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[Turbine makes 'biggest announcement since free-to-play' for Dungeons and Dragons Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/turbine-makes-biggest-announcement-since-free-to-play-for-dung/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/turbine-makes-biggest-announcement-since-free-to-play-for-dung/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/turbine-makes-biggest-announcement-since-free-to-play-for-dung/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lolth
The Dungeons and Dragons Online developers have been enjoying the game's success, and things are running smoothly, but fans know that doesn't mean the team's been kicking back and relaxing. We've had content updates regularly, and not just little token patches but rather new adventure packs, new races and classes, the addition of crafting, and much more.

Have you enjoyed the past year or so in DDO? Well, hang on to your hats because we spent some time chatting with Eric Boyer and Fernando Paiz and... well, those updates aren't the only thing the developers have been working on.

Click past the break to see what's about to take DDO by storm.

Continue reading Turbine makes 'biggest announcement since free-to-play' for Dungeons and Dragons Online

MassivelyTurbine makes 'biggest announcement since free-to-play' for Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d-n-d-onlineddodruiddruid-classdruidsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeric-boyerexpansionf2pfeaturedfernando-paizforgotten-realmsfree-to-playlevel-caplevel-cap-increasemenace-of-the-underdarkturbineunderdarkThu, 19 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Because we are true geeks, last weekend my wife and I went to see X-Men: First Class. Afterward, we got into a discussion about what mutant power we'd pick for ourselves if we had the choice. I was torn between teleportation and quick healing, while my wife wanted to be able to turn into cash to pay off our mortgage. I think one of us is more grounded in the real world than the other.

But the more I think about it, the more I was intrigued with the idea of a shapeshifter. To be anyone would give you unparalleled freedom -- and plenty of chances to get into mischief, too. Come to think of it, it's probably best I'm not granted that particular superpower.

However, plenty of MMOs do give players the chance to shift between their normal forms and something else entirely. While there are far more than 10 examples that the brain trust over here came up with, I'm going to pick out my favorites to highlight.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureraliensanarchy-onlineaoarchetypechronicles-of-spellborncity-of-heroescohcount-choculadervishdruiddruidsdwarfeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifacehuggerfeaturedfurygrim-reaperguild-warsgwkheldiankheldiansleetlichlich-formmoonkinmorphmorphsmysticnecromancerperfect-10perfect-tenpolymorphriftrift-planes-of-telarashapeshiftshapeshiftersshapeshiftingteam-edwardteam-jacobthe-chronicles-of-spellbornthe-countultima-onlineuovampirevampire-formwardenworgenworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: One of these things is not like the other]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/one-shots-one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/one-shots-one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/one-shots-one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sure, we knew the world was going to get shaken up when the pre-patch for Cataclysm came out. Fire in the skies, the remaking of the world, we get it. But some of the race and class combination changes are still a bit strange to see, such as the pairing in today's World of Warcraft One Shots. This image comes to us from Diurd, who snapped this picture of brotherly love just after the new patch. He writes in to explain: "It was officially one day since Azeroth changed. This is my character Diurd, a Troll Druid. There are a ton of new Troll Druids on Blood Furnance now. I was AFK for a few minutes and when I came back I saw a fellow Tauren Druid, same level, sitting right next to me. Figured I should take a picture of this 'adorable' moment. Nice to know that despite being different races, there is still love amongst one another."

Have you found some interesting changes in your favorite game? Whether new or old, we're always on the hunt for great MMO screenshots and tales. Just send yours in to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit for sending it in to us!

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

MassivelyOne Shots: One of these things is not like the other originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcataclysmDiurddruidsone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 02 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you stick to the same class?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/the-daily-grind-do-you-stick-to-the-same-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/the-daily-grind-do-you-stick-to-the-same-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/19/the-daily-grind-do-you-stick-to-the-same-class/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all the choice in MMOs in terms of who and what you can do, it seems like some of us are inexplicably drawn to the same classes over and over. For example, our own Features Editor, Dan O'Halloran, absolutely loves Druids. When he found out that there were going to be Druids in Runes of Magic, he offered to write the Druid class overview for them himself. My particular guilty pleasure is Rogues. Even though Fallen Earth has a classless system, I'm still running around with a couple of shivs and a length of pipe - enjoying that up-close stabby-stabby (and wishing for stealth options). Others we know are almost always Hunters, still others love to play Priests.

With all that said, this morning we thought we'd ask you - is there a particular class archetype you find yourself gravitating towards? Do you prefer to tank up front, with a huge sword and shield? Is your particular passion the ability to hurl magical damage at your opponents? Can you not resist playing any pet classes available? Do you have an archetype you like to play? Or do you just jump in and look for whatever suits you best in each particular game?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you stick to the same class? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdruidsmagic-userspriestsroguestankstdgthe-daily-grindSat, 19 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runes of Magic celebrates Chapter II release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/runes-of-magic-celebrates-chapter-ii-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/runes-of-magic-celebrates-chapter-ii-release/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/runes-of-magic-celebrates-chapter-ii-release/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The Runes of Magic community has been waiting a long time, and now, Chapter II: The Elven Prophecy has arrived! With new raids for the community to enjoy; new elven characters; new Druid and Warden classes; and a few different contests to participate in, you'd think that Frogster Interactive and Runewaker Entertainment would have more than enough to celebrate!

Well, it turns out that not only have they managed to release a huge new chunk of content extremely smoothly, they've also managed to attract 1.9 million players to their game since the initial launch a scant six months ago. With the continual focus on improvements, the gifts to the player-base in the form of the occasional diamonds, armor sets, and the like, we're not too surprised. Runes of Magic is a F2P that seems determined to make their mark. With an expansion, almost 2 million players, and a bunch of free fun for their player-base, we're curious to see how the next 6 months go for them. In the meantime, we'll be in Taborea, leveling our Druids and Wardens.

Gallery: Runes of Magic: The Elven Prophecy

Gallery: Runes of Magic: The Weeping Coast

New InstanceBloodfangButterfly wings and Icarii

MassivelyRunes of Magic celebrates Chapter II release originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chapter-2chapter-iicontestdruidselvesexpansionf2pfree-to-playfrogster-interactivenewromrunes-of-magicrunewaker-entertainmentthe-elven-prophecywardensWed, 16 Sep 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Runes of Magic introduces Druids and Wardens in The Elven Prophecy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/runes-of-magic-introduces-druids-and-wardens-in-the-elven-prophe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/runes-of-magic-introduces-druids-and-wardens-in-the-elven-prophe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/runes-of-magic-introduces-druids-and-wardens-in-the-elven-prophe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


We've told you all about the next patch -- entitled The Elven Prophecy -- for Runes of Magic and, in advance of the launch in September, Frogster have introduced two new Elven classes: the Druid and the Warden. Both classes are rooted deeply in nature, with their abilities tied to the world itself and each have their place within the world and lore of Runes of Magic.

Essentially Elven priests, Druids have similar abilities to a mage and are able to channel the gifts of nature in battle or to heal their allies. Wardens meanwhile, are the peacekeepers of Elven society and the land who exist in an almost symbiotic state with the flora of the Elves' homeland. In times of war, they are skilled at close combat. Frogster have updated The Elven Prophecy site with some suitably Elven artwork and information on both classes. You can also take a peek at our gallery to see what the new patch is going to look like.

Gallery: Runes of Magic: The Elven Prophecy

MassivelyRunes of Magic introduces Druids and Wardens in The Elven Prophecy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>druidselvesfrogsterfrogster-interactivepatchrunes-of-magicrunes-of-magic-the-elven-prophecythe-elven-prophecywardensTue, 07 Jul 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Highlights from the SOE Fan Faire 2009 community address]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/highlights-from-the-soe-fan-faire-2009-community-address/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/highlights-from-the-soe-fan-faire-2009-community-address/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/27/highlights-from-the-soe-fan-faire-2009-community-address/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Sony Online Entertainment Fan Faire 2009 is happening in Las Vegas, and of course they've had a number of things to unveil so far. SOE president John Smedley gave his community address last evening, and other speakers made an appearance as well. We've got a few highlights from SOE Fan Faire 2009 for you:

Station Cash

Smedley jumped right in by talking about the state of the SOE game lineup and some of the new directions they've explored with them in this past year. One of those new directions has been the introduction of Station Cash, and he talked about the growing adoption of Station Cash among SOE game subscribers in EverQuest and EverQuest II, as well as how it will soon be tied into new services and customization options. He announced a partnership with Hewlett-Packard which will allow players to purchase matte print images of art from the games using Station Cash. You'll be able to have your own character rendered in a high-quality art print, or even have your entire guild depicted and sent to you as a hardcopy art book.

EverQuest: Underfoot and EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate

On the topic of EverQuest, remember that mention we had of SOE trademarking new EQ properties? It turns out these are the new expansions: EverQuest: Underfoot and EverQuest II: Sentinel's Fate. Smedley kicked off the EQ announcements by reflecting back on 10 years of EverQuest and looking to where the IP is headed in the future. EverQuest II producer Alan "Brenlo" Crosby discussed the game's sixth expansion, Sentinel's Fate, where players will travel to the land of Odus and see what's happened there since The Shattering.

He dropped a few details about this next expansion, slated for a February 2010 launch, and the updates they plan to release between now and Sentinel's Fate. These updates will include the ability to downtier characters, allowing you to go back and replay older content, plus achievements are coming to EverQuest II. In addition, the EQ II level cap will increase by ten levels.

SOE hasn't forgotten about their long-term fans either, those who have stuck with the original EverQuest through the years. EverQuest producer Thomas Terrazas announced the sixteenth EQ expansion, Underfoot, which will launch in November 2009. Underfoot will feature 12-15 zones at launch, with bonus zones and additional content to release in April of 2010. Underfoot will have twice as many weapons as any of the previous 15 expansions, a new focus targeting window (allowing you to add specific targets to your list, monitor health of friends and foes), and achievement tracking that will help players remain aware of the objectives to be completed in their progression path. "In other words," Terrazas said, "you won't have to go looking online on somebody else's website so see what you need. It'll be in-game."

Fan Faire 2009 attendees will get both expansions for free.

Continue reading Highlights from the SOE Fan Faire 2009 community address

MassivelyHighlights from the SOE Fan Faire 2009 community address originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-crosbybig-bang-entertainmentbreakingbrenlochris-fielddeath-troopersderby-racerdruiddruidseverquesteverquest-2everquest-2-sentinels-fateeverquest-underfootfan-faire-2009free-realmshewlett-packardhpjohn-smedleykart-racerken-georgelaralyn-mcwilliamssentinels-fatesoesoe-fan-fairesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstation-cashswgthomas-terazzastoppsunderfootuser-generated-contentSat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Tauren druid kitty forms revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/new-tauren-druid-kitty-forms-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/new-tauren-druid-kitty-forms-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/new-tauren-druid-kitty-forms-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We mentioned last week that new bear forms for Tauren and Night Elf druids were rocking the World of Warcraft. Well now Blizzard have revealed the new Tauren kitty forms with the updated Night Elf forms following later in the week. The somewhat naff and ugly lionesque melee form finally gets a makeover, becoming more realistic and doubtless millions of Tauren druids are crapping their pants right now

Our sister site WoW.com have been discussing the new forms and the consensus seems to be positive but, lets be honest, anything is better than the old cat form. At least these new skins look realistic, even if the horns remain seriously pointy. Remember these forms will hit in the upcoming patch 3.2 (also known as Call of the Crusade) and you'll be able to switch skin tones by visiting your friendly barber in any one of the capital cities. We'll bring you more on the Night Elf forms as soon as they are revealed.

MassivelyNew Tauren druid kitty forms revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-the-crusadedruiddruidstauren-cat-formtauren-druidwow-patch-3.2Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Updated druid forms coming with next WoW patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/new-druid-forms-coming-with-next-wow-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/new-druid-forms-coming-with-next-wow-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/new-druid-forms-coming-with-next-wow-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Druids all over the planet (including my night elf Serisa and WoW.com's Allison Robert) are currently squeeing with delight. Blizzard have just announced that the long awaited, much talked about druid forms will be dropping with the next major content patch 3.2 (aka Call of the Crusade). Blue Zahrym made the announcement a short time ago on the forums and Blizzard also updated their development pages, revealing the first look at the six choices tauren will have for their bears. A peek are the night elf forms is incoming 'soon' and Druids will also be able to get new cat forms as well.

The development page also explains how the new forms will work: "In our next major content patch, druids will find a host of new textures for two major forms, cat and bear. There will be five different designs for each of these forms for the Horde and Alliance. Night elves can choose to change their cat and bear look at any time by visiting the barber shop and changing their character's hair color, while tauren will be able to change which look they use by switching skin tones in the barber shop -- a new feature for tauren in the next major content patch. Given that there are more hair colors and skin tones than unique form looks, some colors and tones will overlap with these new textures. The hair and skin colors chosen will, in most cases, correspond with the color seen in the look of each form. Some similar colors that may share a particular cat texture will not necessarily share the same bear texture."

MassivelyUpdated druid forms coming with next WoW patch originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 May 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-the-crusadedruid-formdruid-formsdruidspatch-3.2world-of-warcraftwow-patch-3.2wow-patch-call-of-the-crusadewrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 26 May 2009 14:30:00 EST