of-cawdorthe-shadow-of-yserbiusthieftrollswarriorwizardyserbiusTue, 31 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Triple your pleasure with three Dragon Nest updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/triple-your-pleasure-with-three-dragon-nest-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/triple-your-pleasure-with-three-dragon-nest-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/26/triple-your-pleasure-with-three-dragon-nest-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Your typical Massively news post centers on an item or two of interest from a current MMORPG. It might be class-related info, it might be a juicy dev quote, or it might be a video. Rarely, though, do we manage to cram all three of those items into a single, value-packed news post quite like this one. And we owe it all to the folks at Nexon who've smothered us with a veritable gob of new information about Dragon Nest.

The free-to-play fantasy MMO's website has just updated with our trifecta, and you can pay a visit to link number one to learn about the game's Warriors, Clerics, Archers, and Sorcerers. Behind link number two is a lengthy dev blog from Desmodeus Dragon Nest's lead producer who talks about the title's visuals, action, and story. Not to be outdone is link number three, which boasts a shiny new video detailing various combos and attacks from Dragon Nest's battle system. OK, maybe it is outdone, since you can also watch the video behind the cut without leaving the comfort of your Massively home.

Either way, a smorgasbord of new Dragon Nest info awaits.

Continue reading Triple your pleasure with three Dragon Nest updates

MassivelyTriple your pleasure with three Dragon Nest updates originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerattacksbattle-systemclassesclericcombosdesmodeusdev-blogdev-diarydragon-nestf2pfree-to-playgameplaynexonsorcerertrailervideowarriorSat, 26 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ever since I started following RIFT, I've been entranced by the wide-open -- but not limitless -- class system. After all, the virtual world and everything populating it is only half the game; the other half resides in the avatar that sticks with you while you explore it all. Many MMOs have interesting ways of letting you build and grow your character, but sooner or later they come to a point where there's little more to be done other than incrementally increasing your stats by gaining better gear.

Not so with RIFT, as even a level 50 can drop a few coins to shape a completely new build from scratch. No longer are we bound to a rigidly defined creation; we are free to experiment, tinker, and try out these roles to our hearts' content.

With RIFT's soul system, there are a few ground rules that everyone learns early in the game. You can have up to three souls in your archetype active at any one time; you can only spend as many points in a build as you have in levels (such as 10 points at level 10); and you'll end up with 66 points at level 50, which means that you'll at least dabble in a second soul tree with every build. And while you can certainly spread soul points across all three trees, today I wanted to look at the benefits of a zero-point soul, the "third wheel," if you will, of builds.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archonassassinbardbeastmasterbladedancerbuildbuildschampionchloromancerclassclass-buildsclassesclericdominatordruiddungeons-and-dragonselemental-summonerenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedhealinghealsjusticarmagemagic-the-gatheringnecromancerpaladinpetpetspurifierrangerreaverriftriftbladeriftstalkerroguesaboteursentinelshamanshieldssoulsoul-buildsoul-talent-treesoul-treesoul-treessoulssplashsplash-soultalent-treestalentsvoid-knightwardenwarlockwarlordwarriorzero-point-soulWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/ten-levels-of-rift-a-guide-to-your-first-day-in-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/ten-levels-of-rift-a-guide-to-your-first-day-in-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/ten-levels-of-rift-a-guide-to-your-first-day-in-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With two RIFT beta events under my belt, I was given the supreme honor of creating a guide to the first 10 levels of the game. Naturally, I fell apart under the stress, assumed the fetal position for a couple days while whimpering about "frame rates," and then was prodded into action by our editors. That's quite literally "prodded," mind you -- Massively purchased a pair of cattle prods last year at a police auction. It's going to be years until the scorch marks fade from my spine.

The purpose of this guide is two-fold. First, we want to give anyone who's interested in RIFT but couldn't get into the beta a chance to vicariously experience RIFT's newbie path. Second, while RIFT is careful to hold your hand during your first steps into Telara, there are always a lot of things that can be easily missed while one is partaking in the wonders of a new virtual world. So this guide is here to share a few tips and pointers that beta testers may have missed.

What are you waiting for? Roll up a new character by hitting the jump!

Continue reading Ten levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara

MassivelyTen levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievement-systemachievementsarchetypeArchetypesbeginner-zonebeginner-zonesbeginners-guidebetabeta-eventcattle-prodcautiouscharacter-creationcharacter-creatorclassclericclosed-betacritter-tearsdeathdeath-penaltydefianteq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifirst-ten-levelsguardianguideleveling-guidemagenewbie-experiencenewbie-guidenewbie-zonesporticulum-masterracial-abilitiesracial-bonusesracial-traitsriftrift-planes-of-telararoguesoulsoul-attunementsoul-systemsoul-travelsoul-vitalitysoulstelaratriontrion-worldsuiwarriorWed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara at Gamer Day II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara-at-gamer-day-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara-at-gamer-day-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara-at-gamer-day-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As part of its recent Gamer Day event, Trion Worlds invited Massively back to its studio for another look at Rift: Planes of Telara. Having now been to two of these Gamer Day events, I can say without a doubt that last week's was the more festive -- the player-community leaders and swarm of devs certainly made the whole experience much more wild than the first and reminded me that I was supposed to be having fun (not just studiously taking notes for you lovely readers, although I did that too!).

Since this was my second day-long hands-on with the game (the first being last summer when I got to check out Rift's dynamic content), I thought it best to focus on two areas: improvements to systems I'd seen before, and totally new elements I hadn't seen at all (like the Guardian starting zone, PvP, UI enhancements, Deepstrike Mines, and several new souls including Riftblades, Bards, and Wardens!). Follow along after the break for my second impressions of this MMO that continues to surprise me with its glittering shine of polish.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

Continue reading Hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara at Gamer Day II

MassivelyHands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara at Gamer Day II originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabardbattlegroundsbooksclericCollectionsdeath-penaltydeepstrike-minesfactionsfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgamers-dayguardianhands-onhealinghousinginstancesnewbie-zonesnicholas-mcdowellopinionprestige-rankpvpriftrift-planes-of-telarariftbladescott-hartsmansecond-impressionSoulsstarting-zoneswimmingtriontrion-worldsuser-interfacewardenwarfrontwarfrontswater-mageTue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Making the cut]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/wings-over-atreia-making-the-cut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/wings-over-atreia-making-the-cut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/wings-over-atreia-making-the-cut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


"What position are you applying for?" The interviewer listens and nods.

"Mmhmm. Thank you. Now, what special skills can you bring to the team?"

"Please list all previous experience and describe your major accomplishments." A pause.

"Have you the required equipment to adequately perform your duties?"

The interviewer is quiet while sizing up the applicant.

"I'm sorry, but you just don't quite have what we are looking for. Next!"

Sound familiar? No, this isn't a job interview -- this is the rigmarole many players experience simply to get into a group in NCsoft's Aion. You might think that time of day or availability of people in the right level range would have the most affect on forming up a group, whether in a legion or a PUG. Instead, players often must contend with an entirely different beast before even stepping foot into an instance: group elitism.

Unless you have a regular group of friends with identical play times or a very supportive legion, you are apt to occasionally find yourself in the situation of seeking a group while traipsing about Atreia. Even with a regular group, there are going to be times you are left more-or-less on your own and just want to get something done. Thus begins the (oft times unpleasant) task of creating or finding a group. Like a microcosm of drama played out in short spurts, group formation showcases a variety of less-than-desirable attributes: greed; envy; lust; selfishness; and inflated egos. Just how exclusive can this process become? Your inclusion could ride solely on your class, equipment, or skill set, and have nothing to do with your ability and skill as a player. Heck, even your name may keep you out of groups.

Join me past the cut to explore elitism in group dynamics in Aion.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Making the cut

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Making the cut originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-gamearchetypeArchetypesatreiaclassesclericdramaelitismfeaturedgearedgroupinggroupshealersinstanceslegionnamesnamingnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpugpugsreputationskillskill-setskillst-labstanktankingtemplartheobomosWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 25 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara's dynamic content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/massivelys-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telaras-dynamic-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/massivelys-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telaras-dynamic-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/massivelys-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telaras-dynamic-conte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to attend Trion Worlds' Gamer's Day in San Francisco to get some hands-on time with a couple of the company's upcoming titles, including Rift: Planes of Telara. If Rift seems to have come out of nowhere, that might be due both to the acquisition of EverQuest II veteran Scott Hartsman to head the project as executive producer, and to a clever name change meant to reflect the team's shift in development focus.

In fact, that shift in development focus is precisely what I was at Trion's studio to test -- I got to check out the Rifts themselves in all their glory, in the context of the greater dynamic content system that the developers are so excited about. Massively's writers have been able to play and report on character creation and the starting areas of Rift several times over the last year or so, including earlier this summer at E3. But until today's embargo lift (coinciding with the reveal at Gamescom), no one had quite seen the fabled planar invasions and takeovers in action.

Now we have.

Continue reading Massively's hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara's dynamic content

MassivelyMassively's hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara's dynamic content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementAchievementsaddonsalphaalpha-testbattlegroundsbuildscallingCapture-the-flagcharacter-creationcharge-barclericclunkcollectionCollectionscraftingdefiantDemodynamic-contentEarth-Elementalelementalistepic-mountfeaturedfootholdfootholdsgallerygloamwoodgraphicsgroupgroupinggroupsguardianhealershealinghell-levelsheroes-of-telaraholy-city-of-sanctuminstanceinstancesinterfaceinvasionjumpingjust-say-no-to-hell-levelslootmapmapsminimapmodsp2ppay-to-playpetsphilosophyplaneplanesplanes-of-telarapublic-questspvpquestingrealm-of-the-faerespecresurrectionriftrift-planes-of-telarariftsscott-hartsmanscreenshotsshadowlandssoul-walkSteamPunkstrategerystrategysubscriptionswimmingtalent-treestalentstavril-plazatelaratrailertriontrion-worldsUIvideowarfrontwarfrontsWed, 18 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Quest for Camelot: Your journeys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-quest-for-camelot-your-journeys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-quest-for-camelot-your-journeys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-quest-for-camelot-your-journeys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

These days just about everyone thinks he has what it takes to be a Knight of the Round Table. It takes more than a shiny shield and a sharp sword, as the Game Archaeologist discovered. It also requires a $14.95 credit card charge.

Former and current knights poured out of the woodwork to offer up some of their very favorite memories of Dark Age of Camelot. It is, in a way, a better testimony to the game than an objective history and developers' opinions. For some, DAoC was their first MMO love, and more than a couple people said it was the single best MMO experience they've ever had. While many players have moved on, these memories burn bright, and it didn't take much prompting for DAoC vets to wing a quick word of praise our way.

Blink twice to clear out any eye irritants, and prepare yourself for a marvelous trip back in time to an era of hodgepodge PvP and fierce realm rivalries.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Quest for Camelot: Your journeys

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Quest for Camelot: Your journeys originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afkalbionalbsclericcraftingdaocdark-age-of-camelotfeaturedflukilyfrontierhiberniahibsiseultknight-of-the-round-tablelancelotmidsminstrelsmuire-tombmythicpellinorpvepvprvrsera-hates-the-word-toon-use-this-information-wiselysiegeskaldthe-game-archaeologisttoatrials-of-atlantiswar-is-hell-and-pancakesTue, 17 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rift: Planes of Telara announces Sentinel Soul]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/rift-planes-of-telara-announces-sentinel-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/rift-planes-of-telara-announces-sentinel-soul/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/rift-planes-of-telara-announces-sentinel-soul/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Information on Trion Worlds' upcoming Rift: Planes of Telara is starting to flow fast and furious, and we couldn't be happier with that fact. In addition to what looks to be a novel take on dynamic gameworld events, the title features unique class elements in the form of Souls. Souls are, in lore terms, the actual souls of dead heroes that the player uses to realize his full potential. In game terms, they fill a role similar to that of the traditional talent tree, albeit with a few twists. Today, the fans at TelaraCentral.com have unearthed some tasty information on the Sentinel Soul.

The Sentinel Soul enables players to be defensive clerics, focusing on group support and boasting a strong defense and comparatively weak offense. Head over to TelaraCentral.com for more lore-centric details.

MassivelyRift: Planes of Telara announces Sentinel Soul originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesclericdefensive-classhealingmechanicsriftrift-planes-of-telarasentinel-soulsoultelaratelaracentraltrion-worldtrion-world-networktrion-worldsMon, 16 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive video diary of the souls of Rift: Planes of Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/exclusive-video-diary-of-the-souls-of-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/exclusive-video-diary-of-the-souls-of-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/19/exclusive-video-diary-of-the-souls-of-rift-planes-of-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You could be forgiven for not catching it immediately from our E3 hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara, but there are some unique things going on with the game's class system. It's hardly the first game to allow you to change classes, but the game also goes into combining them, shifting aspects, interplay between multiple class types... it's a maze of inter-relationships. Luckily, we have an exclusive video developer diary from the staff at Trion Worlds that discusses the whole setup at length, giving future players a much clearer overview of how the system works.

When players start, they choose one of four Callings -- Warrior, Rogue, Mage, or Cleric -- which determines the player's core playstyle. As they level, they gradually acquire Souls, and it's there that the bulk of a character's abilities come from. It's a fusion of the talent tree system popularized via World of Warcraft with something much more interesting, and the possibilities for mixing the different Souls together can give rise to all sorts of interesting theories. But don't take our word for it -- watch the exclusive developer diary just past the cut.

Continue reading Exclusive video diary of the souls of Rift: Planes of Telara

MassivelyExclusive video diary of the souls of Rift: Planes of Telara originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassesclericdeveloper-diaryexclusiveexclusive-videoheroes-of-telaramageplaystyleprofessionsriftrift-planes-of-telararoguetalentstriontrion-worldsvideovideoswarriorMon, 19 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's hands-on look at Rift: Planes of Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/massivelys-hands-on-look-at-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/massivelys-hands-on-look-at-rift-planes-of-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/massivelys-hands-on-look-at-rift-planes-of-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

While Trion was happy to announce the name change for Heroes of Telara to Rift: Planes of Telara, we were stoked to be able to get our hands on the game for the first time and really see it in motion. We've heard all this talk about delivering dynamic content, high quality "HD content," a deep back story, and an evolving world. But, could Trion deliver all of the hype they were promising?

Well, if the titular rifts are any indication of how the rest of the game will progress, then this game seems to be in good hands. Join us as we pilot a cleric through the dangers of Telara, take on a rift from the Plane of Life, and learn just what makes Telara tick.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

Continue reading Massively's hands-on look at Rift: Planes of Telara

MassivelyMassively's hands-on look at Rift: Planes of Telara originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryclericdynamicfeaturedhands-onheroes-of-telarainquisitorloreriftrift-planes-of-telarariftingriftsstorylinetriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsMon, 26 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you tired of the "Holy Trinity" yet?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-daily-grind-are-you-tired-of-the-holy-trinity-yet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-daily-grind-are-you-tired-of-the-holy-trinity-yet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/27/the-daily-grind-are-you-tired-of-the-holy-trinity-yet/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Rogue, Warrior and Cleric -- or in other words DPS, tank and healer -- have been with MMOs since the very start. Since those humble beginnings, some MMOs have eschewed the classic three-role dynamic. Shooters have definitely been the most common variant, but puzzle-focused titles are also another example. It's only a matter of time until an entirely generation of MMOs move away from the system. In fact, that seems to be happening right now, although it may be too early to say.

What we're wondering though, is this: Do you think the change will, or should be, permanent?

Beyond even that, do you care how your MMO gets its combat on? We're sure some of you just want great games, and there's nothing wrong with that sentiment at all. Our guess is that those of you most adamant about something new, something fresh, are probably more seasoned players. Don't worry, the same is true of us as well. After almost ten years of the trinity, we're itching for something to take us by surprise. Wonder who or when that'll be...

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are you tired of the "Holy Trinity" yet? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clericdpshealerholy-trinityroguetankthe-daily-grindwarriorMon, 27 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Delving into the archetypes and specialty classes of Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/delving-into-the-archetypes-and-specialty-classes-of-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/delving-into-the-archetypes-and-specialty-classes-of-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/delving-into-the-archetypes-and-specialty-classes-of-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The folks over at Ten Ton Hammer have been cranking out a number of features that examine the various class archetypes and specialty classes of Aion. So far, they've produced two game guides showcasing the Priest and Mage archetypes and had four interviews with NCsoft discussing the Gladiator, Templar, Ranger, and Assassin specialty classes.

When creating a character in Aion, you must initially choose one of four available archetypes. Anyone who has played a fantasy MMO or RPG in the past decade or so will find them quite familiar. They are the Warrior, Scout, Priest, and Mage.

Once you reach level 9, you're sent on a quest to discover your true identity and ascend to daevahood. The quest is like Red Bull - it gives you wings. At this point you must choose a specialty class defined by your original archetype. Warriors become Gladiators or Templars. Scouts become Rangers or Assassins. Priests become Clerics or Chanters. Mages become Sorcerers(esses) or Spiritmasters.

By our count, TTH has covered half the archetypes and specialty classes so far, so keep your eyes peeled for the second half coming soon. We'll also bring you our own impressions of these classes when beta permits. So far, we've been limited to testing some pretty low level characters.

MassivelyDelving into the archetypes and specialty classes of Aion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionassassinchanterclass-guideclericgladiatormagencsoftpriestrangerscoutsorcererspiritmastertemplarten-ton-hammerwarriorSat, 27 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST