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[The Firing Line: What ever happened to that game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/the-firing-line-what-ever-happened-to-that-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/the-firing-line-what-ever-happened-to-that-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/the-firing-line-what-ever-happened-to-that-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Repulse soldier header
Online shooters are a dime a dozen these days. Heck, so are MMOs. I can't get up from my computer chair for five minutes without missing some sort of PR blast about the latest, greatest gift to gamingkind.

It's easy to lose track of all these titles, and it's even easier when some of said titles are fairly niche to begin with. In this week's edition of The Firing Line, I'm going to figure out something to write about until I get into the PlanetSide 2 beta. Er, I mean, I'm going to do a little detective work in an attempt to figure out what happened to a few of the MMO shooters that have dropped off my radar.

Continue reading The Firing Line: What ever happened to that game?

MassivelyThe Firing Line: What ever happened to that game? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeria-gamesbattleground-europecornered-ratcornered-rat-softwareduplex-systemsface-of-mankindfeaturedfpsgamersfirstgenesis-adhi-rezhi-rez-studioshoplon-infotainmentijjimmo-shootermmofpsnexeonopinionrepulsesandboxsci-fishootertaikodomtribestribes-universeworld-war-2-onlineww2olFri, 20 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Face of Mankind with a free seven-day premium pack from Massively]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/play-face-of-mankind-with-a-free-seven-day-premium-pack-from-mas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/play-face-of-mankind-with-a-free-seven-day-premium-pack-from-mas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/22/play-face-of-mankind-with-a-free-seven-day-premium-pack-from-mas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Face of Mankind
The Face of Mankind developers have a little something for Massively readers to enjoy during the holiday break from work or school: premium access to the game.

The free-to-play title offers its players a paid premium upgrade that adds a long list of perks to the account: an increased rank cap, more storage and inventory, increased cloning speed, and much more. We've got some codes for you that include a free week of premium account access to Face of Mankind along with some cool starter items.

Pick up your code on our giveaway page, then register for a Face of Mankind account if you haven't yet. After logging in, add your code to the "add product key" link on your account page. Once you've done that, you're all set for premium access to Face of Mankind!

TO THE GIVEAWAY

MassivelyPlay Face of Mankind with a free seven-day premium pack from Massively originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestsf2pface-of-mankindfomfree-to-playgiveawaygiveawaysnexeonpremium-accountpremium-upgradeThu, 22 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind looking for storyline gamemasters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/face-of-mankind-looking-for-storyline-gamemasters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/face-of-mankind-looking-for-storyline-gamemasters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/face-of-mankind-looking-for-storyline-gamemasters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Face of Mankind - soldiers with large firearms
Nexeon Technologies is looking for a few good storytellers, according to a post on the Face of Mankind forums. The sci-fi sandbox has long been a theoretically rich roleplaying environment, and the devs are looking to put that theory into practice.

"We are currently looking to bring back an official storyline to Face of Mankind in a manner whereby it will play a significant part [in] the roleplay environment [of] the game, and where we will see players from all factions and backgrounds taking part in one way or another," writes Arthurius, Nexeon's community manager.

To that end, Nexeon is looking to bring in several storyline gamemasters, and applications are now being accepted. The requirements are nothing to sneeze at, particularly when it comes to game knowledge, perfect grammar, and the willingness to sacrifice your own game time for the greater good. If you think you've got what it takes (or you're just curious), you can read more on the official Face of Mankind forums.

MassivelyFace of Mankind looking for storyline gamemasters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>face-of-mankindgamemaster-applicationsgamemastersgmmmo-storynexeonnexeon-technologiesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentroleplayroleplayingsandboxsci-fistoryThu, 06 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind revamps mission system, hints at combat and economic tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/face-of-mankind-revamps-mission-system-hints-at-combat-and-econ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/face-of-mankind-revamps-mission-system-hints-at-combat-and-econ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/face-of-mankind-revamps-mission-system-hints-at-combat-and-econ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Face of Mankind - gun battle
A couple of weeks ago we told you about the resuscitated Face of Mankind MMO. Well, maybe resuscitated is a bit of an extreme word since the sci-fi sandbox title never really died, but it is under new management and making a bit more noise than it has in years past.

Nexeon Technologies has just sent out another email blast to former players detailing the game's latest update, and the new patch contains a pretty extensive mission system overhaul designed to "create an experience full of roleplay and player freedom."

We've linked to the patch notes below, and you'll also want to check out the new Face of Mankind developer blog on the game's official website. The first entry contains some exciting hints as to the game's new direction, including bits about the combat system, the economy, and the factional structure.

MassivelyFace of Mankind revamps mission system, hints at combat and economic tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatdev-blogdev-diaryeconomyface-of-mankindfactionsmission-systemmission-system-overhaulmissionsnexeonnexeon-technologiespatchesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsci-fiupdatesMon, 12 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Face of Mankind, a revisit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/rise-and-shiny-recap-face-of-mankind-a-revisit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/rise-and-shiny-recap-face-of-mankind-a-revisit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/rise-and-shiny-recap-face-of-mankind-a-revisit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Face of Mankind screenshot
I'm not exactly sure why I am such a glutton for punishment, but over the last week I thought it would be a good idea to revisit Face of Mankind, an MMOFPS that pushes roleplay and politics in its description. I had already known from my previous experience that roleplay was pretty much non-existent and that the crowd was made up largely of typical MMOFPS or PvP types, but I have a rule to always give games second, third and sometimes fourth chances. It's a simple fact that many of them, especially independent ones, take a long time to grow and mature into the games they always should have been.

So how has Face of Mankind matured? How has it grown?

I have to be honest with you and tell you that the game surprised me in some ways this time around. Perhaps it was because I was already familiar with the controls and layout, but click past the cut and let me tell you all about it.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Face of Mankind, a revisit

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Face of Mankind, a revisit originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmandrakensang-onlinef2pface-of-mankindfeaturedfomfree-to-playftpLiveStreammmofpsnexeonplayer-versus-playerpvprise-and-shinySun, 04 Sep 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MV Guide: August 29-September 4, 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/mv-guide-august-29-september-4-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/mv-guide-august-29-september-4-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/mv-guide-august-29-september-4-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT screenshot
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel.

Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During livestream events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.)

Follow along after the jump to see what's scheduled for this week!

Continue reading MV Guide: August 29-September 4, 2011

MassivelyMV Guide: August 29-September 4, 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryptic-studiosface-of-mankindkingsisle-entertainmentlivestreamlivestreamingmagic-the-gathering-onlinemv-guidemv-tvnexeonperfect-world-entertainmentriftstar-trek-onlinestotrion-worldswizard101wizards-of-the-coastMon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind under new management, adding new features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/face-of-mankind-under-new-management-adding-new-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/face-of-mankind-under-new-management-adding-new-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/22/face-of-mankind-under-new-management-adding-new-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Face of Mankind - shooting
If you've ever played Face of Mankind, you may have gotten something of a blast from the past in your inbox this morning. The sci-fi sandbox MMORPG is under new management, and the team at Nexeon Technologies sent out an email blurb advertising the fact that the game has undergone significant changes (and has a new website and forum to boot).

Nexeon provides a list of all the tweaks that have occurred in recent months, including frequent patches and bug fixes, account portal integration, a new tutorial, and the implementation of famous New York City locales including Brooklyn and Ground Zero.

The press release also hints at major updates still in the planning stages, including an item shop, additional colonies, customizable apartments, and more. Face of Mankind is notable for being one of a very few MMORPGs to emphasize roleplay, community, and player-driven politics as primary gameplay systems, and you can read more about the title at its official website.

MassivelyFace of Mankind under new management, adding new features originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brooklynface-of-mankindgame-mechanicsgame-updatesground-zeronew-york-citynexeonnexeon-technologiesnycpress-releaseroleplayroleplayingsandboxsci-fishooterMon, 22 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/free-for-all-gaming-with-game-of-thrones/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/free-for-all-gaming-with-game-of-thrones/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/free-for-all-gaming-with-game-of-thrones/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have really been enjoying the new series Game of Thrones over on the HBO network. In fact, when I recently changed to a faster internet provider, I deliberately added on the exclusive channel just for the series. Even though I have never read the books, a 15-minute preview of the show was enough to convince me to watch it. While I am truly enjoying the break from fantasy that is chock-full of smart-alec modern-day references (all delivered by smirking hipsters with swords), I admit to still being a little afraid that the series will take a turn for the goofy or overly dramatic. If a single vampire shows up in this one, I am going to turn it all off and go on a long vacation.

So far, though, it's been a delightful romp into a cold, realistic world. After I watch a new episode, I avoid the internet for fear of random spoilers or the temptation to look at character bios. I simply do not want to know what's going to happen, so please do not tell me. Since the series has started, I have begun to notice how I enjoy the same basic entertainment in my gaming.

I want political intrigue, amazing landscapes, and the occasional epic, bloody fight. Join me past the cut and let's look at some games that provide those three things.

Continue reading Free for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones

MassivelyFree for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-game-of-thronesa-song-of-ice-and-firealganonankamaAtysbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedf2pface-of-mankindfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playftpgame-of-thronesgeorge-martingeorge-r-r-martingotillyriadmin-kimmmortsnexonnexon-americaryzomsean-beanSquare-Enixvindictuswakfuwinter-is-comingWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 11 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny Recap: Face of Mankind]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/rise-and-shiny-recap-face-of-mankind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/rise-and-shiny-recap-face-of-mankind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/22/rise-and-shiny-recap-face-of-mankind/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet each Tuesday and Friday night at 8 PM Central time, with a recap column on Saturday. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau at massively dot com.

First of all, there are three major rules of PvP that everyone should know by now. They are:

  • There is always someone better than you. You can practice your jumping, your strafing and your abilities, but there will always be another player who will take you down. The goal of PvP in any MMO is not to avoid dying, but to avoid dying more than your opponent.
  • Death is but a pause in combat. This might sound like a cool "Peace is just preparation for war!" type of saying, but I mean it literally. In every PvP-centric game I have played, death is just a slap on the wrist. Players can take your loot or sit on your corpse, but otherwise you pop up seconds later, no worse for the wear. While games like EVE Online and Face of Mankind try to make death more "deathy," it really only makes me concentrate on the fact that I am playing a game. If you want me to fear something, to feel real excitement, make death something that I regret.
  • PvPers have potty mouths. PvP game developers would never want to police their chat or do anything so carebearish, for fear that their playerbase would go find a game in which they could use all the naughty words they wanted to. I am not sure I understand why it is hardcore, or even cool, to allow players to use the names and language they do, but so be it. I have said naughty things in my life, too, but be warned if you have virgin ears that a PvP game will test your patience.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny Recap: Face of Mankind

MassivelyRise and Shiny Recap: Face of Mankind originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>face-of-mankindfeaturedFPSmmofpsrise-and-shinySat, 22 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Crowns of Power]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-crowns-of-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-crowns-of-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-crowns-of-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Each week Rise and Shiny asks you to download and try a different free-to-play game, chosen by me, Beau Hindman. Some of the games will be far out of your gaming comfort zone, and some will pleasantly surprise you. We will meet in game each Friday night at 8 PM Central time, followed by this column the day after. I welcome any suggestions for games, either in the comments or at beau at massively dot com.

This week we decided to take a tour through Crowns of Power, an indie game made by Rampid Interactive. It seems as though I came along at a good time because the game recently received a new PvE server. To be honest, I was afraid that the PvP nature of the game would have scared off any potential explorers before I arrived, so it was good to see we would be able to try it out without any worry of being ganked over and over by someone with "420" in her name.

Let's get right to it, and be sure to leave your comments about the game below. Did you like it? Hate it? Read on to see what I thought.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Crowns of Power

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Crowns of Power originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycrowns-of-powerface-of-mankindfeaturedfree-to-playftpin-game-eventrise-and-shinySat, 15 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind continues updating new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/face-of-mankind-continues-updating-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/face-of-mankind-continues-updating-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/face-of-mankind-continues-updating-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Face of Mankind recently got a nice-sized update in the form of NPCs to hand out quests and a brand new city. Duplex Systems is continuing to fine-tune these updates by adding to them, and players will find even more new content in the next few weeks.

For those of you who found the new NPC system a bit confusing, there is now a tutorial in-game to help you get your bearings. Face of Mankind's unusual setup meant that more than a few players gave up on figuring things out, and Duplex acknowledges that, hoping that the tutorial will induce players to give them a second chance. The tutorials will be worth your while in either case, as they will offer significant monetary rewards.

You'll find some changes to combat in Face of Mankind as well, including the addition of a recoil system for a little extra realism -- you'll need a little extra skill to hit your target as you compensate for the recoil now -- as well as faster overall combat speeds.

Finally, the city of Berlin has been re-introduced as a completely lawless city: killing other players will no longer earn penalty points, so watch your back. Take a look at the Face of Mankind site to learn more about these latest updates.

MassivelyFace of Mankind continues updating new content originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berlinduplexduplex-systemsf2pface-of-mankindface-of-mankind-tutorialfree-to-playnpcnpcsMon, 10 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind adds new NPCs and city]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/face-of-mankind-adds-new-npcs-and-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/face-of-mankind-adds-new-npcs-and-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/25/face-of-mankind-adds-new-npcs-and-city/#commentsFiled under: ,

Face of Mankind, the young MMOFPS from Duplex Systems, has gotten a pretty significant update just a few months after going retail.

A problem that comes with a game containing player-generated content is...well, a lack of content at times. The addition of NPCs with this update will go a long way toward solving that problem in Face of Mankind, as they will bring the introduction of "chained missions, which have a definite starting and ending point, and open up further successive missions upon the completion of prior ones."

NPCs aren't the only addition, however. The city of Berlin has arrived to Face of Mankind as well, but it's not quite the Berlin you remember. Described as a "dilapidated wasteland", the city is an area devoid of any sort of law. If you've not checked out the story behind the fall of Berlin on the FoM site, spend some time catching up before venturing in game -- it's well worth it. The new content is in game now, so if you haven't checked it out for yourself, what are you waiting for?

MassivelyFace of Mankind adds new NPCs and city originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Berlincontentduplex-systemsface-of-mankindmmofpsnpcsSun, 25 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind goes "retail"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/face-of-mankind-goes-retail/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/face-of-mankind-goes-retail/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/face-of-mankind-goes-retail/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The open beta isn't open anymore and the roleplaying first-person shooter MMO has converted into the real thing. Face of Mankind has gone into the "retail" phase and has put all of their accounts on a "premium trial period" to get a taste of what a paid account has to offer. The premium trial period will last until December 29th, so be sure to make your mind up quick.

Good news for veterans of the game, however, as you won't need to subscribe to play this time around. Face of Mankind is instead taking a free-to-play/subscription approach, putting things like access to civilian clothing usage, department creation, carrying a third weapon, and faction leadership and other benefits solely in the hands of paying subscribers. Free-to-play accounts can still play and progress in their faction up to rank 4, own 10 clones, and have 20 spaces of inventory.

Continue reading Face of Mankind goes "retail"

MassivelyFace of Mankind goes "retail" originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaface-of-mankindfomfree-to-playmmofpspremium-accountpremium-trialretailrpgsubscriptionMon, 28 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind opens the gates for open beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/face-of-mankind-rebirth-opens-the-gates-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/face-of-mankind-rebirth-opens-the-gates-for-open-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/07/face-of-mankind-rebirth-opens-the-gates-for-open-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you've been on the fence about trying out Face of Mankind in its earlier iterations, now might be the perfect time to jump in and try the game out. The roleplay heavy MMOFPS is back in action as it launches into open beta and calls for new recruits to join the ranks of the game's eight factions.

The game has undergone significant changes to its in-game systems since the initial release of the game back in 2006 and the subsequent closure of the game in 2007. Faction systems, penalty systems, territory control, and many more aspects of the game have been tweaked to ensure proper function and fun for the players involved. However, even with all of these changes, the publisher of the game, Duplex Systems, has stated that things are not as balanced as they wish it to be but they wish to iron out more problems with the help of players in open beta.

If you're interested in the single, persistent universe game, jump on over to the website, sign up for an account, and grab yourself the client.

Update: Nexeon Technologies has clarified that the game is no longer carrying the "Rebirth" subtitle, and is simply called Face of Mankind once again.

MassivelyFace of Mankind opens the gates for open beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadownloadduplex-systemsface-of-mankindface-of-mankind-rebirthfommmofpsopen-betarelaunchroleplayMon, 07 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind: Rebirth goes into closed beta phase four]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/face-of-mankind-rebirth-goes-into-closed-beta-phase-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/face-of-mankind-rebirth-goes-into-closed-beta-phase-four/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/05/face-of-mankind-rebirth-goes-into-closed-beta-phase-four/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Face of Mankind: Rebirth, the revitalization and recoding of Face of Mankind, has hit their last beta milestone as of last week -- closed beta phase 4.

Phase 4 is the final phase of their beta, the one where they let the flood gates wide open. If you have ever signed up for an FoM beta account, your account has been activated and you can log in to play the game. All you need to do is download the game client, which is available through links provided in your account activation e-mail.

Continue reading Face of Mankind: Rebirth goes into closed beta phase four

MassivelyFace of Mankind: Rebirth goes into closed beta phase four originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaduplex-systemsface-of-mankindface-of-mankind-rebirthfactionsmmofpsphase-4Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite indie MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-indie-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-indie-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-indie-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's never enough credit given to the indie MMO developers. These are the teams that usually put it all on the line with the hope of making a darn good MMO for people to play in. They don't have the budgets that the big teams do, and sometimes they don't have the graphics, but what they always have is the soul and innovation to put out their title.

So today's Daily Grind is dedicated to the independent teams out there. And, in honor of them, we ask you what your favorite indie MMO is. You've got lots of choices, from Love to Face of Mankind to Neocron to Fallen Earth to Ryzom to Istaria to Darkfall to A Tale in the Desert to many others. We could keep going, but you'd probably get bored of us naming off all of these games.

So tell us of your favorite indie MMO! For good measure, tell us some stories about your indie MMO of choice! Go go go!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's your favorite indie MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertdarkfallface-of-mankindfallen-earthfomindie-mmoistarialoveneocronopinionryzomthe-daily-grindFri, 09 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Socially awkward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/anti-aliased-socially-awkward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/anti-aliased-socially-awkward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/anti-aliased-socially-awkward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


So, ok, we've been talking about Champions Online recently here in the column. Been talking about it a lot, as a matter of fact. I don't feel like risking having this column turn into a Champions love fest (as much fun as I'm having with the game), so we're going to change gears significantly this time and get onto a completely new train of thought.

This week's topic: social gameplay. No, I don't mean those games you play obsessively/compulsively on Facebook or your social network of choice. I'm talking about how some aspects of gameplay completely rely on human interaction, for better or for worse. It's present in all of our games, but are we really taking advantage of it? We're going to take a look at some games that do take advantage of human-powered conflict, and why, perhaps, it might be a wave of the future for online games.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Socially awkward

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Socially awkward originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-aliasedclassdynamic-contentemergenceeve-onlineface-of-mankindfeaturedguildjoystiqfeaturesrolesshootersocialsocial-gamingsocial-networkingMon, 31 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: FPS 'mah MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/the-daily-grind-fps-mah-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/the-daily-grind-fps-mah-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/the-daily-grind-fps-mah-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Combat systems are always an integral part of games, as they provide the main source of conflict and challenge for most players. Lately, however, we've been seeing a change in how our MMOs handle combat. Traditional systems have always been based on click targeting and skill usage, but a number of MMOs have opted to utilize new technology and integrate aiming and elements of first-person shooters into their systems.

PlanetSide has been one of the first (as it's built to be a first-person shooter MMO, obviously) but other games like Darkfall, Face of Mankind, Hellgate: London, Huxley, APB, and others have embraced the aiming concept. Our question to you today is what do you think of this shift? Do you like having to aim in your games, as it presents a new level of skill-based gameplay, or does the aiming just not work for you, as lag and other factors can give some players a hefty disadvantage?

Take your thoughts, pull them out of your head, smash them against your keyboards, and let them land on our webby page. We're used to these sort of things.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: FPS 'mah MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimingapbaventurinedarkfallduplex-systemsface-of-mankindflagship-studiosfpshellgate-londonhuxleyijji.commmofpsopinionplanetsiderealtime-worldssoesony-online-entertainmenttargetingthe-daily-grindwebzenFri, 21 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind: Rebirth bites the dust and NanoVerse Online announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/face-of-mankind-rebirth-bites-the-dust-and-nanoverse-online-ann/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/face-of-mankind-rebirth-bites-the-dust-and-nanoverse-online-ann/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/face-of-mankind-rebirth-bites-the-dust-and-nanoverse-online-ann/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It has been declared that Face of Mankind: Rebirth is indefinitely canceled, the statement citing a lack of financial resources as the primary cause. Face of Mankind had its trials and tribulations, it launched back in 2006 and was plagued with bugs and many players found the gameplay difficult. It still managed to gather a small supportive playerbase and remained in operation until the official portal was hit by a series of denial of service attacks all throughout May, 2007.

The attacks played a factor in the game's eventual closure in November, 2007, the perpetrators were later identified and arrested by the Scotland Yard computer crime unit. Duplex Systems, an already small development team, announced an attempt to continue support, add a bevy of new game mechanics, and relaunch the game as Face of Mankind: Rebirth if a publisher could be found.

While it's sad to witness the death of one MMOG that wanted to live again, not all is lost from Face of Mankind. Duplex Systems has announced plans on a new MMOG entitled NanoVerse Online.

MassivelyFace of Mankind: Rebirth bites the dust and NanoVerse Online announced originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingclosedduplexduplex-systemsface-of-mankindface-of-mankind-rebirthfommarko-diekmannmmog-deathnanoverseMon, 30 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Crime and punishment in MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/anti-aliased-crime-and-punishment-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/anti-aliased-crime-and-punishment-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/29/anti-aliased-crime-and-punishment-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You're grinding in World of Warcraft's Stranglethorn Vale (voted most ganktastic by our friends at WoW Insider) when a level 70 druid finds it hilarious to moonfire your lowbie buttocks and camp your corpse for the next eight hours. You're grinding in Lineage II when suddenly someone completely rips you apart with Demon Sword Zariche, and the proceeds to do it over and over again. Face of Mankind players saw the days of other players killing player character police officers "just because it was fun and easy". Final Fantasy XI players dealt with the controversy of monster player killing, known as an MPK. Diablo had the problem of people raising you, killing you, raising you, killing you, raising you, killing you, raising you, killing you... I think you got the point.

Griefing is a problem in MMOs -- a very big problem. As more users enter our wonderful worlds of fantasy and intrigue, more and more of them think it's hilarious to make others suffer and waste time. So why is this phenomenon occuring, and what can developers do about it?

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Crime and punishment in MMOs

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Crime and punishment in MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocblizzardccpcrimedeath-penaltydiabloeveeve-onlineface-of-mankindfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xifomfuncomgriefingjanoff-bulmanjerksjoystiqfeatureslegal-systemlineage-2ncsoftojomprisonpsychologysocial-psychologysquare-enixworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 29 May 2008 17:00:00 EST