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[Heroes to test Champions Online free-to-play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/heroes-to-test-champions-online-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/heroes-to-test-champions-online-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/heroes-to-test-champions-online-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Defender, the greatest hero of all time in Champions Online, has begun choosing a select group of players to test out the new free-to-play version of Cryptic's superhero MMO. Would you like to get in on the action saving Millennium City from Doctor Destroyer while helping the developers mold the F2P experience? Well, don't worry: If you are already a subscriber to CO, then you are in the pool of potential participants. Be sure to periodically peruse your inbox for an invite. Beta testing is set to begin tomorrow, November 9th.

For those who have not heard the news from last week, Champions Online has joined the growing number of MMOs that are going free-to-play. Cryptic has announced a new payment model as well as a new structure for skill building. The developers assure us you will be able to play the game to max-level as well as encounter your nemesis without paying a dime. For full details about what the "Play Your Way" model has to offer, be sure to check out the Champions official site.

F2P Champions is set to launch at the beginning of next year. The next free champion is you!

MassivelyHeroes to test Champions Online free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ataribetabeta-testbeta-testingchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdefenderdoctor-destroyerf2pf2p-2011free-to-playsuperherosuperheroesMon, 08 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online introduces new villain: Gigaton]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/champions-online-introduces-new-villain-gigaton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/champions-online-introduces-new-villain-gigaton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/13/champions-online-introduces-new-villain-gigaton/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While the term 'unlikely hero' is pretty familiar to most, it's not often we think of unlikely villains. But this is the case with the latest 'big bad' that Cryptic Studios has revealed for Champions Online -- "Gigaton". His story begins as Tim Colton, a perfect and loyal soldier and thus an equally perfect candidate for Project Sunburst, ostensibly a military war game involving nuclear strike scenarios. It was more than theoretical, however, and Colton became the military's unwitting guinea pig in actual nuclear tests. While most other test subjects died as a result of the tests, Colton developed superhuman abilities after being bombarded with radiation. Although he remained in perfect physical condition, requiring neither food nor water, he was inexplicably comatose.

Despite the slight drawback of being perpetually unconscious, Colton's bio-nuclear powers were off the chart. This came to the attention of a major villain in the Champions Online setting, Doctor Destroyer, who had Colton 'liberated' from the army's facilities. Colton was revived and given a new purpose in life by his villainous benefactor, to join forces with Doctor Destroyer's organization, the only real option open to Colton after being betrayed by the army. From that point on, Colton became Gigaton, and is thus the latest villain announced in the Champions Online lineup. Cryptic has put together a villain profile for Gigaton outlining the character's past, and of course his superhuman abilities.

MassivelyChampions Online introduces new villain: Gigaton originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecryptic-studiosdoctor-destroyerdr-destroyergigatonloresuper-herovillainvillainsSat, 13 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Hands-on: The first five levels of Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-the-first-five-levels-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-the-first-five-levels-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-the-first-five-levels-of-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This last weekend, press had the opportunity to spend my time within the Champions Online beta. After playing more than I would safely recommend, I bring you my personal takeaway in an effort to get out as much crunchy information goodness on the upcoming MMO as possible.

It opens with a downwards view of Millennium City under siege by a fleet of alien ships. As the camera pans down towards the ground, you overhear two chattering voices of men on a radio discussing their dire situation. Alien invaders known as the Qularr are besieging the city by putting up force fields that are sectioning off much of the city.

With the cities' Champions are seemingly nowhere to be found, it's up to you and any other recently created newbies to help save the day -- and save it you will.

Continue reading Massively Hands-on: The first five levels of Champions Online

MassivelyMassively Hands-on: The first five levels of Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetachampionschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticcryptic-studiosdoctor-destroyereaelectronic-artsfeaturedmillennium-citymythicncsoftparagon-studiostutorialwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[This Champions Online trailer is your nemesis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/26/this-champions-online-trailer-is-your-nemesis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/26/this-champions-online-trailer-is-your-nemesis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/26/this-champions-online-trailer-is-your-nemesis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The latest Champions Online trailer is up on Gamespot and delivers quite a bit of action with plenty of focus on the game's Nemesis system. We also get a look at various powers and the in-game visage of Defender and Doctor Destoryer complete with heroic and villainous voice work. It's all very dramatic and exciting.

Moreover, this newest video also shows of the recently seen-in-screens only Ice Slide travel power. We're really starting to have a tough time deciding which powers will fill our repertoire and none of them have even been -- officially, at least -- revealed yet!

Oh well, it's not like we know a release date to start counting down to yet- oh that's right we do have that. Hmm, seems like everything is in place for our (ahem) hero worship phase to begin. You can find the entire video after the break.

Continue reading This Champions Online trailer is your nemesis

MassivelyThis Champions Online trailer is your nemesis originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdefenderdoctor-destroyernemesistrailervideoSun, 26 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/official-champions-devblog-design-director-bill-roper-on-stor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/official-champions-devblog-design-director-bill-roper-on-stor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/official-champions-devblog-design-director-bill-roper-on-stor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hello and welcome to issue number two of the Massively.com hosted official Champions Online developer blog! If you happened to miss the first one featuring Jack Emmert, you can find it right here. Remember, we should be seeing a developer post about twice a month between now and launch day. So if you're interested in following the insights straight from the team make sure to follow our very own Champions Developer blogger, who will be doing the honors of posting your bi-weekly dose of DevBlog goodness.

Today Bill Roper lays down some details on how Cryptic Studios is enabling a deeper sense of story in Champions Online. It's all pretty interesting stuff, and you can check it out after the cut!

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

Continue reading Official Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling

MassivelyOfficial Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argentataribill-roperchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosdev-blogdoctor-destroyerfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmechanonmillennium-citynemesispsitakofanesteleiosviperWed, 04 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Emmert discusses the Champions IP in fresh new video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/video-jack-emmert-discusses-the-champions-ip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/video-jack-emmert-discusses-the-champions-ip/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/video-jack-emmert-discusses-the-champions-ip/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


During a recent media event at Cryptic Studios, Jack Emmert gave a presentation on what the Champions IP was all about, including the history of the Champions universe and its super-powered beings. He also took some time to answer a few questions, and delineated how the Champions Online MMO will distinguish itself from City of Heroes.

Although the video misses a few minutes of the beginning of the presentation, it does cover the major figures such as Defender, Doctor Destroyer, and Foxbat (pictured above); the various organizations the world harbors; and the Nemesis system. There's a lot of great content in Emmert's words, and if you're like us, it all just makes you hungry for more. The full 14:50 video is all yours after the break!

Continue reading Jack Emmert discusses the Champions IP in fresh new video

MassivelyJack Emmert discusses the Champions IP in fresh new video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingchampions-ipchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosdefenderdoctor-destroyerfeaturedfoxbatjack-emmertjoystiqfeaturesnemesispresentationvideoFri, 11 Jul 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New artwork from Champions Online reveals character origins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-artwork-from-champions-online-reveals-character-origins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-artwork-from-champions-online-reveals-character-origins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/11/new-artwork-from-champions-online-reveals-character-origins/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Cryptic Studios continues to reveal more of the world of Champions Online and tease us all with intriguing story elements for its more prominent superbeings. Included in this new series of images are comic book-style, wordless origin stories of Defender, Doctor Destroyer, Ironclad, Justiciar, and Menton.

The sheer amount of information Cryptic is willing to share with its fans is heartening, especially since it's likely that we won't even see the launch until next year. Expect more content to come, including video of Jack Emmert discussing the Champions IP and how it differs from City of Heroes.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

MassivelyNew artwork from Champions Online reveals character origins originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artworkbreakingchampions-onlinecity-of-heroescryptic-studiosdefenderdoctor-destroyerfeaturedironcladjack-emmertjoystiqfeaturesjusticiarmentonoriginsscreenshotsFri, 11 Jul 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out the Champions Online stars in comic form]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/check-out-the-champions-online-stars-in-comic-form/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/check-out-the-champions-online-stars-in-comic-form/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/check-out-the-champions-online-stars-in-comic-form/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Some brand new and very awesome concept art is being shown at the Champions Online website. This is a bit different from some of the previous stuff though: you get to see the heroes and villains of CO in the way that heroes and villains are meant to be seen -- in comic form.

The characters on show are the heroes Defender and Ironclad, and villains Doctor Destroyer and Menton, and the frames of the comics depict their origins. A forum thread has been provided for any feedback on the artwork, and so far it is overwhelmingly positive. The character causing the most divided opinions is Menton, whose exposed and enlarged brain seems to leave people on both sides of the fence. For the record, we think you look fine Menton -- now please don't mess with our free will.

MassivelyCheck out the Champions Online stars in comic form originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artworkchampions-onlinecocomiccomic-bookcomicsconcept-artdefenderdoctor-destroyerironcladmentonWed, 14 May 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's newest villain is Menton]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/champions-onlines-newest-villain-is-menton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/champions-onlines-newest-villain-is-menton/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/champions-onlines-newest-villain-is-menton/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A brand new villain has been revealed on the Champions Online website. His name is Menton and he's the most powerful human psionic alive. He harbors a massive contempt for humanity and considers everyone else -- even the supremely powerful Doctor Destroyer -- to be stupid in comparison. There's a lot of very good back-story to read concerning Menton at the official site. It's a real treat for anyone who enjoys some good comic book-style stories, so check it out.

This is some early proof that Cryptic made a good choice going with the Champions world for their next MMO. Granted, we say early because until we get a taste of John Layman's writing of these characters we won't really know how compelling they are in-game. Still, Menton looks and sounds pretty cool so far and that's a strong start.

MassivelyChampions Online's newest villain is Menton originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdoctor-destroyerjohn-laymanlorementonvillainvillainsTue, 08 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Champions Online wallpapers appear]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/first-champions-online-wallpapers-appear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/first-champions-online-wallpapers-appear/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/01/first-champions-online-wallpapers-appear/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're looking to spruce up your old wallpaper with some of the nifty Champions Online artwork then head on over to Cryptic's official website for the game. The two new -- as well as first -- official wallpapers feature the Defender and Doctor Destroyer and coming in a variety of resolutions. The only downside is that there are no resolutions offered for those using a wide screen monitor. We understand that wide screen is in the minority, but we like to be loved to you know Cryptic -- especially on a cold April morning like this one.

All right enough of that, we'll just remain hopeful that in the future our wide screen needs won't be forgotten.

MassivelyFirst Champions Online wallpapers appear originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecocrypticdefenderdoctor-destroyerwallpaperTue, 01 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST