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[A tale of Forgotten Realms: DDO's Update 18 and the Shadowfell Conspiracy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/a-tale-of-forgotten-realms-ddos-update-18-and-the-shadowfell-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/a-tale-of-forgotten-realms-ddos-update-18-and-the-shadowfell-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/a-tale-of-forgotten-realms-ddos-update-18-and-the-shadowfell-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A tale of Forgotten Realms DDO's Update 18 and the Shadowfell Conspiracy
Dungeons and Dragons Online's second expansion will not be like the first. In fact, Shadowfell Conspiracy might even be seen as a pseudo-sequel to DDO, a game-within-a-game that's offering players a fresh start in a favorite land. When the expansion hits on August 19th, players will be able to ignore all of DDO's Eberron content to start a new character at level 15 in the Forgotten Realms. Between the Forgotten Realms content that Turbine's added to the game in the past year and the new missions coming with Shadowfell Conspiracy, players could conceivably level solely in this setting.

It's obvious that Turbine's a little Forgotten-Realms-mad right now, although that's not a bad thing. The setting is a favorite among D&D fans, and while Eberron has its supporters, the studio obviously sees the Forgotten Realms as the future of this long-running MMO. While the expansion is still a couple of months away, today's Update 18: Disciples of Shadow update will serve as a prologue so that players can get started on their journey through this fresh land.

We sat down with DDO's team to talk about Update 18, the new races coming with Shadowfell Conspiracy, and the pre-purchase program that promises to give you head start. Read on, or else the wrath of the owl bear will be upon thee!

Continue reading A tale of Forgotten Realms: DDO's Update 18 and the Shadowfell Conspiracy

MassivelyA tale of Forgotten Realms: DDO's Update 18 and the Shadowfell Conspiracy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladeforgedclassclassescollectors-editionddodisciples-of-shadowdnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedforgotten-realmsfree-to-playpaladinpre-orderpre-purchaseraceracesrelease-dateshadar-kaishadow-of-a-doubtshadowfell-conspiracyturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-18warforgedWed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Turbine billing system has attained sentience (not really)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/the-turbine-billing-system-has-attained-sentience-not-really/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/the-turbine-billing-system-has-attained-sentience-not-really/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/the-turbine-billing-system-has-attained-sentience-not-really/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Turbine
We hope you've got a little extra money squirreled away in your bank account because the Turbine billing system is hungry. It seems that some players were charged a bit more than usual for their Dungeons and Dragons Online accounts this week, some of them as many as 100 times their normal VIP fee.

TurbineTolero took to the forums to clarify the issue:
This impacted a limited number of players after the maintenance work, and we have a list of the affected users. We're working with our partners to make sure that over charges are reversed. You do not need to contact us to receive help, but if you have any questions you are welcome to call or send a ticket (phone is 1-855-WBGAMES and tickets contact can be done via http://support.turbine.com).
Our sympathies extend to those affected more than passingly by the bug.

[Thanks to Marc for the tip!]

MassivelyThe Turbine billing system has attained sentience (not really) originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billingbugbugsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playtoleroturbineturbine-entertainmentturbine-tolerovipWed, 24 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Soggy beginnings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Soggy beginnings
Dungeons and Dragons Online newcomers and veterans alike are quite familiar with the waterlogged Sahuagin and all of their wacky antics. Basically think "level 1 mermaids from hell" and you're right with the rest of us. It's a good thing that the game doesn't have smell-o-vision because the tutorial would be reeking of a fishery, that's all I'm saying.

Reader Sharvis photographed his initial journey through the game and delivered this familiar image of an odd cellar. "Oh great, the Wavecrest Tavern's basement has flooded," he writes. "And who let the Sahuagin in? They're making everything look tacky again!"

We'll get the sump pump working while you check out the rest of today's player-submitted screenshots!

Continue reading One Shots: Soggy beginnings

MassivelyOne Shots: Soggy beginnings originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabiowarebring-back-one-shotsbrowserbrowser-basedcasualconquestddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryglitchhipsterlucasartsone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-onlineunlauncheninguouser-submissionsSun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter Days: The DDO connection]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/neverwinter-days-the-ddo-connection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/neverwinter-days-the-ddo-connection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/neverwinter-days-the-ddo-connection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Neverwinter Days The DDO connection
You know what's something I didn't think I'd be saying about Neverwinter prior to getting my hands on the beta? It shares way more in common with Dungeons & Dragons Online than I'd assumed.

Yeah yeah, they're both D&D games and MMOs, and there's bound to be similarities on a basic level. But what I'm talking about is more than that: an uncanny connection between the games and a deliberate design philosophy that both seem to share. As a player who's done a couple of tours of duty in DDO, I think I have enough experience to claim this.

Besides, everyone's already thinking about "the Dice Duel of 2013" as the papers are calling it. Two D&D MMOs will be facing off against each other, one with a new expansion and the other with a game launch, and both are gunning for the same piece of the pie. So let's deal with this situation now rather than later and look at why DDO and Neverwinter are more than kissing cousins.

Continue reading Neverwinter Days: The DDO connection

MassivelyNeverwinter Days: The DDO connection originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacrypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playneverwinterneverwinter-daysneverwinter-nightsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPGCplayer-generated-contentpwethe-foundryturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 20 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eberron and beyond: Seven years of Dungeons and Dragons Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/eberron-and-beyond-seven-years-of-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/eberron-and-beyond-seven-years-of-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/eberron-and-beyond-seven-years-of-dungeons-and-dragons-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eberron and beyond 7 years of DDO
Dungeons and Dragons Online has always been a strange creature in the realm of MMOs. Ever since its launch, it decided to veer off in its own direction instead of following the rest of the pack. It brought back complicated character creation, somehow worked the arcane rules of D&D into an MMO format, and put a huge emphasis on group instanced content instead of world exploration.

Then when Turbine turned DDO into an experimental platform for a successful free-to-play model, suddenly the rest of the industry was following DDO instead. Virtually overnight, a small-teetering-on-extinction MMO became a modest hit well into its lifespan.

As DDO celebrates its seventh anniversary and looks back on the past year, let's look at how this odd duck of a game continues to surprise and delight gamers. Join us as we consider the journey that bridged the gap from last February to this one -- and see if, just maybe, DDO is calling you to roll its dice once more.

Continue reading Eberron and beyond: Seven years of Dungeons and Dragons Online

MassivelyEberron and beyond: Seven years of Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7th-anniversaryanniversaryddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playmenace-of-the-underdarkseventh-anniversaryturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-15update-16update-17Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Quartet edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/choose-my-adventure-quartet-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/choose-my-adventure-quartet-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/choose-my-adventure-quartet-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reach out to the truth.
It's that time again, ladies and gentlemen. After three rounds of letting my fate be chosen by the whims of my readers, I have chosen to do the exact same thing all over again. I'm getting back in the big seat and running through Choose My Adventure with a new list of games, a new set of bonus polls, and a new set of whatever else people expect when I do these columns.

Plus, while the third installment usually has a lot of pressure, the fourth installment is rarely assumed to be anything special. So I feel as if I'm off the hook.

This time around, I'm putting in some old favorites, some candidates that are often voted for but never make the prime time, and some games that might just raise some eyebrows. So let's meet our contestants past the break, and get your votes in here by Friday, March 1st!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Quartet edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Quartet edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlineascensionastrum-nivalchoose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegala-netgameforgegameforge-berlingpotatohands-onlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesncsoftopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspwereaders-choiceromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotaboreatruly-freeturbineturbine-entertainmentvotevotingWed, 27 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine announces Shadowfell Conspiracy expansion for DDO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/turbine-announces-shadowfell-conspiracy-expansion-for-ddo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/turbine-announces-shadowfell-conspiracy-expansion-for-ddo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/turbine-announces-shadowfell-conspiracy-expansion-for-ddo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Turbine announces Shadowfell Conspiracy expansion for DDO
In a post wishing Dungeons & Dragons Online a happy anniversary, Senior Producer Erik Boyer did more than just reminisce on how far the game has come in the last seven years. He touched on a new enhancement system and incoming changes to astral diamond shards before slipping in the announcement of DDO's second expansion, which will launch this summer.

Named Shadowfall Conspiracy, the expansion turns attention back toward the Forgotten Realms and will feature new regions, new quests, and an increased level cap (28). Players will also have faster access to the Forgotten Realms thanks to a new prestige character feature called Iconic Heroes that gets you into the action starting at level 15. More information on this feature will be available in the coming months.

Boyer concludes his remarks with a hint about the true reincarnation system that will be focused on later in the year and a promise that "this year is going to be another great year for DDO -- with a big, cool new storyline, new D&D monster varieties, and powerful new character abilities."

MassivelyTurbine announces Shadowfell Conspiracy expansion for DDO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playIconic-Heroesnew-regionsShadowfell-Conspiracyturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 26 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: DDO vs. Neverwinter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/leaderboard-ddo-vs-neverwinter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/leaderboard-ddo-vs-neverwinter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/leaderboard-ddo-vs-neverwinter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online - Beholder
By now you've probably had a chance to sample the new Neverwinter MMO, and if not then you've surely availed yourself of all our excellent textual and video coverage during the ongoing beta. You probably also know that Neverwinter marks the second official Dungeons and Dragons-based MMO to grace our favorite genre, the first being 2006's Dungeons and Dragons Online.

While it may not seem fair to pit a seven-year-old game against the new shiny, we're going to do it anyway because there's something to be said for age and experience. So, how about it? DDO vs. Neverwinter, 3.5 vs. 4th edition, Eberron vs. the Forgotten Realms, and Turbine vs. Cryptic. What say you Massively readers? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: DDO vs. Neverwinter

MassivelyLeaderboard: DDO vs. Neverwinter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobattle-royalcrypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardneverwinterone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspweturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO celebrates a birthday, shares Update 17 notes, and introduces new Augments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/ddo-celebrates-a-birthday-shares-update-17-notes-and-introduce/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/ddo-celebrates-a-birthday-shares-update-17-notes-and-introduce/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/ddo-celebrates-a-birthday-shares-update-17-notes-and-introduce/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DDO celebrates a birthday, shares Update 17 notes, and revokes ghasts' ghoul status
Happy seventh birthday to Dungeons and Dragons Online! Like every good game, DDO is celebrating its anniversary-birthday-thing by giving out presents. Update 17 is live, a gift in its own right, and characters that were created before the patch will find that they've got a giftbox in their inventory.

But wait, there's more! Update 17 is a substantial patch. A whole slew of updates have been made to different bits of the game. On the DDO Store (and free to VIPs) is a new Monster Manual edition that features new deeds and objectives and two new Creature Companions. In what is arguably the most significant update, Restless Bats -- which don't exist and never have existed ever -- have been removed from the manual.

Augments, a new way to customize your equipment, have been added to the game. Items with augment slots can be, well, Augmented. Slotted Augments give their host item an additional effect for as long as they're slotted. People will be able to find named items with augment slots, pick augmentable items up from the DDO Store, or trust their luck to find one of the 5% of randomly generated items to have an augment slot. This system replaces the old Epic and Guild Augments. You can read up about Augments here.

MassivelyDDO celebrates a birthday, shares Update 17 notes, and introduces new Augments originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playpatchpatch-notespatchesturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-17update-notesupdatesWed, 20 Feb 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine gives bonuses to welcome back players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/turbine-gives-bonuses-to-welcome-back-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/turbine-gives-bonuses-to-welcome-back-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/turbine-gives-bonuses-to-welcome-back-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO gives bonuses to welcome back players
It goes without saying that many Turbine players were disheartened by last week's excessive downtime. To make it up to the players, the studio announced that it's turning on the happy bonus switch in some of its games as a way to welcome fans back.

Lord of the Rings Online players will get 100% more XP per monster kill and an increased drop rate for lootboxes until February 26th. These bonuses come on top of the 250 Turbine Points that will be given to established players as compensation for the downtime.

Dungeons and Dragons Online players will see +2 quality loot in chests and receive +25% Heroic and Epic XP. These bonuses last through February 20th.

MassivelyTurbine gives bonuses to welcome back players originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusbonus-daysbonus-xpbonusesddodnddowntimedungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 19 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine's servers down 34 hours and counting, studio comps players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/turbines-servers-down-34-hours-and-counting-studio-comps-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/turbines-servers-down-34-hours-and-counting-studio-comps-playe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/turbines-servers-down-34-hours-and-counting-studio-comps-playe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Turbine's servers down 34 hours and counting, studio comps players
A period of global maintenance for Turbine's servers is now pushing well into its second day of downtime for all of the studio's games. Dungeons and Dragons Online, Lord of the Rings Online, and both Asheron's Call titles have been offline since 6:00 a.m. on February 14th. The servers were scheduled to be brought back online after 24 hours, but as of the time of this writing, they are still down as the studio works on issues that "cropped up during the night."

The downtime was to overhaul the billing system and other back-end projects.

LotRO CM Sapience posted this update at 4:20 p.m. EST:
"We are working to resolve ongoing issues with our system maintenance. At this time we do not have a specific estimate for when the game servers will be available. Our goal is to make the games available as soon as possible. However we would like to advise players that the service may continue to be unavailable this evening. We will continue to provide updates as we have them.

"As a thank you for your understanding and patience during this downtime, all Premium and VIP players who have logged into their account in the past 30 days (as of 6:00 a.m. EST on 2/14/2013) will receive 250 Turbine points. In addition, all VIP players who have logged in during the same period will have their accounts credited one day of VIP time for each day of downtime, plus one additional day. All points and additional time will be granted automatically as soon as our regular service is restored and stable."

MassivelyTurbine's servers down 34 hours and counting, studio comps players originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2asherons-callasherons-call-2classic-mmoddodnddowntimedungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromaintenancesandboxserversturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 15 Feb 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a gander at DDO's Update 17 screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-a-gander-at-ddos-update-17-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-a-gander-at-ddos-update-17-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/take-a-gander-at-ddos-update-17-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Take a gander at DDO's Update 17 screens
Players will be experiencing the new and improved Gianthold when Dungeons and Dragons Online releases Update 17 this month. Turbine's launched a new page dedicated to the update, and that page contains many, many pretty pictures that convey story and wonder in a digitized format.

Check out 10 of these new screenshots in the gallery below, and while you're at it, why not read up on our recent tour of Update 17?

Gallery: DDO Update 17

MassivelyTake a gander at DDO's Update 17 screens originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playgallerypicturesreturn-to-giantholdscreenshotscreenshotsshinyturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-17Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A tour of DDO Update 17: Return to Gianthold]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/a-tour-of-ddo-update-17-return-to-gianthold/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/a-tour-of-ddo-update-17-return-to-gianthold/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/a-tour-of-ddo-update-17-return-to-gianthold/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A tour of DDO Update 17 Return to Gianthold
Just because Dungeons and Dragons Online has spent the better part of a year fawning all over the Forgotten Realms doesn't mean that Turbine is finished with Eberron. As a matter of fact, the team called us in to check out next month's Update 17, which is all about Eberron and some classic content made fresh and new once more.

Update 17: Return to Gianthold revisits the popular Gianthold content that came out with DDO's second level-cap increase. The devs said that players love to run it for its variety of quests, loot, and experience, which is why they wanted to tweak up the existing content as well as add a brand-new raid for epic-level characters.

Read on as we take a look at Gianthold 2.0 and other exciting additions coming to DDO in February!

Continue reading A tour of DDO Update 17: Return to Gianthold

MassivelyA tour of DDO Update 17: Return to Gianthold originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augment-slotsaugmentsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineepic-raidf2pfantasyfree-to-playgiantholdmonster-manualpatchpreviewraidreturn-to-giantholdthe-fall-of-truthturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-17Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free
Collecting MMO soundtracks is a scattered, scavenger-like experience. Releasing video game soundtracks isn't exactly high up on studio and publisher to-do lists (although we're seeing more love from digital stores), so whether or not a title will get a music release is really a crapshoot. What does get released is never in the same place twice: Some game soundtracks are released as special editions only, some only as CDs, some as full MP3 album releases, some directly from the composer, some are buried on websites, and so on.

So I'm constantly looking everywhere trying to beef up my MMO soundtrack library, and as a result I've uncovered several scores that the studios are giving away for free. I'm all over free (legal) music, especially when it's in my area of interest!

If you've been looking to start an MMO soundtrack collection or are looking to add to what you have, I've put together a list of 11 MMO scores that you can get today free of charge. Sound good? It does to me!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarebrowserbrowser-basedccpccp-gamesclassic-mmocomposercomposersddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-musicfree-to-playfuncomgagame-musicgiveawayglitchglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinternet-spaceshipsjagexjagex-games-studiojukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilinuxlucasartsmacmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmmofpsmusicnexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpcplaneshiftrsrunescaperyzomsandboxsci-fantasysci-fishootersoundtracksoundtracksspreadsheets-onlinespy-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortactical-mmothe-old-republicthird-person-shootertortpsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-odysseyultima-xultima-x-odysseywinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgateTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online releases Mac client info]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/dungeons-and-dragons-online-announces-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/dungeons-and-dragons-online-announces-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/17/dungeons-and-dragons-online-announces-mac-client/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online announces Mac client
With Turbine creating a Mac version of Lord of the Rings Online, it probably shouldn't be a surprise that Dungeons and Dragons Online was next on the to-do list. The studio announced that it's developing and testing a Mac client for DDO, and has invited players to give it a try.

DDO's Mac version doesn't require software like Wine or Bootcamp to use, but runs natively on the platform. It currently supports OSX 10.7 and 10.8, and it needs a fresh install if a Mac user was playing on a Windows client.

The beta is available for everyone, and Turbine has posted a short FAQ with system requirements and other pertinent information.

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online releases Mac client info originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaddoddo-macdnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfaqfree-to-playmacmac-clientosxtestingturbineturbine-entertainmentMon, 17 Dec 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A second opinion on Star Wars: The Old Republic F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/a-second-opinion-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/a-second-opinion-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/23/a-second-opinion-on-star-wars-the-old-republic-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A second opinion on Star Wars The Old Republic F2P
There is certainly no shortage of opinions out there regarding both Star Wars: The Old Republic and free-to-play business models in general. Combine the two and you end up with a tornado of loud noises and pointed gestures. SWTOR's journey to F2P has been one of the major events of fall 2012 already, and virtually any time it's mentioned here on Massively, a gigantic comments discussion follows.

We've already heard Larry's impressions this past week of the pros and cons of this new business model. I thought I'd dog-pile on top of that with my own from a slightly different perspective. You see, while Larry is our resident SWTOR columnist, someone who is staying on the subscription side of the fence, I'm a lapsed player who recently returned to taste and see whether or not F2P is any good.

I've seen a lot of F2P transitions in my tenure here at Massively. Some have proven to be a resounding success, while others fail to keep a broken ship from plunging into the deep waters of cancellation. So which will SWTOR be? Read on for a second opinion on the subject!

Continue reading A second opinion on Star Wars: The Old Republic F2P

MassivelyA second opinion on Star Wars: The Old Republic F2P originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseverquest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsnickel-and-dimeopinionpremiumsci-fisecond-opinionsoestar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republictorturbineFri, 23 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 16 goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-update-16-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-update-16-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/12/dungeons-and-dragons-onlines-update-16-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 16 goes live
Dust off your virtual dice because it's time to go back to Dungeons and Dragons! DDO released Update 16 today, and with it, a host of Forgotten Realms content.

Update 16: The Netherese Legacy includes a wilderness area, five adventures, new DDO store options, and a new epic destiny line for Druids called Primal Avatar. The adventure pack is included with VIP players' subscriptions and requires purchase for free players.

Massively recently talked with Turbine about the story and features of Update 16, so while you're downloading the patch, why not give it a read?

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyDungeons and Dragons Online's Update 16 goes live originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineepic-destiniesepic-destinyf2pfantasyfree-to-playpatchprimal-avatarthe-netherese-legacyturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-16Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taking the high road with DDO's Update 16]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/taking-the-high-road-with-ddos-update-16/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/taking-the-high-road-with-ddos-update-16/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/03/taking-the-high-road-with-ddos-update-16/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Taking the high road with DDO's Update 16
You know how the saying goes: Neither wind nor rain nor hurricane will keep Turbine from its appointed rounds. While the studio lost power due to this past week's Hurricane Sandy, all of its games kept on ticking. Dungeons and Dragons Online Senior Producer Eric Boyer said the studio is generally hurricane-proof. "The servers are in a secret location powered by magic and are not affected by anything," he laughed. "Well, most anything."

We spoke with Boyer on the phone about DDO's second post-expansion update, which is loosely scheduled to hit the game in a couple of weeks. Update 16: The Netherese Legacy will continue the Forgotten Realms storyline that began with Menace of the Underdark and Update 15. It's an update that takes us down a famous path, introduces a new enemy faction, and gives additional love to the fledgling Druid class.

Gallery: DDO Update 16

Continue reading Taking the high road with DDO's Update 16

MassivelyTaking the high road with DDO's Update 16 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineebberoneric-boyerexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgalleryinterviewinterviewsmenace-of-the-underdarkneverwinterscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkupdate-15update-16update-17Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine hit with unspecified number of layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/turbine-going-through-layoffs-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/turbine-going-through-layoffs-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/turbine-going-through-layoffs-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rumor Turbine going through layoffs today
The Boston Globe is reporting that Turbine has laid off an unspecified number of employees today due to restructuring. It's unclear how many of the 400-person workforce were let go.

Warner Bros. Entertainment Group Spokeswoman Remi Sklar issued the following statement: "As part of the continual review of our business operations and fluctuating market conditions, we have had to make reductions in our Turbine workforce. The group continues to remain an integral part of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment."

Former Community Specialist Suzie Owen acknowledged on Twitter that she was one of those let go: "Looking for work in the Boston-Providence area. Any links would be most appreciated. I am unable to relocate at this time."

Turbine recently hired several game industry veterans to include in its teams. Massively contacted Turbine for further clarification and received the same quote.

MassivelyTurbine hit with unspecified number of layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callclassic-mmoddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfiringsfree-to-playlayoffslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropink-slipsRemi-Sklarsandboxturbineturbine-entertainmentwarner-broswarner-bros-entertainment-groupWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwarner-brothersThu, 25 Oct 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live 2012: EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/soe-live-2012-everquest-ii-interviews-highlight-focus-on-crafti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/soe-live-2012-everquest-ii-interviews-highlight-focus-on-crafti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/soe-live-2012-everquest-ii-interviews-highlight-focus-on-crafti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SOE Live 2012 EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories
It is undeniable: Between panels, keynote addresses, and interviews, SOE Live offered fans a smorgasbord of information this year. Even as we reported on some information, more came our way. Such is the case with EverQuest II and its upcoming Chains of Eternity expansion; no sooner had I shared the new tradeskill AA and prestige lines than I was able to sit down developers to gain more insights into the new features. And of course, another panel came along offering even more tidbits about the expansion and beyond!

Did previous announcements leave you wondering whether crafters will be required to grind their own AA tree up from 0? How many crafted items can actually be mass produced at one time? And what's in store for the Dungeon Maker and SOEmote? These questions and more were answered as I sat down with Brain Ferguson (PvP and tradeskill game designer), Holly Longdale, (Producer), and Dave Georgeson (Director of the EQ franchise).

Continue reading SOE Live 2012: EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories

MassivelySOE Live 2012: EverQuest II interviews highlight focus on crafting, player stories originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-fergusonchains-of-eternityCoEconcontentconventioncraftingcrafting-recipescrafting-systemdave-georgesondungeon-maker-contestdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieventeverquest-2everquest-iiexclusiveexclusive-interviewf2pfan-fairefantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguild-hallsheroic-zonesholly-longdalelas-vegasmassively-exclusive-interviewsMassively-interviewraidssoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2012SOEmotesonysony-online-entertainmenttradeskillWed, 24 Oct 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO unearths upgraded Endless Dead festival]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/ddo-unearths-upgraded-endless-dead-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/ddo-unearths-upgraded-endless-dead-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/ddo-unearths-upgraded-endless-dead-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DDO unearths upgraded Endless Dead festival
Don't be surprised that the Endless Dead are back in Dungeons and Dragons Online; after all, they're endless. We should be grateful that they bother coming only once a year instead of crashing weddings all summer. Turbine's added several improvements to its Halloween event and is excited to show you a good (and spooky) time.

The festival, which begins tomorrow and runs through November 4th, includes a special instance, cool prizes, and plenty of undead bad guys coming up for another round with your sword-and-shield. The team has increased the size of the monsters, added items like night black coffee (mmm), and dangled the possibility of accessing the Summoning Chamber, a special instance created for the event.

Get a bloody eyeful of the scares to come in the gallery below!

Gallery: DDO Endless Night 2012

MassivelyDDO unearths upgraded Endless Dead festival originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineendless-nightendless-night-festivalf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleryhalloweenhalloween-2012screenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 24 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you use other people's builds?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-other-peoples-builds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-other-peoples-builds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-use-other-peoples-builds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind Do you use other people's builds
I'm going to admit something that may keep me out of the Man Club for good: I'm horrible at making my own builds in-game. Oh, sure, I give it the ol' college try for a while, but if there's a way to hobble myself, rest assured that I will find it. I'm the guy who will dump points into completely useless skills (such as cribbage or sandwich-making) and ignore any hint of synergy. Dungeons & Dragons Online proved to be my ultimate Kryptonite in this.

Because of my crippling inadequacies, I often break down and resort to using proven builds devised by other players who are like unto kings and queens. It's not that I'm a min-maxer -- far from it -- but I just want to be on the same level as most everyone else. I just... I just don't want to be a corpse-in-waiting.

What about you? Do you use other people's builds or do you stick to builds of your own creation?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you use other people's builds? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildbuildsdaily-grindddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playkryptonitemin-maxmin-maxeropiniontdgthe-daily-grindturbineturbine-entertainmentSun, 14 Oct 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lawsuit claims patent infringement by Turbine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/lawsuit-claims-patent-infringement-by-turbine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/lawsuit-claims-patent-infringement-by-turbine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/lawsuit-claims-patent-infringement-by-turbine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lawsuit claims patent infringement by Turbine
Ever heard of Treehouse Avatar Technologies? Yeah, neither have we, but a lawsuit filed this week is aiming to get the Canadian-based web services company a little publicity.

After being awarded a patent for the "Method And System For Presenting Data Over A Network Based On Network User Choices And Collecting Real-Time Data Related To Said Choices" on May 15th of this year, Treehouse is going after Turbine for what they consider infringement with both Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online. The lawyer-speak in the suit itself is not for the faint of heart, but a few of the claims include the fact that LotRO and DDO are "character-enabled" and "have character-attribute data linked with one or more character data."

We can't help but be reminded of the Worlds.com vs. NCsoft lawsuit filed a few years ago claiming an infringement on "scalable chat," but it seems a bit far-fetched that a patent suit can be won over games that came out several years before the patent was even issued. But hey, that's why we write about video games and don't swing a gavel around.

MassivelyLawsuit claims patent infringement by Turbine originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatenttreehousetreehouse-avatar-technologiesturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 12 Oct 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Worst expansion names of all time
When SOE announced that EverQuest's 19th expansion would be titled Rain of Fear, I instantly found myself tripping over the name. I shouldn't have -- it's a few simple words that are first round picks for spelling contests -- but it defied the traditional naming conventions for MMO expansions. Many people I talked to kept wanting to write "reign" instead because "rain" seemed like a deliberate misspelling by some intern in Smedley's empire.

Homophones aside, Rain of Fear is hardly the worst expansion title I've ever seen. The industry has had its share of bad names, from the confusing to the downright unpronounceable. Sure, we get used to these titles, and perhaps it's nit-picky to lug them out at such a late point in many of their lifespans, but petty is my middle name. My first name is Tom. And these are 10 poorly named expansions. Deal with it.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiforgotten-realmsfree-to-playfreedomFreyafuncomgalaxiesgeorge-lucasgoing-roguehumorinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmenace-of-the-underdarkmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprage-of-the-wookieesrain-of-fearred-moon-risingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrSamurai-Empiresandboxsarah-palinsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstom-legionsuperherosuperheroesswgswgoThe-Legacy-of-Ykeshathe-notum-warsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenThe-Splitpaw-Sagathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listTreasures-of-Aht-Urhgantriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunderdarkuoThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Whimsy and oddity]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/jukebox-heroes-whimsy-and-oddity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/jukebox-heroes-whimsy-and-oddity/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/02/jukebox-heroes-whimsy-and-oddity/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Whimsy and oddity
I have two big announcements today. The first is that Jukebox Heroes is switching from a bi-weekly to a weekly schedule, which should delight my 30 readers and cause an epidemic of indifference elsewhere. The second is that we're going to take a week off examining specific soundtracks to have a little fun with how silly MMO studios can get.

If you haven't figured it out already, this column is kind of a not-so-subtle outlet for sharing my MMO music collection with you. I don't have any firm method of collection other than I just acquire tracks that my ear tells me I'd like to hear again. So along the way, I've acquired a few oddball pieces that you probably won't find on any OST but that are notable enough to share.

In some cases, these tracks represent studios' attempts (successful or otherwise) to let down their hair and be humorous. In others, these songs are parodies or one-time special events. So let's take a sidebar to look at the whimsical and odd songs of gaming.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Whimsy and oddity

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Whimsy and oddity originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbrowserbrowser-basedchampionschampions-onlinechampscocomposercomposersconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsendless-trialf2pfantasyfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playgame-musicguild-wars-2gw2hello-kittyhello-kitty-onlinehkojukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettikid-friendlykidskids-mmokiss-my-axemmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3ps3pvppwervrsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssuperherosuperheroesthe-guildthe-hamtoucherswarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 02 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Most interesting retired Massively columns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/the-perfect-ten-most-interesting-retired-massively-columns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/the-perfect-ten-most-interesting-retired-massively-columns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/the-perfect-ten-most-interesting-retired-massively-columns/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Most interesting retired Massively columns
One of the perks of working at Massively is that you get to see everything "behind the scenes," as it were. There's not as much drama as you may think, but there's an awful lot of weirdness, detailed conversations about inconsequential whimsy, and Jef's cat pictures. It's also given me access to lists of all of the site's history, including a list of all of our retired columns.

Not every column goes on indefinitely, and some die only to be resurrected at a later date. But one day I got curious about all of them -- especially the ones before my time here on the site -- and that curiosity led to my creating a list of the most interesting ones.

So today, let's examine 10 columns you won't see on Massively these days (for better or worse), ones that were certainly captivating during their run.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Most interesting retired Massively columns

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Most interesting retired Massively columns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhumorinternet-spaceshipslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenroundupsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listturbineturbine-entertainmentThu, 27 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-perfect-ten-ways-mmos-explain-infinite-resurrection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-perfect-ten-ways-mmos-explain-infinite-resurrection/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/13/the-perfect-ten-ways-mmos-explain-infinite-resurrection/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection
Why? Why do we die in MMOs and receive an infinite number of resurrections? Are we in a type of hell defined by endless combat and suffering, doomed to never escape the cycle? Is this a cruel experiment being performed by supreme alien beings from afar? Does that make us the living undead, immortal Highlanders, or something even more significant?

If you're looking at me with that look you have in your eye right now, I'd like to remind you that asking these questions is more in line with the core of RPGs than just mashing the 1-2-3 buttons. The rules that make up and dictate our virtual lives should have both meaning and sense, yet so many of these games expect us to just blithely accept that we can come back from the dead over and over without nary an explanation.

Well, I like explanations. Even if it's just polite nonsense, a thought-out reason as to why our characters are death-proof tells me that the devs treat their game with a higher degree of integrity than others. So here are 10 MMOs in which the endless cycle of death and resurrection gets at least a backhanded explanation instead of "shut up, just accept it."

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Ways MMOs explain infinite resurrection originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalback-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-onlinef2pfactionfallen-earthfantasyfefeaturedflashfree-to-playfreedomfuncomg1gala-netgamersfirstglitchgpotatohipsterhorrorhumorinternet-spaceshipslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmxomythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedspreadsheets-onlinesuperherosuperheroesthe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtriontrion-worldstswturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwastelandsThu, 13 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO Update 16 will have 'generous helping of adventures']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/ddo-update-16-will-have-generous-helping-of-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/ddo-update-16-will-have-generous-helping-of-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/ddo-update-16-will-have-generous-helping-of-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DDO Update 16 will have 'generous helping of adventures'
Dungeons and Dragons Online's Update 16 is preparing to deliver a "generous helping of Forgotten Realms adventures" this November, according to Producer Fernando Paiz. In a new letter to the community, Paiz looks ahead to the game's next major update, which he says will expand high-level content in the new world setting.

"There will be new monsters to fight, a new story to explore, and castles to plunder (because every good D&D campaign needs castles)!," Paiz writes. He says that Update 16 will also contain an additional Epic Destiny called Primal Avatar.

Turbine is also focusing on whittling down its known issues list with several bug updates and fixes. Paiz says that Update 17 should arrive by the end of the year as well, but it will be a smaller patch with updates to seasonal festivities. He also hints at the studio's plans for DDO in 2013, including updates to both campaign settings and a return to Gianthold.

MassivelyDDO Update 16 will have 'generous helping of adventures' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodev-diarydev-letterdnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineepic-destiniesf2pfantasyfernando-paizfree-to-playgiantholdpatchpreviewprimal-avatarproducers-letterturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-16update-17Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Beware the Bard edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/choose-my-adventure-beware-the-bard-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/choose-my-adventure-beware-the-bard-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/choose-my-adventure-beware-the-bard-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Beware the Bard edition
All the world's a game, and all the men and women are merely players.

Shakespeare was really onto something there, even if he flubbed a word a bit. Folks who try to deny their participation in games are just fooling themselves! What are games, after all, but progression in a given world? Some people are just so boring that they stick to only one world. We know better, though, don't we? We choose ours from a myriad of options! Or, as in this case, you Choose My Adventure.

I will admit, I have been in the wings, eagerly awaiting my next casting call. Twice now you've sent me on amazing adventures, and I've had a blast! And finally, it's my turn to take the stage again. So what will I star in this time? Will it be a military epic, a space adventure, or a flight of fantasy? My big comeback is in your hands!

Peruse the list below and follow your muse to choose which world I will spotlight for the next six weeks. Just be sure to have your vote in by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday the 9th. And don't forget to stay tuned to the MV Guide over the coming weeks to watch the adventures unfold on Massively TV!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Beware the Bard edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Beware the Bard edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedallodsallods-onlineanarchy-onlineanetaoaocaoc-unchainedarenanetastrum-nivalbiowarechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthrieclassic-mmocmaconanconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaeden-eternalelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomgagala-netgameforgegameforge-berlinglobal agendagpotatoguild-wars-2gw2hands-onhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalhorrorhyborialord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmmofpsmythologyncsoftopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3pollpollsps3pvppwereaders-choiceromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldShakespeareshooterskill-basedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstosubsubscription-feesuperherosuperheroesswtortaboreatanktanksThe-Bardthe-old-republicthe-secret-worldthird-person-shootertortpstswturbineturbine-entertainmentunchainedvotevotingwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotWed, 05 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX Prime 2012: DDO has been busy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/pax-prime-2012-ddo-has-been-busy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/pax-prime-2012-ddo-has-been-busy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/pax-prime-2012-ddo-has-been-busy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

PAX Prime 2012 Song of Druid's Deep redux
Dungeons and Dragons Online has been keeping its dev team incredibly busy. It wasn't too long ago that the Menace of the Underdark expansion came out, and hot on its heels came update 15, the Song of Druid's Deep. Did you blink? Have you missed some of what's been going on? Luckily for you, we caught up with the Turbine team at PAX and have everything you need to know to get up to speed.

Menace of the Underdark introduced the world of the Forgotten Realms by leading players through the Demonweb, into the Underdark, and out into Faerûn and the town of Eveningstar. The Song of Druid's Deep update sends out the first tendrils of adventure into the wide world around Eveningstar. Players have to deal with a growing corruption -- zombie-like plant beings and infected humans and dryads -- and chase it to its putrid heart. If you want an in-depth look at the update, be sure to read our hands-on article about the Druid's Deep experience.

Update 15 comes not only with new quests and monsters, but the digital version of the time-honored monster manuals. Players with monster manuals can earn rewards, including Turbine points for big achievements and exclusive creature companions for the biggest achievements, while keeping track of all the terrifying foes they've faced. Additionally, there is a variant of the Ruined Keep challenge called the Daybreak Ritual.

The team isn't slowing down. With plans for a few quality of life fixes in the very near future and update 16 in November, Turbine is keeping up its quick pace. Update 16 will bring in five new quests, another wilderness area, and an emphasis on creating real connection between the areas of Faerûn.

Massively's on the ground in Seattle during the weekend of August 31st - September 2nd, bringing you all the best news from PAX Prime 2012. Whether you're dying to know more about WildStar, PlanetSide 2, RIFT: Storm Legion, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

MassivelyPAX Prime 2012: DDO has been busy originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventionddodnddruiddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpof2pfantasyfree-to-playmenace-of-the-underdarkpatchpatchespaxpax-2012pax-primepax-prime-2012penny-arcade-exposong-of-druids-deepturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-15update-16Sat, 01 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A song of trees and fire: A deeper look at DDO's Update 15]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/a-song-of-trees-and-fire-a-deeper-look-at-ddos-update-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/a-song-of-trees-and-fire-a-deeper-look-at-ddos-update-15/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/a-song-of-trees-and-fire-a-deeper-look-at-ddos-update-15/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A song of trees and fire A deeper look at DDO's Update 15
Earlier this week, Turbine released Update 15: Song of Druid's Deep for Dungeons and Dragons Online. Seeing as this was the first post-expansion update and that it took us further into the Forgotten Realms setting, we had to get a closer look at what Update 15 added to the game.

Lead Content Designer Ricardo Liu and Community Manager Amanda Grove invited us along to a tour of the new content. Liu said that the speed of Update 15's arrival is a sign that Turbine wants to kick up the pace of releases. The update includes a new four-quest adventure pack, the monster manual, and an additional challenge.

With Update 15, many more options are available in the DDO store. Turbine's set the pricing as follows: Menace of the Underdark adventure packs are 2495 Turbine Points for all, account-wide epic destiny unlock is 995 TP, the Eveningstar Challenge Pack is free for VIPs and 695 TP for others, and the Druid class is free for VIPs and 1495 TP for others.

The pricing details out of the way, we got right into the fun of all of Update 15's new adventures. It's a tale that will give the green thumbs among you a plague of nightmares.

Continue reading A song of trees and fire: A deeper look at DDO's Update 15

MassivelyA song of trees and fire: A deeper look at DDO's Update 15 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanda-groveddodnddruiddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineelminstereveningstarexpansionf2pfantasyforgotten-realmsfree-to-playhands-onharpersinterviewinterviewsmenace-of-the-underdarkpreviewpreviewsricardo-liusong-of-druids-deepturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkupdate-15Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO Update 15 goes live with new adventure pack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/ddo-update-15-goes-live-with-new-adventure-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/ddo-update-15-goes-live-with-new-adventure-pack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/20/ddo-update-15-goes-live-with-new-adventure-pack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DDO Update 15 goes live with new adventure pack
Never letting a little thing like releasing an expansion pack slow them down, the developers at Turbine have pumped out the first post-Menace of the Underdark update for Dungeons and Dragons Online.

Update 15: Song of Druid's Deep significantly adds on to the expansion content, including the titular adventure pack for high-level characters. This adventure pack includes four quests and comes in two varieties: level 17 and 23. There's also a new challenge called The Ruined Keep: The Daybreak Ritual which is being included with the Eveningstar challenge pack.

On top of that, the latest update for DDO includes a "monster manual" that can be filled out for extra rewards, the ability to purchase the expansion through the DDO store, and several tweaks for the wet-behind-the-ears Druid class.

MassivelyDDO Update 15 goes live with new adventure pack originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygen-congen-con-2012menace-of-the-underdarkpatchpatchesscreenshotscreenshotssong-of-druids-deepturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkupdateupdate-15updatesMon, 20 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Stock fantasy enemies from lamest to coolest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-perfect-ten-stock-fantasy-enemies-from-lamest-to-coolest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-perfect-ten-stock-fantasy-enemies-from-lamest-to-coolest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/the-perfect-ten-stock-fantasy-enemies-from-lamest-to-coolest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Perfect Ten Stock fantasy enemies from lamest to coolest
One theory of MMOs is that they represent several parallel universes, each with similarities and differences. This may explain why so many of them claim to be boldly original and yet carry the same monster DNA that exists everywhere else.

Today we're going to carefully unpack our ancient collector's edition of stock fantasy enemies. Blow off the dust and smell that nostaglia, mhmm. Sure, they've seen better days, but they're still good, right? Still solid. Still capable of entertaining us, even if we've slaughtered their kin a thousand times over.

Let me show you my collection of 10 stock fantasy enemies that we encounter all the time in MMOs. Just for fun, I'm going to order them from lamest to coolest. I would be number 11, by the way.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Stock fantasy enemies from lamest to coolest

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Stock fantasy enemies from lamest to coolest originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetbatbatsbirdbirdsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentconquestddodnddragondragonsdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgatorsguild-wars-2gw2humorkoboldkoboldsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrskeletonskeletonsslimeslimesspiderspidersthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentwarcraftwolvesworld-of-warcraftwowzombiezombiesThu, 16 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[D&D Online's Song of Druid's Deep screenshots released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/dandd-onlines-song-of-druids-deep-screenshots-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/dandd-onlines-song-of-druids-deep-screenshots-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/dandd-onlines-song-of-druids-deep-screenshots-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dungeons & Dragons Online screenshots released
It's been a little while since Dungeons & Dragons Online's Menace of the Underdark expansion came out, which means it must be time for a content update. Surely enough, Monday, August 20th, will be playing host to the launch of the game's Update 15: Song of Druid's Deep.

The update will bring in a new Monster Manual and a brand-new adventure pack with new dungeons and exciting monsters. You can get a sneak peek of three of the dungeons -- Outbreak, Overgrowth, and Thorn & Paw -- right here! Check out the gallery below to get a glimpse of what awaits you in the Song of Druid's Deep.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Gallery: D&D Online update 15: Song of Druid's Deep

MassivelyD&D Online's Song of Druid's Deep screenshots released originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygen-congen-con-2012menace-of-the-underdarkpatchpatchesscreenshotscreenshotssong-of-druids-deepturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkupdateupdate-15updatesThu, 16 Aug 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes Extra: Five exclusive DDO music tracks for your listening pleasure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/jukebox-heroes-extra-five-exclusive-ddo-music-tracks-for-your-l/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/jukebox-heroes-extra-five-exclusive-ddo-music-tracks-for-your-l/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/02/jukebox-heroes-extra-five-exclusive-ddo-music-tracks-for-your-l/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Extra Five exclusive DDO music tracks for your listening pleasure
I'll be honest: Part of the reason I'm doing this column is to get my grubby mitts (and ears) on as much MMO music as possible. So while it's great to talk with composers about their projects, I'm even more interesting in hearing the finished result.

For a companion piece to my Chance Thomas interview, Turbine sent over five exclusive tracks from Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark. Sound Video Technology Director Steve DiGregorio wrote, performed, and recorded each of these, as both he and Thomas collaborated on Turbine's two expansions. In addition to the tracks and my thoughts on them, DiGregorio provided descriptions of each for illumination.

Are you excited? I know I am, so let's hop to it!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes Extra: Five exclusive DDO music tracks for your listening pleasure

MassivelyJukebox Heroes Extra: Five exclusive DDO music tracks for your listening pleasure originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance-thomascomposercomposersddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexclusiveexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimenace-of-the-underdarkmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionphil-speerriders-of-rohanrorscoresoundtracksoundtracksSteve-DiGregorioturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkThu, 02 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Chance Thomas talks about scoring Turbine's expansions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/jukebox-heroes-chance-thomas-talks-about-scoring-turbines-expa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/jukebox-heroes-chance-thomas-talks-about-scoring-turbines-expa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/31/jukebox-heroes-chance-thomas-talks-about-scoring-turbines-expa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes A chat with Chance Thomas about scoring Turbine's expansions
For many Lord of the Rings Online players, the name Chance Thomas is synonymous with the feel of virtual Middle-earth. From the earliest days in the game, explorers have traversed the Shire, Moria, and beyond listening to Thomas' melodies. So we were excited to hear that Turbine is bringing Thomas back to score not only Riders of Rohan (his first soundtrack for the game since Mines of Moria) but also Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark as well.

Thomas is an Oscar- and Emmy-winning composer who's been working primarily in the field of video game music since 1998. Being a huge fan of MMO soundtracks, I made it a personal quest to talk with him about these two new scores and how he feels about working in this genre. In the weeks ahead, I'll be reviewing both Rohan and Underdark's soundtracks, but today I wanted to focus on the man behind the music.

Join me, then, as we embark on a voyage to worlds far away, sailing on the wings of a song. Geez, that's cheesy, ain't it?

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Chance Thomas talks about scoring Turbine's expansions

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Chance Thomas talks about scoring Turbine's expansions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarchampions-onlinechance-thomascomposercomposerscompositioncrypticddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineemmyexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgame-musicinterviewjames-cameronjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromenace-of-the-underdarkmiddle-earth-onlinemines-of-moriammo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionoscarquest-for-glory-vriders-of-rohanrorscoreshadows-of-angmarshadows-of-mordorsierra-onlinesoundtracksoundtrackssteve-digregoriotreason-of-isengardturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkuniversalvivendivivendi-universalTue, 31 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[D&D Online showcases two more Menace of the Underdark dungeons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/dandd-online-showcases-two-more-menace-of-the-underdark-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/dandd-online-showcases-two-more-menace-of-the-underdark-dungeons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/19/dandd-online-showcases-two-more-menace-of-the-underdark-dungeons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Dungeons & Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark screenshot
If you have the urge to hack-and-slash your way through some undead or test your mettle against a new type of demon, Dungeon and Dragons Online's recent expansion Menace of the Underdark has just the two dungeons for you. The Unquiet Graves dungeon features Drow necromancers desecrating a once-peaceful graveyard and constantly reanimating the bodies of the dead. The second dungeon, The Deal and the Demon, pairs players with the notorious mercenaries, the Yugoloth, to get rid of a demon lord deep inside the Demonweb.

Peer into these new dungeons in the gallery below.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark

MassivelyD&D Online showcases two more Menace of the Underdark dungeons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoDemonwebdnddungeonsdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgallerymenace-of-the-underdarknew-dungeonsscreenshotsThe-Deal-and-the-DemonThe-Unquiet-Gravesturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkYugolothThu, 19 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO opens a window to Menace of the Underdark raid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/ddo-opens-a-window-to-menace-of-the-underdark-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/ddo-opens-a-window-to-menace-of-the-underdark-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/ddo-opens-a-window-to-menace-of-the-underdark-raid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DDO opens a window to Menace of the Underdark raid
While Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark has been out almost a month now, there's still a lot of the new expansion that remains to be seen by the public. One of these views is that of the final boss of the capstone 12-person raid, Lolth.

Turbine's sent in a few pictures showing this intense battle between level 25 players and her royal spiderness in the Demonweb. Check them out! That's not a suggestion; it's an order.

[Source: Turbine press release]

Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark

MassivelyDDO opens a window to Menace of the Underdark raid originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgallerylolthmenace-of-the-underdarkraidscreenshotsturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkWed, 11 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO shows off new expansion dungeon House of Broken Chains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/ddo-shows-off-new-expansion-dungeon-house-of-broken-chains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/ddo-shows-off-new-expansion-dungeon-house-of-broken-chains/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/03/ddo-shows-off-new-expansion-dungeon-house-of-broken-chains/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DDO: Menace of the Underdark screenshot
Dungeons and Dragons Online's first expansion Menace of the Underdark is now a week old, but have you seen everything? Neither have we. Luckily for us all, Turbine keeps treating us to screenshots showcasing the new areas. Today the spotlight is on the new dungeon called House of Broken Chains. Besides just offering the standard fare of foes, this dungeon presents a new dynamic in the game. As players fight both slaves and their masters, they can choose to kill all of the slave masters and free the slaves or simply eradicate everything in true hack-and-slash form.

Take a look at the images of this new dungeon along with other Menace of the Underdark screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Dungeons and Dragons Online: Menace of the Underdark


[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyDDO shows off new expansion dungeon House of Broken Chains originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddodnddungeonsdungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexpansionf2pfantasyforgotten-realmsfree-to-playgalleryHouse-of-Broken-Chainsmenace-of-the-underdarknew-dungeonsscreenshotsslavesturbineturbine-entertainmentunderdarkTue, 03 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Eliot's self-made legend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/mmo-blender-eliots-self-made-legend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/mmo-blender-eliots-self-made-legend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/mmo-blender-eliots-self-made-legend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Yes, I sort of had a Greek thing on my mind with this one.
I like games that make your characters feel legendary, but sometimes I think they've gotten the whole formula wrong. The problem is that the only thing important about your character is what he or she has done, not what he or she is. World of Warcraft has a lot of quests and raids that seem to imply your character is a big deal, but how big a deal can you really be if you're learning all of your tricks at the local trainer?

What about a game where your personal history has as much to do with your future development as anything else? A game where your accomplishments aren't just backstory but an integral part of your character's abilities? A game where every new encounter is a chance for your character to learn something unique? I'd love to see a game where your accomplishments are not a list of things that you've killed but a clear litany of skills learned and scars accumulated -- a game where the path to power isn't necessarily clearly marked.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Eliot's self-made legend

MassivelyMMO Blender: Eliot's self-made legend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armchair-game-designblueholebluehole-studioscity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentendless-trialf2pfantasyfavorite-mmofeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomgame-designgame-mechanicslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologymythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospvprvrsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroesteraturbineturbine-entertainmentwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineFri, 29 Jun 2012 15:00:00 EST