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[RIFT hints at expansion details with strange box]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rift-hints-at-expansion-details-with-strange-box/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rift-hints-at-expansion-details-with-strange-box/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/rift-hints-at-expansion-details-with-strange-box/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT - strange gift box
Trion's coy marketing campaign for RIFT's next update continues. Yesterday we received a mysterious box containing the following: two posters featuring historical raids, a level with a "10" sticker on it, four soles, six keys (one of which was labeled Port Tempest), five glass prisms, and a red hooded cloak.

What does all this mean?

PCGamer received a similar bundle and has posted its thoughts, and we tend to agree. Chances are good that we're looking at a major RIFT expansion featuring new raids, new souls, a level-cap increase, and six new areas. And the glass prisms? We have no idea, so stay tuned.

MassivelyRIFT hints at expansion details with strange box originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestfantasypvpriftrift-expansionrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsSun, 27 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rift-conquest-video-boasts-this-is-where-realities-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rift-conquest-video-boasts-this-is-where-realities-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rift-conquest-video-boasts-this-is-where-realities-collide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RIFT
Curious how the makers of RIFT are going to turn a two-faction game into a three-faction PvP brawl? Us too! But Trion Worlds has a few clever ideas to capitalize on the best elements of PvP innovation and evolution with its upcoming Conquest system.

"With Conquest we're really trying to capture the essence of open-world PvP gameplay," shares Lead Designer William Fisher in a new developer video. "This is where realities collide." He goes on to say that this new system isn't Defiants against Guardians, but instead three brand-new factions from across the planes duking it out with player assistance.

Check out the new video after the jump, and when you're done with that, catch up with our very own Karen Bryan's hands-on experience with the Conquest system!

Continue reading RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide'

MassivelyRIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestconquest-pvpconquest-systemdefiantsdev-diarydev-videofantasyguardianspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsvideowilliam-fisherWed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Conquest PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/enter-at-your-own-rift-conquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/enter-at-your-own-rift-conquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/enter-at-your-own-rift-conquest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

rift conquest
RIFT fans wracked their brains trying to decipher the cryptic message on the forums a few weeks ago, and it turned out they were right: RIFT is on the verge of seeing the arrival of three faction PvP, and the game took its first step toward that with a test session on PTS last week.

If you missed it, take heart because this week's Enter at Your Own Rift gives a recap of the event and a beginning look at how Conquest plays out. Read on for handy primer on three-faction PvP in Telara!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Conquest PvP

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Conquest PvP originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdominionenter-at-your-own-riftextractorsfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedhands-onkaren-bryannightfalloathswornopinionpreviewpreviewspvpriftrift-planes-of-telararvrtelarathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT introduces three-faction PvP with Conquest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rift-introduces-three-faction-pvp-with-conquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rift-introduces-three-faction-pvp-with-conquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rift-introduces-three-faction-pvp-with-conquest/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- RIFT
RIFT players have been speculating about what the much-hyped but little-revealed PvP announcement for the title would be, but now it's official: RIFT is bringing out three-faction warfare. In a post on the RIFT official site, Trion Worlds has introduced the Conquest PvP mode, which is a "no-holds-barred, interdimensional battle" in which players can choose from one of three factions (the power-hungry Dominion, the noble Oathsworn, and the knowledge-seeking Nightfall) and take part in a three-way battle to answer one poignant question: "What is the role of the Ascended in the cosmos? To rule, to protect, or to ascend?"

Players eager to become a part of the Conquest won't have to wait long. This Thursday, May 17th, at 7:00 EDT, Trion will be bringing Conquest to the public test server. All you have to do to get on the action yourself is head on over to the game's PTS "getting started" page and follow the instructions, and voila. So get out there and prepare for war, Ascended; it's time to conquer!

[Thanks to Valorith for the tip!]

MassivelyRIFT introduces three-faction PvP with Conquest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction-pvpbreakingconquestconquest-pvpconquest-pvp-modefantasyplayer-vs-playerptspublic-test-serverpvprealm-vs-realmriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvptriontrion-worldsMon, 14 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online dev blog outlines major long-term changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/eve-online-dev-blog-outlines-major-long-term-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/eve-online-dev-blog-outlines-major-long-term-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/eve-online-dev-blog-outlines-major-long-term-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - nullsec white board
A couple of weeks ago, we told you about an EVE Online initiative to bring about substantial changes to the game's nullsec regions. Yesterday, CCP expanded on the initial concept via a lengthy new post that should banish any doubts as to whether or not the devs expect the game to be around in the far future.

CCP Greyscale outlines 12 bullet points discussed at length amongst both the dev team and the Council of Stellar Management, all with the aim of making nullsec the place to be in terms of EVE Online's primary gameplay. The post talks everything from mining to territory and conquest to intel and exploration. CCP Greyscale uses this last one as an example of how far-reaching the changes to EVE are shaping up to be.

"Hopefully the amount of stuff in here will also make it clearer why we're saying 'more than five years.' For example, those few bullet points under 'exploration' mean replacing all of the exploration content that's been developed in the past five years," he explains.

MassivelyEVE Online dev blog outlines major long-term changes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0ccpccp-gamesccp-greyscalecombatconquestdev-blogdev-diaryeveeve-onlineexplorationindustryminingnew-edennullsecpvepvpsandboxsci-fiterritory-controlTue, 16 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Planet War browser game to feature galactic conquest and alien foreign policy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/planet-war-browser-game-to-feature-galactic-conquest-and-alien-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/planet-war-browser-game-to-feature-galactic-conquest-and-alien-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/planet-war-browser-game-to-feature-galactic-conquest-and-alien-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Here at Massively we get dozens of game-related press releases on an hourly basis. Rarely, though, does a blurb say something like "players build aircraft carriers to navigate the stars and Milky Way to explore and learn of ancient civilizations."

The release for YooGames' new browser-based MMO Planet War said just that, and as a result we're keen on taking a look at the title's closed beta when it kicks off on August 9th. YooGames also says that Planet War is inspired by famous sci-fi novels and heroes, and aims to provide a unique strategy experience that features both conquest and alien foreign policy. We're not sure what that means as of yet, but it definitely piqued our interest. You can learn more about the game at its official web site as well as the Planet War Facebook portal.

MassivelyPlanet War browser game to feature galactic conquest and alien foreign policy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alien-foreign-policybrowserbrowser-basedconquestf2pfree-to-playgalactic-conquestinternet-spaceshipsmmortsplanet-warpress-releasereal-time-strategyrtssci-fistrategyyoo-gamesyoogamesFri, 05 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Ranting ranger is ranty (oh and some opinions on the dev update)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/the-anvil-of-crom-ranting-ranger-is-ranty-oh-and-some-opinions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/the-anvil-of-crom-ranting-ranger-is-ranty-oh-and-some-opinions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/10/the-anvil-of-crom-ranting-ranger-is-ranty-oh-and-some-opinions/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yes, it's that time of the month again: It's time for another analysis of a Funcom development update. This time around, there's the added bonus of a new patch (2.0.7) to discuss, but for the most part I'll spend today rant... er, talking about Craig Morrison's latest monthly roadmap for Age of Conan.

After two weeks of positivity, I guess the time is right to bring a little balance to the Force (or at least, to The Anvil of Crom), so join me after the cut as I break down the good, bad, and fugly in relation to where the Hyborian Express seems to be headed.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Ranting ranger is ranty (oh and some opinions on the dev update)

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Ranting ranger is ranty (oh and some opinions on the dev update) originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0.7age-of-conananvil-of-cromaoccall-of-jhebbal-sagconquestcraig-morrisondevelopment-updatefeaturedfuncomguild-renownminigameopinionpvpresource-minigamesroleplayroleplay-toolssilirrionsocial-minigamesthe-anvil-of-cromSun, 10 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan adding Conquest game mode, new PvP minigame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/age-of-conan-adding-conquest-game-mode-new-pvp-minigame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/age-of-conan-adding-conquest-game-mode-new-pvp-minigame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/age-of-conan-adding-conquest-game-mode-new-pvp-minigame/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Age of Conan's Craig Morrison has been a busy man of late. When he's not generating discussion fodder on his personal blog or overseeing the setup of Funcom's new production studio in Montreal, he's finding time to chat up the AoC community on the forthcoming additions to the game via his monthly development update series. Morrison enlists the help of two additional Funcom developers in the latest installment, beginning with lead systems designer Einar Forselv, who talks a bit about the incoming PvP additions.

Not only is a new PvP minigame in the works, but an entirely new game mode is coming along with it. The new mode, called Conquest, will make its debut in the new mini -- The Call of Jhebbal Sag -- and will find players fighting for control of a strategic location in the Pictish wilderness. Funcom has also added a new wrinkle in the form of resource points that fluctuate depending on how well your team is doing at holding capture points. The new mini will feature two groups of six for a total of 12 players per side, and it will also allow players to bring their mounts into a minigame battle for the first time.

Lest you think the 2.1 update series is solely focused on PvP, Morrison also taps dynamic gameplay designer Tanya Short for a bit of an explanation about the social features coming soon to a server near you. She provides a bit more info on the activities briefly mentioned in last month's letter. "This patch introduces two major social content additions: guild events and horse racing. Both will hopefully provide guilds and roleplayers with some fun activities and offer an interesting diversion for everyone who wants to try them," she writes.

MassivelyAge of Conan adding Conquest game mode, new PvP minigame originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccall-of-jhebbal-sagconquestcraig-morrisondev-updatedevelopment-updateeinar-forselvfuncomjhebbal-sagnew-game-modesilirriontanya-shortFri, 01 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forsaken World readies first closed beta test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/forsaken-world-readies-first-closed-beta-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/forsaken-world-readies-first-closed-beta-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/16/forsaken-world-readies-first-closed-beta-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Perfect World Entertainment, the prolific publisher behind free-to-play games such as Battle of the Immortals, Jade Dynasty, and Perfect World International, is adding another title to its all-star roster in the form of Forsaken World. Formally known as Project EM, Forsaken World is ready for its first closed beta phase and, thanks to a limited number of keys available on the official website, you are invited. The testing is currently scheduled to begin on October 27th.

The title makes use of Perfect World's proprietary Angelica graphics platform, and focuses on empire-building and expansion as one of five unique races. Eight classes are available, with an unusual vampire option added to the usual fantasy suspects such as warrior, assassin, and priest.

You can grab a beta key and find out more information from the official Forsaken World website. Also, don't forget to browse the human assassin screenshot gallery below.

Gallery: Forsaken World's Assassin

MassivelyForsaken World readies first closed beta test originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelicabetabeta-keysclassesclosed-betaconquestempire-buildingf2pforsaken-worldfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentThu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawntide opens up Conquest design to player community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/dawntide-opens-up-conquest-design-to-player-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/dawntide-opens-up-conquest-design-to-player-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/dawntide-opens-up-conquest-design-to-player-community/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've ever wanted a say in the design of a sandbox MMORPG, the developers at Working as Intended have come to your rescue. The indie team behind Dawntide has opened up a forum post soliciting player submissions for a game system called Conquest. You're probably wondering: what is Conquest? Well, apparently it's up to you to help define.

"Internally we have a pretty good idea of what we want Conquest to look like. However, I've been able to convince the powers [that] be that we should let the community get involved with the design/discussion before we write one piece of code. So here is the community's chance to sculpt how Conquest will work. There are no guarantees that the end product will contain all of the ideas, but we'll give it a chance," writes Ronin on the game's official forums.

Check out the post, and be sure to pipe up with your ideas.

MassivelyDawntide opens up Conquest design to player community originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdawntideplayer-inputplayer-submitted-designroninsandboxwaiworking-as-intendedTue, 29 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/a-look-at-the-big-changes-in-global-agendas-1-3-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The team over at Hi-Rez Studios may have bitten off just a touch more than they could chew with the 1.3 patch for Global Agenda. It's not that the patch is bad, just that they turned out to not quite be able to push some of the originally promised features through at the same time as the main patch. Of course, considering all of the stuff that is in the newest patch, that almost seems less like a drawback and more like an act of mercy. The advertised open zones and 64-person PvP Warzone will be slightly delayed, which only leaves...

...well, it leaves a whole lot of changes, starting with the massive overhauls to weapons and armor that bring the game closer in line with common genre conventions. The previous system has entirely been discarded, and replaced with four grades of quality for weapons and armor: Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Epic. All grades can be obtained from vendors in exchange for credits (for common weapons), Mercenary tokens (for rare and epic weapons), or Conquest tokens (for epic special weapons). The weapons also have a chance to drop during PvE missions, with the weapons getting correspondingly stronger as the mission gets more difficult.

Continue reading A look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch

MassivelyA look at the big changes in Global Agenda's 1.3 patch originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-vs-alliancearmoravachangesconquestcraftingdropsequipmentfeaturedgaga-patch-1.3global-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezglobal-agenda-patch-1.3hi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-stdioes-global-agendahi-rez-studioslootmodspersistencestatsweaponweaponsFri, 07 May 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda extends free time from launch, commits to new features in coming months]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/global-agenda-extends-free-time-from-launch-commits-to-new-feat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/global-agenda-extends-free-time-from-launch-commits-to-new-feat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/global-agenda-extends-free-time-from-launch-commits-to-new-feat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"We want to earn your subscription."

Those are the words spoken by Todd Harris in today's Global Agenda newsletter just before he revealed the upcoming features and additions being made to the action-based MMORTS shooter... game... hybrid... thing.

To show their commitment, the studio will be extending their free subscription period from the end of February all the way to the end of March while they make more tweaks and enhancements to the game. By the end of February players will have the ability to select the PvP match types they want to play from the mission select feature (as it was in Closed Beta,) and Hi-Rez Studios will be introducing an in-game friends/ignore list -- one of the game's most requested features. More AvA zones will also be added, giving Oceanic players and European players some territory to fight over during their prime play times.

Continue reading Global Agenda extends free time from launch, commits to new features in coming months

MassivelyGlobal Agenda extends free time from launch, commits to new features in coming months originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-vs-alliancebreakingconquestglobal-agenda-conquesthi-rez-studiosinfiltrationno-subscription-extensionopen-area-missionspvepvpThu, 11 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We have an agenda: Global Agenda launch day coverage and play with Massively event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/we-have-an-agenda-global-agenda-launch-day-coverage-and-play-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/we-have-an-agenda-global-agenda-launch-day-coverage-and-play-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/we-have-an-agenda-global-agenda-launch-day-coverage-and-play-wi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The cat's out of the bag! Or perhaps the spies are out of their hexes? Either way, Global Agenda has gone into official launch mode today! We here at Massively can't help to celebrate by looking back at our past coverage of Global Agenda, as we watched the game go from a little team-based TPS to the MMORTS that it is today. If you like commanding, or if you just like shooting people with hi-tech guns, then this might be the game for you!

In any case, we promised you an event to go along with the launch! Tonight, jump in to Global Agenda at 8 PM EST to meet up with Shawn Schuster (Agent Name: Ampersand, Medic) and Seraphina Brennan (Agent Name: Seraphina, Recon!). Both editors will be commanding their own PvP strike teams and will be launching into the queues head first. By the way, don't forget your headset -- it makes team building so much easier. If you don't have one, no worries, just be ready to play.

So, without any further delay, let's take a trip down memory lane and look back at the best of our Global Agenda coverage...

Continue reading We have an agenda: Global Agenda launch day coverage and play with Massively event

MassivelyWe have an agenda: Global Agenda launch day coverage and play with Massively event originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestfeaturedglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-conquestglobal-agenda-rounduphi-rez-studioslaunchlaunch-daylaunch-eventmassively-eventmmortsmmotpsroundupMon, 01 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda video diary details AvA battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/global-agenda-video-developer-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/global-agenda-video-developer-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/global-agenda-video-developer-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hi-Rez Studios released a new Global Agenda video developer diary today, and Senior Game Designer Scott Zier promises that it's the first in a series all about Conquest.

This first video serves as an introduction to the concept of Conquest and Agency vs. Agency battles. Zier narrates the video, giving an overview of how things work all the way from the basics of zone open hours to simple battle strategy. He continues by giving a play-by-play of sorts of a battle between two neighboring Agencies in order to demonstrate how it all comes together. While the series will presumably become more detailed and cover specific topics as things progress, this serves as a great first look at how Conquest works in the world of Global Agenda.

We've included the video after the cut, so follow along and take a look for yourself. Thanks to Scott and the rest of the Global Agenda team, and we look forward to the next one!


Continue reading Global Agenda video diary details AvA battles

MassivelyGlobal Agenda video diary details AvA battles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agency-vs-agencyconquestdeveloper-diaryglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-conquesthi-rez-studiosscott-ziervideo-developer-diaryFri, 29 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda tier one and tier two blueprints revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/global-agenda-tier-one-and-tier-two-blueprints-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/global-agenda-tier-one-and-tier-two-blueprints-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/23/global-agenda-tier-one-and-tier-two-blueprints-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Craftable loot is always important business, and in Global Agenda it's no different. There are always some neat surprises waiting for those who are willing to gather some items, do some research, and get to work in the fabrication chambers.

Xzaph over at the HexAgenda fansite has put together a pretty comprehensive screenshot list of Global Agenda's tier one and tier two blueprint offerings, confirming that there are a few more tricks in those crafting recipes than people have believed. Did you know that you can craft yourself a small squadron of androids to watch your back as pets, or put together a mini-nuke to completely wipe away any resistance within 200 feet?

Beyond being able to build those types of tricks in battle, it seems that there's also an item that must be crafted before your agency can take over a specific region -- the Sovereign Forge -- which may lead to us seeing more "key" items appearing down the road in Alliance vs. Alliance, should the Forge work out.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda tier one and tier two blueprints revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-vs-allianceavablueprintsconquestcraftingglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-conquesthi-rez-studiosresearchtier-1-blueprintstier-2-blueprintsSat, 23 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda early start and preorder bonuses detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/global-agenda-early-start-and-preorder-bonuses-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/global-agenda-early-start-and-preorder-bonuses-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/global-agenda-early-start-and-preorder-bonuses-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

You've gotten all the news and updates, and you've even gotten a handy guide to conquest mode for Global Agenda. If you're ever going to be ready for Hi-Rez Studio's high-action game, it's now. So it's no coincidence that we've gotten news on the game's pre-purchase options, as well as the early start details for all players and the chance to reserve your character name prior to the February 1st launch date. After all, if you've gotten the game via Steam, don't you want to just download and start playing right away? That little grayed-out name is mocking you.

The latest newsletter details the early start, which will allow players to reach Level 10, reserve their character name, and unlock special pre-order items. It's also the only chance that pre-order players will have to claim their No Elves Flair and Commonwealth Helmet. Luckily, it's easy to hop in between January 28th and January 31st, and take a little time to start playing the game and forming Agencies. Beta players will also get the option to keep their character name during the transition to Live, although not their levels or data. Good news all around for Global Agenda fans.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda early start and preorder bonuses detailed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasconquestearly-start-programglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-conquesthi-rezhi-rez-studioslaunchlaunchesno-elvespre-launchpre-purchaseFri, 22 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: One massive agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/anti-aliased-one-massive-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/anti-aliased-one-massive-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/anti-aliased-one-massive-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So, I'll be honest, I had a completely different idea for a column this week. But reading over the comments on yesterday's launch trailer for Global Agenda got me thinking: Why is there so much ado about the nature of an MMO? Why are so many fixated on the 10 vs 10 nature of Global Agenda and not the bigger picture of what the game has to offer? Why do we scoff at the idea of 100 person instances when it was designed to give the player more flexibility?

Today, I want to play the devil's advocate, as I do in so many of my opinion columns. I want to take on the defense of Global Agenda as an MMO title, and I think I have enough evidence to prove that it's massive -- just not in the way you normally consider MMOs to be massive. And, personally, I think this is only good news for the industry at large.

If you guys wish to comment on this edition of Anti-Aliased, please comment of page 2 of the article, as always! Your comments are always well received!

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: One massive agenda

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: One massive agenda originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pirates are always the underdogs in MMOs, aren't they? That seems to be the case in Pirates of the Burning Sea, where the Pirate nation has been at a disadvantage with the game's Conquest system. While their ports can't be controlled (permanently) by another nation, they're likewise unable to keep the ports they conquer. The latest devlog from Flying Lab's Lum is titled Pirates and Conquest and addresses this disparity between the Pirate nation and all other nations in the game.

One solution they plan to implement is increasing the four points that Pirates gain by capturing a port to five. Lum explains, "Currently, Pirates get four points every time they Raid a port, while Nationals get 10. This means that for a Pirate to keep pace with Nationals, they have to win three port battles in order to get the same amount of points. Since every nation can only attack three ports at a time, this means that Pirates would always have to have their maximum amount of attacking ports at all times, and then they have to win all of those battles." Ouch. However, by increasing their capture points to five, Pirates will only have to win two battles and won't need to maintain constant port attacks to stay on par with other nations.

Continue reading Pirates to get more RvR love from Flying Lab Software

MassivelyPirates to get more RvR love from Flying Lab Software originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capture-pointsconquestconquest-systemdev-blogdevlogfantasyflying-labflying-lab-softwaregame-mechanicsguildshistoricallummartial-lawpirate-nationpiratesport-battleportspotbspvpraided-staterealm-vs-realmrvrSun, 05 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starting out in Vana'diel: Mission, very possible]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/starting-out-in-vanadiel-mission-very-possible/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/starting-out-in-vanadiel-mission-very-possible/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/starting-out-in-vanadiel-mission-very-possible/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hello there adventurers! It's Friday, I know, and Friday is not Thursday. That, however, won't stop me from bringing Final Fantasy XI aid to you! I promised you more information on the mission system, and that's exactly what I'm going to be delivering in this edition of "Starting out in Vana'diel."

Missions are one of the key aspect of the game. They tell the main story, a la a standard Final Fantasy title, they offer boss battles, chances to team up with friends, and, most importantly, tangible rewards. Missions offer gil and increases in nation rank, which in turn opens up more items for you to grab.

Now I would love to walk you through the missions for each city, but all of them play out differently until the storylines intersect in the city of Jeuno. That makes a nice walkthrough very hard for a column like this. What I can offer you is some great tips on how to increase your rank, and exactly why you want to spend the trouble doing it.

Continue reading Starting out in Vana'diel: Mission, very possible

MassivelyStarting out in Vana'diel: Mission, very possible originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hello again Adventurers! So we've fought through the tutorial system, braved the Fields of Valor, and this week we get to go to WAR!

No, not Warhammer Online. We're going to learn about Final Fantasy XI's conquest! The conquest system is the weekly determination of who gets control of a region in Vana'diel. Remember that signet buff that you learned about in the tutorial? Well we're going to need that, first and foremost.

Signet may be a buff, but it enters you as a participant in conquest. Each time you destroy a monster, you will gain some conquest points and add to your nation's total for the zone. Each week, the Grand Dutchy of Jeuno will calculate all of the points and declare one nation as the winner of that zone. The nation that won gets to place their guards in the zone and will hold control of it until the next Sunday.

But what does control do? What can you get from the conquest system? Follow me, and let's find out!

Continue reading Starting out in Vana'diel: Conquering conquest

MassivelyStarting out in Vana'diel: Conquering conquest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestconquest-itemscrystalsffxifinal-fantasy-xigilmoneyoutpostsquare-enixstarting-out-in-vanadielwarpTue, 10 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST