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[Darkfall: Unholy Wars turns its sight to the Deadeye]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/darkfall-unholy-wars-turns-its-sight-to-the-deadeye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/darkfall-unholy-wars-turns-its-sight-to-the-deadeye/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/darkfall-unholy-wars-turns-its-sight-to-the-deadeye/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall Unholy Wars turns its sight to Deadeyes
Still having a hard time trying to decide what you're going to roll when Darkfall: Unholy Wars releases next month? Well, here's another candidate for your approval: the Deadeye.

The Deadeye is a sub-class in the Skirmisher role that focuses on ranged damage. A trusty bow is all the Deadeye needs to bring the pain to single and multiple targets. Some of the class' skills include an unstoppable arrow, a ranged debuff, a salvage of arrows, an exploding arrow, and a dead-on Trueshot attack.

Check out the Deadeye in action after the break!

Continue reading Darkfall: Unholy Wars turns its sight to the Deadeye

MassivelyDarkfall: Unholy Wars turns its sight to the Deadeye originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-unholy-warsdeadeyedffantasyopen-pvppreviewpvpsandboxskirmishervideoFri, 26 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall's 'ultimate promotion' starts next week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/darkfall-s-ultimate-promotion-starts-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/darkfall-s-ultimate-promotion-starts-next-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/darkfall-s-ultimate-promotion-starts-next-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfalls Ultimate Promotion
If you've been thinking about heading back to Darkfall, Aventurine wants you to know that now -- yes now -- is the time. The studio is running a so-called "ultimate promotion" for the game starting July 2nd and running until Darkfall 2.0 launches.

Through the promotion, all current and previous subscribers will be granted several days of free play. These days are July 2nd through the 4th and the 9th through the 11th. In addition, the subscription rate is reduced to $9.95 a month; this rate includes a copy of the game for completely new players.

Players also should find their experience in the game on fast-forward. Aventurine is jacking up the skill increase rate by 20 times, boosting the the global loot by four times, and making village control points go active every six hours instead of 12.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

MassivelyDarkfall's 'ultimate promotion' starts next week originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0dffantasyopen-pvppromotionpvpsandboxsubscriptionsubscription-rateultimate-promotionFri, 29 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall client freely available on June 29th, sub fee to be reduced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/darkfall-client-freely-available-on-june-29th-sub-fee-to-be-red/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/darkfall-client-freely-available-on-june-29th-sub-fee-to-be-red/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/15/darkfall-client-freely-available-on-june-29th-sub-fee-to-be-red/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Darkfall client freely available on June 29th, sub fee to be reduced
Is Darkfall 2.0 inching closer to reality? It's hard to say, but Aventurine has been releasing blog updates with more frequency of late. The newest one offers further tidbits about an upcoming promotional period, including some details about pricing and gameplay.

Firstly, the devs are axing Darkfall's initial client cost. The monthly subscription fee will remain, but it will be reduced from the standard $14.99 (though Aventurine hasn't revealed the final price just yet).

In terms of gameplay, the devs are permanently increasing avatar skill gains. Specific details are scarce, but it's all part of the promotion that will begin on June 27th. Anyone who has ever purchased Darkfall may come back and play for free for two days. On June 29th, the aforementioned client and sub fee changes will debut, and they'll last through the release of 2.0.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

MassivelyDarkfall client freely available on June 29th, sub fee to be reduced originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-sub-feedffantasyopen-pvppvpsandboxFri, 15 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aventurine to temporarily suspend purchase price for Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/aventurine-to-temporarily-suspend-purchase-price-for-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/aventurine-to-temporarily-suspend-purchase-price-for-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/04/aventurine-to-temporarily-suspend-purchase-price-for-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall screenshot
Over the weekend, sandbox fans were given something to look forward to: the chance to play a game without having to buy it. Aventurine announced an upcoming promotion during which the purchase price for the fantasy MMORPG Darkfall client will be removed temporarily, allowing players to experience the game by paying only the monthly subscription fee. There is also something in the works involving skill gains to run concurrently, but no further details have been released.

Although the specific start date has not been announced, it is expected to begin in two weeks and last only until Darkfall 2.0 launches. Players wanting to get a head start on the big update might not want to miss this opportunity. For a look at some of the changes coming with 2.0, check out Some Assembly Required.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

MassivelyAventurine to temporarily suspend purchase price for Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0dffantasynewsopen-pvppromotionpromotional-eventpvpsandboxspecial-dealspecial-dealsMon, 04 Jun 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Catching up with Darkfall and The Repopulation
It's not often that we use this space for news recaps. Generally MJ and I have a particular topic (or game) in mind for Some Assembly Required's biweekly rotation. This time, though, I figured we should highlight some of the recent goings-on with a couple of pertinent sandbox titles simply because Massively news posts don't offer enough space to expound on anything other than the basics.

Join me after the break, then, for a rundown on what's new with Darkfall and The Repopulation.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesagonaventurinecity-buildingcraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-craftingdffantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsnation-buildingopen-pvpopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvprepopulationsandboxsarsci-fisome-assembly-requiredthe-repopulationtradeskillinguser-contentuser-generated-contentFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Darkfall development blog touches on key points]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/new-darkfall-development-blog-touches-on-key-points/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Points not granted for equipping a dog with a hat, for the record.
Development on the next incarnation of Darkfall continues, promising big changes to the game's core mechanics. The latest update on the official blog addresses a variety of systems that hadn't previously been covered, starting with the game's large-scale UI improvements. The biggest revelation and item of interest, however, is the promise of the upcoming point system, which allows players to receive rewards for accomplishments that in turn fuel new play options.

Although the terminology used in the blog is a bit vague due to the fact that specifics on the system are under wraps, it's made very clear that the point system is not simply an achievement system (which will also be added). Rather, using points in-game will fuel certain abilities or grant access to new abilities, allowing players to open new paths as a reward for their accomplishments. There's also a few updates on the future of crafting, all of which should give Darkfall players something to look forward to when version 2.0 finally goes live.

MassivelyNew Darkfall development blog touches on key points originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0achievementsagonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0developmentdevelopment-previewdffantasygame-systemopen-pvppoint-systempointspvpsandboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall polishes content until it shines]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darkfall-polishes-content-until-it-shines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darkfall-polishes-content-until-it-shines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/darkfall-polishes-content-until-it-shines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall
Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's off to work Darkfall's development team goes (and now that tune is stuck in your head. You're welcome.)! And as the game's 2.0 edition slowly takes shape, we're given yet another dev blog about the massive undertaking of this project.

Improved visuals are one of the priorities for the team, and players will be pleased to hear that SMAA -- uber-anti-aliasing -- should make the game's graphics shine. Weapons are being modified to have distinctive looks based on which rank they are, and the team reports that there are six weapons styles with nine ranks apiece, each requiring a unique design.

Also on the table for examination is the improved crafting process. Aventurine is introducing two new professions dedicated to converting one material into a more refined product. Tanning will take on skinning's former duty of taking hides and turning them into leather, and weaving will be the primary avenue to create cloth from cotton. On top of these new professions is the expansion of the crafting system to allow professions to "infuse" rare materials into common ones, resulting in special crafting mats for high-quality gear.

MassivelyDarkfall polishes content until it shines originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0agonanti-aliasingaventurinecraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0dffantasygraphicsopen-pvppvpsandboxskinningsmaatanningweapon-ranksweavingFri, 23 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall slices away at 'initial unforgiving experience' with 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/darkfall-slices-away-at-initial-unforgiving-experience-with-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/darkfall-slices-away-at-initial-unforgiving-experience-with-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/darkfall-slices-away-at-initial-unforgiving-experience-with-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall
"In the current version of the game, we've had many occasions where the steep learning curve and initial unforgiving experience, unnecessarily kept people out of the game," Aventurine's Tasos Flambouras comments on the latest Darkfall 2.0 post.

This week's post illuminates three major systems on which the team is working to make Agon a more approachable world. With Darkfall 2.0, new players will start out in a safe training zone that is designed to teach the fundamentals of the game without the risk of imminent ganking. Plus, the devs promise "a nice adventure with an epic ending" to boot.

The other two systems are coming up with a way to protect mount theft and to encourage the player economy. Mounts in 2.0 will remember their owners for a time, and any thief will have to contend with being branded a criminal and coming under fire by guard NPCs. Finally, new markets will appear in all major cities and allow players to buy, sell, and place orders for others to fill. There is one catch to shopping, however: If you buy an item from another city's market, you have to either travel there personally to get it or pay a surcharge for delivery.

MassivelyDarkfall slices away at 'initial unforgiving experience' with 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0aventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0dev-blogdev-diaryeconomymarketmarket-systemmount-protectionmount-theftnew-player-experienceTasos-Flambourasupdateupdate-postFri, 24 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall specializes magic schools, replaces death with limbo system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall
Aventurine continues its trek toward Darkfall's game revamp, aka Darkfall 2.0, and in a new producer letter, Tasos Flambouras drops a few interesting info nuggets to tide loyal players over until the job is done.

He states that the team is retuning each of the game's eight schools of magic so that each one feels more unique and focused. For example, air magic will be specialized to do more damage in close quarters against fewer targets, while fire magic will excel at long-distance AoE attacks.

The team also thinks it has figured out this pesky "death" problem by coming up with a more interesting limbo system. The way it works is that when players are taken down, they have a choice between either respawning back at a bind stone or waiting for a timer to count down to zero and initiate a respawn on the spot. If players opt to endure the limbo period, they can re-equip their characters from their bank boxes.

Aventurine continues to hire on new team members for the project, including a designer who will facilitate communication between devs and the community.

MassivelyDarkfall specializes magic schools, replaces death with limbo system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebankbank-boxesdarkfalldarkfall-2.0death-penaltydeath-systemdev-diarylimbolimbo-systemmagicmagic-schoolsproducer-letterproducers-letterrespawnschools-of-magicTasos-FlambourasFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aventurine 'sprinting' toward Darkfall 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/adventurine-sprinting-toward-darkfall-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/adventurine-sprinting-toward-darkfall-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/adventurine-sprinting-toward-darkfall-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Darkfall
As Darkfall "sprints" down the road toward its second incarnation, bloodthirsty PvPers are looking to Aventurine for more information about how their favorite game world is being remolded. Tasos Flambouras came forth today with word that not only is the project still powering forward, but the development team is growing as new hires are brought on to assist in the efforts.

Flambouras uses the post as a progress report and To Do list all in one. Perhaps the most exciting teases that he mentions are new methods of progression in the game. "These are significant and exciting changes to the way the game is played because they add more purpose to player freedom," he writes.

Currently the art team is adding and revamping many of the game's objects and animations, while the world builders are hammering away at Mahirim. As part of Darkfall 2.0, introductory dungeons will be integrated into the game to help newbies get a foothold in the cutthroat MMO.

The team is also experimenting with "alternatives" to player respawn time after deaths, as well as a brand-new market system and improved trading experience.

MassivelyAventurine 'sprinting' toward Darkfall 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0adventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0dev-blogdev-diarydev-postmarketmarket-systempreviewprogression-pathsrespawnrevamptasosTasos-FlambourastradingFri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aventurine shows off Darkfall 2.0 visual test video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/aventurine-shows-off-darkfall-2-0-visual-test-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/aventurine-shows-off-darkfall-2-0-visual-test-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/aventurine-shows-off-darkfall-2-0-visual-test-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Darkfall - 2.0 test and water effects
Well, it seems as if Darkfall hasn't fallen off the face of the earth even though Aventurine's game updates have been pretty sporadic of late.

As of today there's a new video on the official site that gives us an early glimpse of Agon 2.0. It's worth mentioning that Aventurine has been slaving away on a completely retooled Darkfall client for months now, and even though today's clip clocks in at a relatively paltry 47 seconds, it's good to see some of the fruits of that labor.

Hop past the cut for a look at new water effects, dynamic lighting, a human NPC city, and a new dungeon. Aventurine's Tasos Flambouras also notes that the team plans to issue a development update sometime next week.

Continue reading Aventurine shows off Darkfall 2.0 visual test video

MassivelyAventurine shows off Darkfall 2.0 visual test video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0dungeonsfantasynew-citypatchessandboxstatus-updatetasos-flambourasvideowater-effectsFri, 16 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall devblog addresses Darkfall 2.0 progress, lack of communication]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/darkfall-devblog-addresses-darkfall-2-0-progress-lack-of-commun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/darkfall-devblog-addresses-darkfall-2-0-progress-lack-of-commun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/darkfall-devblog-addresses-darkfall-2-0-progress-lack-of-commun/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Darkfall
Darkfall fans, rejoice! More news about Darkfall 2.0 is upon us. Tasos Flambouras stopped by the game's blog today to mention that the team does "notice the anxiety on the forums concerning development progress, timing of Darkfall's re-launch, speculation about a wipe between Darkfall and the re-launch, and our spotty communication as of late." He then set out to make amends for these transgressions by giving fans an update on Darkfall 2.0's development progress. Flambouras noted that "the remaining work is broken down... and supported with a clear timeframe... so at this point we know exactly when we're done with the development." More details on Darkfall 2.0 will be revealed in upcoming updates.

But Darkfall 2.0 isn't the only thing on the Aventurine head-honcho's agenda. He also takes some time to talk about whether or not there will be a full wipe when 2.0 launches (the team hasn't decided yet), business deals (the studio is in "final stages of cooperation with several partners"), and the studio's lack of communication (the studio says it's sorry and promises to do better). For the full, unabridged dev blog update, just head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyDarkfall devblog addresses Darkfall 2.0 progress, lack of communication originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebusinesscommunicationdarkfalldarkfall-2.0dev-blogdev-diarymiscommunicationrelaunchsandboxtasos-flambouraswipeFri, 02 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall update talks sieges, again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/darkfall-update-talks-sieges-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/darkfall-update-talks-sieges-again/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/09/darkfall-update-talks-sieges-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Darkfall - Khamset mobs
Darkfall's much-hyped new siege system may actually see the light of day next week according to the latest Aventurine dev blog. We say much-hyped here in terms of the number of times it's been mentioned in one of Darkfall's traditional Friday updates. Players and fans of the FFA PvP sandbox are no doubt more interested in when Darkfall 2.0 is coming out as well as who these mysterious partners are that producer Tasos Flambouras occasionally hints at in the weekly news blurbs.

Alas, this week's announcement steers clear of reveals and instead offers a few more specifics on the new siege mechanics as well as a new concept art sketch of the revamped Khamset monster family. Finally, there's a short lore blurb to go along with a ton of unanswered questions.

MassivelyDarkfall update talks sieges, again originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-onlinefantasyffalorepvpsandboxsiegesiege-mechanicssiege-revampsiege-systemtasostasos-flambourasFri, 09 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall blog update teases new dungeon video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/darkfall-blog-update-teases-new-dungeon-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/darkfall-blog-update-teases-new-dungeon-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/05/darkfall-blog-update-teases-new-dungeon-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Darkfall - Niflheim yeti dungeon
Another Darkfall update, another letdown in terms of a release window for Darkfall 2.0. Aventurine updated its blog over the weekend and acknowledged fan anticipation for the sweeping revamp, but remained coy on the timeframe. "We're in a better position to estimate but we haven't concluded our discussions with our partners yet," wrote producer Tasos Flambouras.

If the new video that accompanies the blog update is any indication, we're a ways off from release since the clip is described as an "alpha version." What's in the video? It's basically a quick look at the new Niflheim dungeon, and there are a lot of yetis running around as well as a lot of bloodspray courtesy of the newly implemented splatter system. You can also see a few of the dynamic elements that make the dungeon more challenging than its old-world Darkfall predecessor, and there's even a paragraph related to the lore behind the lair. Check out the clip after the cut and head to the official Darkfall website for more.

Continue reading Darkfall blog update teases new dungeon video

MassivelyDarkfall blog update teases new dungeon video originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurineblogdarkfalldarkfall-2.0dev-blogdev-diarydungeonsfantasyniflheimniflheim-dungeonsandboxtasostasos-flambourastenderizerpassvideoMon, 05 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall blog talks crafting update, forthcoming relaunch timeline]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/darkfall-blog-talks-crafting-update-forthcoming-relaunch-timeli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/darkfall-blog-talks-crafting-update-forthcoming-relaunch-timeli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/darkfall-blog-talks-crafting-update-forthcoming-relaunch-timeli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Darkfall - crafted axe designs
There may be a little light at the end of the Darkfall 2.0 tunnel if the latest Aventurine blog update is any indication. The entry bills itself as a crafting system update, but it spends the first paragraph or so giving fans an update on the revamped siege system (which is now scheduled to be done in about a week). After that, producer Tasos Flambouras says, "We'll go into more detail about more relaunch features and the production schedule."

So anyway, crafting.

In a nutshell, the new Darkfall tradeskilling system places greater importance on rare ore, unique item appearance, more customization options, and "more opportunities to excel as a crafter." The new system will offer mastery skills as well as a choice between six distinctive base designs for each weapon type. You can read all about it at the game's official website, linked below.

MassivelyDarkfall blog talks crafting update, forthcoming relaunch timeline originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebase-designscraftingcrafting-revampecrafting-updatedarkfalldarkfall-2.0fantasymastery-skillsrare-oresandboxsiegesiege-systemsiegestasostasos-flambourastradeskillingtradeskillsMon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Darkfall video shows off bone armor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/new-darkfall-video-shows-off-bone-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/new-darkfall-video-shows-off-bone-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/new-darkfall-video-shows-off-bone-armor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Darkfall - bonescale armor
Aventurine missed its usual Friday update last week, and we can only hope it's because the devs were too busy working on Darkfall 2.0 to bother with blogging. The latest Darkfall media sneak peek is out today instead, and it features a brief look at more of the new armor fans are looking forward to in a future patch.

The armor is called bonescale, and before the clip is over, viewers will also get a glimpse of a new nasty called the necroguardian. Long-time Darkfall players may recognize the creature as an offshoot of the old obsidian golem, albeit with a bit more attitude this time around. As far as the armor goes, the blog entry also says that it will be a high-end medium set that will require special components to craft.

So when can we expect to see the bonescale, the necroguardian, and the rest of Darkfall 2.0? That's still up in the air, as Aventurine makes no mention of a release date for its massive game overhaul.

Continue reading New Darkfall video shows off bone armor

MassivelyNew Darkfall video shows off bone armor originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armoraventurinebonescalebonescale-armordarkfalldarkfall-2.0fantasygolemnecroguardianpatchpatchestrailerupdatevideoWed, 24 Aug 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aventurine reveals a few Darkfall 2.0 changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/aventurine-reveals-a-few-darkfall-2-0-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/aventurine-reveals-a-few-darkfall-2-0-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/aventurine-reveals-a-few-darkfall-2-0-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Darkfall - dragon wallpaper
Aventurine has updated the Darkfall Epic Blog again, and this time there's a good bit of info regarding the upcoming 2.0 reboot. Producer Tasos Flambouras reiterates that 2.0 is "a new game created on top of the current game rather [than] simply an expansion." He also states that the devs don't want to get too specific and give everything away just yet. That said, this week's entry does provide a very interesting list of changes "that are already implemented."

First and foremost is the game's new skill set customization which is in turn tied to a new armor system. In a nutshell, your armor choice will affect your usable skills by rendering certain abilities ineffective and leading to highly specialized character roles (as opposed to the current game where every character can learn every skill, given enough grinding).

Skill and attribute gains have also been tweaked, and players who focus on skilling up a single role will excel at it in short order through "casual play." The catch, though, is the inability to have more than one specialization active at a time. Crafting has also been overhauled, and the world map has been "completely changed." There's more big news where that came from too, including UI tweaks, alignment tweaks, incapacitation, dungeon and magic school redesigns, and new combat mechanics like momentum and crosshair wobble. Read all about it at the official Darkfall website.

MassivelyAventurine reveals a few Darkfall 2.0 changes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonarmor-systemaventurinecan-we-have-a-date-pleasecombat-mechanicscrafting-overhaulcrafting-revampcrosshair-wobbledarkfalldarkfall-2.0fantasygame-mechanicsmomentumsandboxskill-basedskill-systemspecializationstasostasos-flambouraswobbleworld-revampSun, 14 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Darkfall video shows off redesigned Sandbrook]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/new-darkfall-video-shows-off-redesigned-sandbrook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/new-darkfall-video-shows-off-redesigned-sandbrook/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/new-darkfall-video-shows-off-redesigned-sandbrook/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's time for Aventurine's weekly Darkfall update, and today's blurb contains a few interesting nuggets about the town of Sandbrook. Apparently, the hamlet is undergoing a substantial facelift for Darkfall 2.0, and while it will remain a human village and hold on to its geographical location, players will find that it looks and plays quite differently.

Aventurine producer Tasos Flambouras tells us that "the city has been completely optimized and everything is conveniently located where players can find it easily." He also mentions that Sandbrook is no longer a starter town but is instead a human factional city.

Sandbrook is a picturesque location despite the proximity of a nasty goblin tribe, and the town is home to a small band of humans who settled on the banks of a river in the shadow of some enormous Nithron ruins. Head past the cut for a brief look at the new and improved Sandbrook courtesy of Aventurine's latest Darkfall video.

Continue reading New Darkfall video shows off redesigned Sandbrook

MassivelyNew Darkfall video shows off redesigned Sandbrook originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-epic-blogfaction-cityfactionsfantasynithronnithron-giantsnithron-ruinssandboxsandbrooktasostasos-flambourastown-revampvideoFri, 05 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall dev update beats around the free-to-play bush]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/darkfall-dev-update-beats-around-the-free-to-play-bush/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/darkfall-dev-update-beats-around-the-free-to-play-bush/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/darkfall-dev-update-beats-around-the-free-to-play-bush/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's Friday and that usually means an update of some sort from the folks at Aventurine. True to form, Tasos Flambouras has checked in with his weekly Darkfall blog post. This time around we're treated to a round of Q&A with a couple of Aventurine devs, and reader-submitted questions are the order of the day.

The discussion meanders from Darkfall 2.0's crafting changes, which are described as "a complete overhaul," to mechanical concerns like AoE melee damage as well as surges and fizzles.

Flambouras also drops an interesting comment regarding Darkfall free-to-play rumors. "We also read around the internet about Darkfall going free-to-play. Rumor has it that if you start a sentence with 'rumor has it' you can say pretty much anything you want. Not true," he writes. Whether the "not true" was a reference to Darkfall's alleged F2P conversion or a reference to the latter portion of the sentence isn't completely clear, and we'll be interested to hear a definitive answer as it relates to business models.

MassivelyDarkfall dev update beats around the free-to-play bush originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebusiness-modelscraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-revampdev-blogdev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playrevampsalvagingsandboxtasostasos-flambourasFri, 15 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aventurine talks Darkfall 2.0, character wipes, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/aventurine-talks-darkfall-2-0-character-wipes-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/aventurine-talks-darkfall-2-0-character-wipes-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/08/aventurine-talks-darkfall-2-0-character-wipes-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last week we told you about an Aventurine blog entry that touted Darkfall's forthcoming update as a "new game." This week, producer Tasos Flambouras sheds a wee bit more light on the Darkfall 2.0 situation, but readers of his latest blog post will likely be left with more questions than answers.

To summarize, the new game is not a sequel but rather an iteration on all the lessons learned after two-plus years of operating and updating Darkfall. Aventurine now boasts a much larger dev team than the one that shipped the original game in 2009, and "no aspect of the game has been left untouched" when it comes to the revamp and relaunch.

Speaking of relaunches, Flambouras addresses the seemingly odd decision to incorporate Darkfall 2.0's extensive siege mechanic changes into the current game. As it turns out, Aventurine is planning some sort of epic end-of-1.0 event before transitioning to the new game, and sieges will play a part in the action. Finally, those of you who have already purchased Darkfall will not be charged again for the 2.0 client.

What about character transfers and/or wipes? That's a bit murkier, and though Flambouras says "it would not be necessary to wipe" in the new version, he also says that the topic is still under discussion. Head to the Darkfall Epic Blog to read this week's activity report.

MassivelyAventurine talks Darkfall 2.0, character wipes, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinecharacter-wipedarkfalldarkfall-2darkfall-2.0darkfall-character-wipedarkfall-relaunchdarkfall-revampdev-diaryfantasysandboxsiegesiege-mechanicssiegestasostasos-flambourasFri, 08 Jul 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall activity report highlights game-changing revamps, recent patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/darkfall-activity-report-highlights-game-changing-revamps-recen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/darkfall-activity-report-highlights-game-changing-revamps-recen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/darkfall-activity-report-highlights-game-changing-revamps-recen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The March 31st patch was a big step for Darkfall, with everything from skill gain rates to the meditation system to the alignment and crafting systems on the receiving end of some developer love. Aventurine is just warming up, though, and the latest activity report illustrates what's next for sandbox PvP fans all over the world.

Work continues on racial area revamps; the Mirdain and Alfar sections of Agon are nearly complete. Aventurine's Tasos Flambouras also hints at some exciting PvE updates, including trap doors and various gameplay physics tweaks designed to delight Agonian dungeoneers. There's also a good bit of info on NPC and monster AI revamps and re-population, new player character and armor models, and a mention of new sound, lighting, and GUI systems, all of which are building toward the game-changing revamp that Aventurine has mentioned previously. Check out all the details on the Darkfall epic blog.

MassivelyDarkfall activity report highlights game-changing revamps, recent patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aialfaraventurinedarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-epic-blogdarkfall-relaunchdev-blogdev-diaryfantasymirdainmobsnpcpatchespvepvpre-populationrelaunchrevampsandboxtasostasos-flambourasupdatesMon, 04 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST