Massively

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: Hands-on with Heroes & Generals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-firing-line-hands-on-with-heroes-and-generals/#commentsFiled under: Historical, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, PvP, News items, War, Free-to-play, Browser, Hands-on, MMOFPS, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, The Firing Line

The Firing Line - Hands on with Heroes & Generals

During the first 10 minutes of my time with Heroes & Generals, I killed once, died twice, and drove a tank, a jeep, a half-track, and a bicycle (not necessarily in that order). I also rode shotgun on said tank and said jeep, manning a nifty vehicle-mounted machine gun in the process.

I marveled at the visuals, took way too many screenshots of my squadmates looking at the blow-away badass in-game map (it's the little things, amirite?), and generally had a helluva good time. Did I mention that all of this happened in a browser?

Continue reading The Firing Line: Hands-on with Heroes & Generals

The Firing Line: Hands-on with Heroes & Generals originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedf2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-impressionsfpsfree-to-playgeneralsheroesheroes-and-generalsheroes-and-generals-impressionsimpressionsjesper-kydmmo-shootermmofpsopinionpersistent-shooterpvpreto-motostrategytflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsworld-war-2world-war-iiww2Fri, 25 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with The Secret World character creator]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/hands-on-with-the-secret-world-character-creator/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/hands-on-with-the-secret-world-character-creator/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/hands-on-with-the-secret-world-character-creator/#commentsFiled under: Horror, Real life, Video, Age of Conan, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Hands-on, The Secret World, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, Miscellaneous

The real secret to The Secret World is that it's the Matrix (see the above picture from the character creator that resembles Carrie-Anne Moss).

Actually, the first and most important stop for an MMO gamer is the character creator. When you're in beta, it might not be as important because the character will be tossed away in a few short weeks. However, in the live game, this character will not only be the same one you might see for years to come; it's also a reflection of you as a player. There are some players who insist on playing the ugliest races in the game, while others want the prettiest or the strongest. Personally, I lean toward playing female characters. I'm not sure what that says about me.

The creation of our character says so much about us, so it is extremely important that western RPGs and especially MMORPGs allow us to express ourselves. The Secret World's character creator has its good elements and its bad, but the most important part is how much Funcom's version allows us to express our personalities.

Continue reading Hands-on with The Secret World character creator

Hands-on with The Secret World character creator originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccharacter-creatoreaElectronic-ArtsfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfuncomhands-onhorrormythologyopinionpreviewpreviewssci-fantasysecret-worldthe-secret-worldtrailertrailerstswvideovideo-previewvideosFri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/choose-my-adventure-patrolling-the-park/#commentsFiled under: Super-hero, Polls, City of Heroes, Opinion, Free-to-play, Choose My Adventure

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes

Yes, Virginia, there is a game after character creation.

With such extensive customization available, it is quite likely that I would have spent the duration of Choose My Adventure without ever actually logging in to play City of Heroes. For all of the hours I spent in character creation with all the options (enough to completely blow a fuse in your mind), it was easy to lose sight of the fact that there was actually a game to go play once I finally made my character. Now I see the real appeal of the VIP pass with all of those character slots; it has even me thinking wistfully of all the alts that could be.

Luckily I have you folks directing me, forcing me past the costume creator and into my role as defender of truth and justice. If it hadn't been for you, I would have never embarked on my journey of flight and fricasseed evil doers in Atlas Park. Or participated in an impromptu street band performance. Yup, it is all your fault! And I'm looking forward to what we do next as we continue our City of Heroes adventures together.

But first, let's take a look at what mayhem I caused... er, put an end to this past week.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park

Choose My Adventure: Patrolling the park originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlas-Parkchoose-my-adventurecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsflightflyingfree-to-playfreedomhands-onncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollspowersquestsreaders-choiceroad-tripsuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/wings-over-atreia-3.0-its-heere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/wings-over-atreia-3.0-its-heere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/wings-over-atreia-3.0-its-heere/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Aion, Expansions, Patches, Opinion, Free-to-play, Wings Over Atreia

Wings Over Atreia

Awwwww yeah! Update 3.0, baby! Come to me, features.

Like Christmas for a five-year-old, this day seemed like it would never arrive for those of us who have been waiting for Aion's patch for what feels like forever. And ever. And then some. Aion: Ascension certainly took its jolly sweet time getting here, but now it finally has. Even better, you don't have to dodge creepy clowns or be sucked into a television screen to enjoy it.

Now the question is, is the product really worth the hype? I know I have certainly dished out a fair portion of hype in Wings Over Atreia over the past couple of months while sharing my excitement. Too many delectable features were on the menu, things that would breathe more life into the game, for me not to indulge a bit. But as with any hype, there is always a chance for things to not live up to expectations.

So is the new patch as grand and glorious as hoped? After my first few days in game, my answer is a definite...

Gallery: Aion: Ascension

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere!

Wings Over Atreia: 3.0 -- it's heeere! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.03.0-patchaionaion-3.0Aion-AscensionAtreian-Atlasf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-giftsfree-to-playhousingmaintenancemaintenance-feesncsoftnew-featuresopinionpatch-3.0restrictionswings-over-atreiaMon, 16 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/weekend-warrior-two-days-with-teras-beta-berserker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/weekend-warrior-two-days-with-teras-beta-berserker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/weekend-warrior-two-days-with-teras-beta-berserker/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Classes, Events, in-game, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, News items, PvE, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, TERA

TERA - Aman Berserker character screen

This all feels very familiar.

The gorgeous Asian aesthetics, the sexed-up avatars, and the hordes of high school tykes runting and squealing in global chat take me back to September of 2009 and the opening gyrations of the themepark orgy that was Aion.

Only this time, there are no angel wings, there's but one faction, and the game's called TERA.

Continue reading Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker

Weekend warrior: Two days with TERA's beta berserker originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanaman-berserkerarboreaberserkerbetablueholebluehole-studiosclassclassesen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onimpressionspreviewpreviewsteratera-combattera-first-impressionstera-impressionstera-previewMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-neverwinter-discussion-and-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-neverwinter-discussion-and-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-neverwinter-discussion-and-impressions/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Classes, Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions, Massively Event Coverage

Okay, now to do the dungeon part.

Many words come to mind when you mention Dungeons & Dragons, but "action" is not usually one of them. So at first glance, Neverwinter might seem like a bit of an odd beast. The game is meant as an action-based MMORPG that takes place in the distant future of the beloved Neverwinter Nights series; it's being developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment. While the game isn't yet in open testing, the early version was playable on the floor of PAX East, and we had a chance to sit down with Cryptic Studios to discuss the game's development.

I came to the show with no real expectations about the game beyond the fact that I knew the companies involved and was distantly aware of the game's development. I walked away more than a little impressed by what I had seen. However odd the collection of elements might seem, the game itself certainly piqued my interest.

Gallery: Neverwinter

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions

PAX East 2012: Neverwinter discussion and impressions originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoalphabetaconconventioncrypticcryptic-studiosdndearly-lookexpof2pfantasyfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionsneverwinterpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspwetestingSat, 07 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/all-the-world-of-warcraft-mists-of-pandaria-previews-you-can-sh/#commentsFiled under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Expansions, Previews, Hands-on, First Impressions

World of Warcraft

In the wee hours of this morning, the press NDA for World of Warcraft's Mists of Pandaria expansion came tumbling down, and our sister site WoW Insider has a bounty of coverage to share. The much anticipated -- and much debated -- expansion is slated for release this year and will include a new continent, the Monk hero class, the Pandaren race, pet battles, a level cap increase, and a massive overhaul of the game's talent system.

World of Warcraft players are undoubtedly fixated on the expansion, as January's 4.3 patch was announced to be the last major update to the game before MoP arrives. You can check out all of the juicy info squeezed from the press beta groves after the jump, including hands-on impressions and insights you won't find anywhere else!

Continue reading All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at

All the World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria previews you can shake an empty fist at originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbattlegroundsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentexpansionfantasyfirst-impressionsmedia-eventmists-of-pandariamists-of-pandaria-talentsmonkmonk-classndapandarenpet-battlespress-eventpress-ndapreviewpvpsiege-of-orgrimmartalenttalent-treetalent-tree-revamptalentsuiwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 19 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Why you should be playing Tribes: Ascend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/the-firing-line-why-you-should-be-playing-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/the-firing-line-why-you-should-be-playing-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/24/the-firing-line-why-you-should-be-playing-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, Video, Classes, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions, The Firing Line

The Firing Line - Tribes open beta edition

Skiing! Jetpacks! Pew pew!

Yes, kids, Tribes: Ascend is officially in open beta, and that means you no longer have an excuse. Hi-Rez Studios threw open the doors this morning, and despite the fact that the game's closed beta exceeded all expectations and hosted over 300,000 players since its November kickoff, there's always room for more.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Why you should be playing Tribes: Ascend

The Firing Line: Why you should be playing Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-arenaarena-deathmatchbetablood-eaglecapture-the-flagctfdeathmatchdiamond-swordfeaturedfiring-linefirst-impressionsfpshi-rezhi-rez-studiosimpressionslava-arenaludicrous-speedmultiplayer-shooteronline-shooteropen-betapathfinderrabbitsci-fisentinelshazbotshootersoldierspeedthe-firing-linetodd-harristribestribes-ascendtribes-betatribes-beta-impressionstribes-open-betaFri, 24 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Guild Wars 2 closed beta impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/massivelys-guild-wars-2-closed-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/massivelys-guild-wars-2-closed-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/20/massivelys-guild-wars-2-closed-beta-impressions/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Screenshots, Video, Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions

Guild Wars 2 World vs World keeps

This last weekend, ArenaNet invited a few dozen members of the gaming press into its highly anticipated MMO, Guild Wars 2. The game is still in its closed beta testing stage, but the reveal of this event is an opportunity for the public to finally see what this game is all about.

Our Guild Wars columnist Elisabeth Cardy and I spent a good part of this weekend exploring as much as we could in the game in preparation for today's embargo lift. Read along for each of our impressions below, and be sure to watch our beta montage video at the end of each article.

Elisabeth's impressions | Shawn's Impressions

Massively's Guild Wars 2 closed beta impressions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbetabetasbreakingclosed-betaembargo-liftfirst-impressionsguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-previewgw2impressionsncsoftpress-betapreviewpreviewsvideoMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Jagged Alliance Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/first-impressions-jagged-alliance-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/first-impressions-jagged-alliance-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/first-impressions-jagged-alliance-online/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Screenshots, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Hands-on, Casual, First Impressions

Jagged Alliance Online screenshot

A short time ago, I posted my thoughts on UFO Online, one of the most exciting titles I found while at E3 this year. While I was there, I was given a tour of Jagged Alliance Online during the same sitting. Both games were thrilling in a "tiny army" sort of way, and both seemed to finally get what makes tabletop gaming and strategy games fun. UFO Online was more complex in some ways, and I found the beta to be further along than Jagged Alliance Online's, but I have had fun in both so far. I'm hoping that gamigo, the publisher of both titles, keeps getting them both right.

I still had some issues with Jagged Alliance Online, but it's hard to say whether these will be corrected during one of the following betas. So while it is my duty to report to you these issues, I want you to bear in mind the state of the current game. Fortunately the title seems far enough along that I got a real feel for what is coming.

War is coming.

Click past the cut and I'll give you the details.

Continue reading First Impressions: Jagged Alliance Online

First Impressions: Jagged Alliance Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmof2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playftpgamigohands-onjagged-alliance-onlinejaommotbsTurn-basedTurn-Based-Strategyufo-onlineThu, 08 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: A second look at APB on launch day]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/first-impressions-a-second-look-at-apb-on-launch-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/first-impressions-a-second-look-at-apb-on-launch-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/first-impressions-a-second-look-at-apb-on-launch-day/#commentsFiled under: Screenshots, Launches, Free-to-play, Hands-on, All Points Bulletin, Crime, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions

APB Relaunch day

On June 29th, 2010, Realtime Worlds launched All Points Bulletin, an MMO that was highly anticipated for its character customization options, open-world "gang warfare" PvP, and similarity to the wildy popular Grand Theft Auto series of video games. In fact, the original APB's lead designer was David Jones, creator of such classics as Lemmings and the original Grand Theft Auto.

But six weeks later, Realtime Worlds entered administration, which essentially means that the company was having financial troubles but was allowed to continue running while looking for a new owner. That new owner didn't materialize quickly enough, forcing the company to announce the game's closure during what may be the shortest MMO lifespan of all time.

But who should come to save the day on November 11, 2010? None other than K2 Network, parent company of free-to-play publisher GamersFirst, which swooped in to rescue the game under the new title APB: Reloaded.

Today marks the official re-launch of the crime MMO on Steam, and I've been spending entirely too much time with the game, rediscovering why I both loved and hated the original version. Follow along after the cut for our second look at a First Impressions of APB.

Continue reading First Impressions: A second look at APB on launch day

First Impressions: A second look at APB on launch day originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrcrimef2pfirst-impressionsfree-to-playg1gamersfirsthands-onk2-networkrealtime-worldsrelaunchsecond-chanceTue, 06 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively Extra: First impressions of Wrath of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/not-so-massively-extra-first-impressions-of-wrath-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/not-so-massively-extra-first-impressions-of-wrath-of-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/not-so-massively-extra-first-impressions-of-wrath-of-heroes/#commentsFiled under: Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, PvP, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, Not So Massively, MOBA

Not So Massively title image

When BioWare-Mythic gave details of Wrath of Heroes during its talk at Gamescom, I was genuinely surprised. The emerging MOBA genre has been kind to small studios, even turning indie studio Riot Games into an industry giant in just two years. The incredible income generated by League of Legends has even started to attract big name studios, with Blizzard and Valve both developing MOBAs to enter the now booming genre. It was only a matter of time before EA entered the arena, but I really didn't expect BioWare to be at the helm.

Wrath of Heroes celebrated its third closed beta weekend at the end of November, and I was there to get some hands-on experience. I found a fundamentally fun game with a strange identity crisis -- the game adopts some ideas from existing titles while trying its hardest to be different. It has LoL's persistent levels and a variant of its rune system, but no character levels or items. There's a selection of heroes with five abilities each, but the traditional two team format present throughout online team games is discarded in favour of WoH's signature three team "6v6v6" game mode. The game is littered with these contradictions but somehow makes it work.

Skip past the cut to read my first impressions of Wrath of Heroes and see some screenshots of the game in action.

Gallery: Wrath of Heroes

Continue reading Not So Massively Extra: First impressions of Wrath of Heroes

Not So Massively Extra: First impressions of Wrath of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabiowarebioware-mythicfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgalleryhands-onmobamultiplayeronlinepreviewpreviewspvpscreenshotwarwarhammerWarhammer-Onlinewohwrath-of-heroesThu, 01 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: UFO Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/first-impressions-ufo-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/first-impressions-ufo-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/20/first-impressions-ufo-online/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Bugs, Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Hands-on, First Impressions

UFO Online screenshot

I've written about UFO Online before. It should be obvious how much I am looking forward to this new browser-based, turn-based strategy combat game. When I got to sit down with representatives from publisher gamigo at E3 earlier this year, I felt that familiar old feeling that I used to get when shopping for tabletop gaming miniatures. There's something about controlling a squad of little dudes with guns, something that seems to resonate with my generation.

Well, the board game has gone digital, and now we do not have to drive for miles and miles to get to the closest gaming shop and wade through six feet of nerddom just to hope that we aren't teamed up with players who really give the hobby a stereotypical bad name. Now we can digitally join up with fellow game geeks and have it out across worlds that fit in our browser.

I was able to take a bit of a tour through UFO Online over the last week. So what did I find? Click past the cut and I'll let you know.

Continue reading First Impressions: UFO Online

First Impressions: UFO Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgamigopvptabletopufo-onlineWarhammer-40KSun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: First impression turn-offs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/the-perfect-ten-first-impression-turn-offs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/the-perfect-ten-first-impression-turn-offs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/the-perfect-ten-first-impression-turn-offs/#commentsFiled under: Humor, First Impressions, Perfect Ten, Miscellaneous

Perfect Ten

A year ago our very own Shawn "The Mittani" Schuster wrote a memorable Soapbox column around the idea that MMOs had an hour to grab his attention or else he was out the door. No, don't go read it now. You're reading this! Stay! Good reader.

I concur with his point that while MMOs may ask us to experience them for the long haul, first impressions still count. And if those impressions aren't favorable right out the gate, it's not likely that we will be around for hour two, no matter how good it is.

I know what you're thinking right now: "What is this itching, burning sensation between my toes?" It's Athlete's Foot, and you need to get on that ASAP. You're also thinking, "But Justin, whose opinions I respect, admire, and use to teach my children, what drives you away from MMOs when you give them a try?" Again, it's an itching, burning sensation between my toes.

No, not really. It's more complicated than that -- so complicated, in fact, that it requires a 10-point presentation on what turns me off when an MMO is making a first impression. Imagine that!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: First impression turn-offs

The Perfect Ten: First impression turn-offs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athletes-footbad-impressionseqeverquestfallen-earthfeaturedfirst-impressionsgold-sellergold-sellinggold-spamlistlistsperfect-10perfect-tenplaystationpopupsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasathe-mittanithe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentutorialtutorialsvomitworld-of-warcraftwowxbox-liveThu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/first-impressions-sd-gundam-capsule-fighters-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/first-impressions-sd-gundam-capsule-fighters-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/first-impressions-sd-gundam-capsule-fighters-online/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Game mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions

SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online

Like the gameplay of SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online, the title of the game itself may need some translation. "Online" and "Fighter" you can probably make sense of, and even if your knowledge of Japanese cartoons ends on Saturday mornings in the '80s and '90s, "Gundam" is probably familiar -- this is a game where you drive robots around shooting at each other online. But "Capsule" might throw you a bit, and "SD" was a new one to me. "SD" means "super deformed," and Gundam Capsules are like those little plastic balls you can get from 25-cent-machines in the supermarket. They're toy versions of Gundam mechs, basically.

In other words, SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online is essentially a game about toy robots fighting. It was first released in South Korea in 2007, and it's slowly made its way around the world here to North America, where it's in closed beta and is set for a full free-to-play release in "early December" by OGPlanet.

As you might imagine, it's cute, and the mechanic of collecting and customizing these little robot machines that you can send into battle will likely appeal to quite a few players. Unfortunately, after playing a few matches of the third-person shooter at OGPlanet headquarters recently, I determined that it'll be tough to recommend the title to anyone but the most die-hard of Gundam fans.

Gallery: SD Gundam Capsule Fighter Online

Continue reading First Impressions: SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online

First Impressions: SD Gundam Capsule Fighters Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionfeaturedfirst-impressionsgalleriesgallerygameplayhands-onkoreanmmoogplanetpreviewpreviewssd-gundam-capsule-fighter-onlinesd-gundam-onlinesdgoThu, 10 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-little-space-heroes/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-fi, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Hands-on, Casual, First Impressions, Kids, MMO Family, Family

Little Space Heroes

In this week's MMO Family, I took a look at an adorable new game from Bubble Gum Interactive called Little Space Heroes. It's a free-to-play, animated, space-themed game aimed at children ages 6 to 12. The game is still in beta, but players can register and get a glimpse of this virtual universe right now.

At first glance, I wasn't sure whether I'd even be able to get my two young "testers" interested in the game. They've tried similar-looking games like Club Penguin but never seemed to stick with them for very long. Surprisingly, not only did they enjoy it, but they pretty much took over, and my little space alien hero was shoved aside as we spent most of our time playing their two characters. Read on for some first impressions!

Continue reading MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes

MMO Family: First impressions of Little Space Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowser-basedbubble-gum-interactivechildrenchildrens-mmosfamily-mmosfeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onkaren-bryankidskids-gameskids-mmoslittle-space-heroesopinionpreviewpreviewsspaceWed, 02 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: An early look at Dawntide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/some-assembly-required-an-early-look-at-dawntide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/some-assembly-required-an-early-look-at-dawntide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/some-assembly-required-an-early-look-at-dawntide/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Hands-on, Dawntide, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox, Crafting

Some Assembly Required - blueprint banner

Hey folks, and welcome back to Some Assembly Required. The column's been around for a little bit now, and we've done everything from developer interviews to opinionated rants to sandbox and player-generated content feature spotlights. One thing we haven't done is an impressions piece on new sandbox titles, and I aim to fill that void today with an early look at Dawntide.

The title is an open-world fantasy sandbox under development by Working as Intended, an indie outfit that calls Copenhagen, Denmark home. Dawntide has been under construction for quite a while now (we first spoke with the devs way back in the summer of 2009), and after a series of funding and development challenges, the end of the long beta journey is in sight.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: An early look at Dawntide

Some Assembly Required: An early look at Dawntide originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attributesbetacombatcraftingdawntidefeaturedfirst-impressionsgame-mechanicsgatheringhands-onharvestingimpressionsindieindie-sandboxopen-betaopinionpreviewssandboxskill-basedskillssome-assembly-requiredstatstheorycraftingtradeskillingwaiworking-as-intendedFri, 28 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Luvinia Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/first-impressions-luvinia-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/first-impressions-luvinia-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/24/first-impressions-luvinia-online/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions

Welcome once again to another thrilling installment of first impressions. Today we venture into the sugary-sweet (and somewhat bizarre) world of Luvinia Online, a new F2P MMO from Outspark. The game launched late last month, and I decided to jump in (with the help of a lovely developer walkthrough, no less) and see what the new title had to offer.

As readers of my other reviews will know, I'm very selective when it comes to free-to-play titles -- harsh, even. So does this quirky little MMO rise to the occasion, or does it flounder about at the bottom of the barrel? Follow me past the cut and I'll let you know.

Continue reading First Impressions: Luvinia Online

First Impressions: Luvinia Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onlollipop-daggersluvinialuvinia-onlineoutsparkreviewMon, 24 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively Extra: Our impressions of Path of Exile]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/not-so-massively-extra-our-impressions-of-path-of-exile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/not-so-massively-extra-our-impressions-of-path-of-exile/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/not-so-massively-extra-our-impressions-of-path-of-exile/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Video, Game mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Livestream, Not So Massively

Path of Exile title image

Path of Exile is an upcoming online action RPG by relatively new developer Grinding Gear Games. The game boasts a dark and gritty game world with randomly generated levels and dozens of different skills, all the things that old-school fans of the Diablo series loved. The game is currently in the closed beta stages, but the developers say it will be free-to-play when released and will feature an online world able to support hundreds of thousands of players. The game servers will use the Guild Wars model of communal town districts leading to instanced combat areas, making the game potentially more MMO than online action RPG.

Grinding Gear Games was kind enough to give Massively a few beta keys and permission to livestream the game in its current beta state. The livestream was a huge success, with over 200 people tuning in to check out the game and have a chance of winning a beta key. In this article, Massively's Patrick Mackey and I deliver our first impressions of the Path of Exile beta based on last week's livestream and further play time.

Skip past the cut for Massively's first impressions of the Path of Exile beta.

Continue reading Not So Massively Extra: Our impressions of Path of Exile

Not So Massively Extra: Our impressions of Path of Exile originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbetabetasbrendan-draindiablodiablo-3diablo-iiifeaturedFirst-Impressionsgameplaygrinding-gear-gameshands-onlivestreamnot-so-massivelypath-of-exilepatrick-mackeypoepreviewtorchlighttorchlight-2trailervideovideosSat, 22 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Blizzard DOTA: Tweaking the genre it created]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/hands-on-with-blizzard-dota-tweaking-the-genre-blizzard-created/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/hands-on-with-blizzard-dota-tweaking-the-genre-blizzard-created/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/21/hands-on-with-blizzard-dota-tweaking-the-genre-blizzard-created/#commentsFiled under: Events, real-world, Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Hands-on, MMORTS, Massively Hands-on, Miscellaneous

Mat McCurley is on loan to us from WoW Insider, which dispatched him to BlizzCon 2011 just in time to bring us this hands-on with Blizzard's upcoming MOBA!

Blizzard DOTA has been reborn! We first experienced the StarCraft II module back during BlizzCon 2010, when the game felt like a very different affair. Now, Blizzard DOTA has been more streamlined to make for a unique and new playstyle. While the basic gameplay of the tri-lane DOTA maps stays similar (with two forces of minions ever-locked in eternal combat moving up and down lanes), there are changes that give the game a bit more dynamic player control.

Continue reading Hands-on with Blizzard DOTA: Tweaking the genre it created

Hands-on with Blizzard DOTA: Tweaking the genre it created originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzardblizzard-dotaBlizzard-Entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2011defense-of-the-ancientsdotafeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onmobaopinionpreviewpreviewsFri, 21 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's double-dose of SWTOR beta impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/massivelys-double-dose-of-swtor-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/massivelys-double-dose-of-swtor-beta-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/massivelys-double-dose-of-swtor-beta-impressions/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Sci-fi, Game mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, Star Wars: The Old Republic

Jef & Larry's SWTOR beta impressions

For the last few weeks, two members of the Massively staff, Larry Everett and Jef Reahard, have been romping around in the Star Wars: The Old Republic beta, enjoying an extended look at BioWare's upcoming story-driven themepark. Today, we can finally reveal their thoughts on the current state of the game just two months before launch.

Larry is our SWTOR columnist; he's been following the game for us for more than a year and a half. And Jef is our Age of Conan specialist (and former Aion and EverQuest II writer) whose love for sandboxes and soapboxes is well-known. Both are die-hard Star Wars fans. Sit back and savor a double-helping of SWTOR beta impressions!

Jef's SWTOR Beta Impressions

Larry's SWTOR Beta Impressions

Massively's double-dose of SWTOR beta impressions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasbiowareeaElectronic-Artsfirst-impressionshands-onjef-reahardlarry-everettpreviewpreviewssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorThu, 20 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wings-over-atreias-aion-2-7-sneak-peek-dev-death-match/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wings-over-atreias-aion-2-7-sneak-peek-dev-death-match/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/wings-over-atreias-aion-2-7-sneak-peek-dev-death-match/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Video, Aion, Expansions, PvP, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, Wings Over Atreia

Wings Over Atreia header

You all just better be grateful that NCsoft is working out the kinks by using me as a guinea pig so you can have a smooth launch! Even if by launch I only mean the PTS, which is set to go live today with Aion's newest patch. Yes folks, I -- your intrepid Wings Over Atreia correspondent -- was invited to a media sneak-peek to check out the Crucible 3 arenas coming very soon to a live server near you. Who am I to pass up a few practice runs through the new arenas before the rest of the masses? So I touch-down mid-week for some additional Atreian coverage. And come on, no one could pass up the chance to stealth up behind a dev and unleash a flurry of dagger blows into his/her back!

Unfortunately, logistical and technical difficulties stretching for days plagued this endeavor. Yours truly was especially cursed. However, just when it seemed like the event wouldn't happen, there we were, standing in Kaisinel Academy in spiffy new duds and queued to enter what is arguably the highlight of 2.7: the PvP arenas. At this point, I forgave all previous problems because I got to commence some slaughter on a few NCsoft employees. What?!? You all know you want to! I tested my dagger and sword against Scott Hannus, producer of the game guide; two members of the game guide team, Sean Orlikowski and Ryan Compton; Adam Christensen, Associate Producer; Dom Wai, Brand Manager; and two members of the community management team, Felicia Johnson (Nyx) and Curtis Grooms (Anhtoo).

Oh, and I learned some pretty neat things about the upcoming patch as well.

So how was the experience? And just exactly how tasty are Aion's forthcoming goodies? Whet your appetite past the cut with my impressions of the two instances and the new PvP gear as well as check out a video. Then join in on the PTS server to experience for yourself.

Gallery: Aion 2.7

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match

Wings Over Atreia's Aion 2.7 sneak-peek: Dev death match originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.7-patchAdam-Christensenaionaion-crucibleaion-gameAnhtooarenaarenasarmorcruciblecrucible-3Crucible-ColiseumCurtis-Groomsdom-waiDomWaiduelduelsfeaturedFelicia-JohnsonFFAFFA-PvPFirst-Impressionsgalleriesgalleryhands-onnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnyxpatchpatch-2.7previewpvppvp-armorpvp-gearpvp-weaponsRyan-ComtonscreenshotscreenshotsSean-Orlikowskisneak-peekvideoWings-Over-AtreiaWed, 12 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Eurogamer Expo 2011 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/not-so-massively-eurogamer-expo-2011-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/not-so-massively-eurogamer-expo-2011-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/not-so-massively-eurogamer-expo-2011-edition/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Video, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, New titles, Previews, PvP, News items, PvE, Hands-on, Consoles, Not So Massively

Not So Massively title image

Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Monday, the column covers games such as League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Rise of Immortals, Bloodline Champions and more.

It's been just over a week since Eurogamer Expo 2011, where countless upcoming and released games were demonstrated to attendees and made playable on the show floor. While some of them neatly fell into singleplayer or MMO categories, action adventure Dark Souls and the beautifully zen Journey sought to blur the line between those categories more than any game I've seen to date. Both are singleplayer games in which other players can seamlessly enter your world during play, a fascinating concept that I'm now dying to dig into.

Red 5 resolved its dispute with Webzen this week, allowing Firefall to continue development unhindered by legal drama. Brawl Busters enters a new phase of closed beta, and we have a dump truck full of beta keys to give away. League of Legends reveals details of upcoming champions Xerath and The Nine Tail Fox, in addition to a new livestreaming site designed to collect money for gaming charity Child's Play. Rise of Immortals launched on Steam this week and released its first post-launch Immortal Trovoc, the Last Dragon. Finally, hints at a console version for Diablo III or console controls for the PC version have surfaced this week due to some cryptic forum responses by Blizzard staff.

In this week's Not So Massively, I give some first impressions of Dark Souls and Journey from Eurogamer Expo 2011 and delve into all the latest news from games that aren't quite MMOs.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Eurogamer Expo 2011 edition

Not So Massively: Eurogamer Expo 2011 edition originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Action-RPGblizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentbrawl-bustersdark-soulsdemons-soulsdiablo-3diablo-iiidialodungeon-crawlereurogamer-expoEurogamer-Expo-2011featuredfirefallfirst-impressionshands-onholy-crap-these-games-are-awesomeinnovationjourneyleague-of-legendslolmultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelypetroglyphred-5-studiosriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsrpgthat-game-companyThatGameCompanyvideowebzenMon, 03 Oct 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO impressions from Eurogamer Expo 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/mmo-impressions-from-eurogamer-expo-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/mmo-impressions-from-eurogamer-expo-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/mmo-impressions-from-eurogamer-expo-2011/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-fi, Galleries, Culture, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, New titles, PvE, Opinion, Guild Wars 2, Hands-on, Star Wars: The Old Republic

Eurogamer Expo

Some of the industry's biggest names were at Eurogamer Expo last week, including BioWare, NCsoft and Trion Worlds. I was on the floor at the expo to get some hands-on experience with several upcoming MMOs and countless singleplayer games. Guild Wars 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic stole the show, with hands-on gameplay sessions and in-depth developer talks. BioWare also made the bold move of announcing SWTOR's official release date during its talk at the convention. In addition to promoting the heck out of RIFT, Trion showed off upcoming MMORTS End of Nations with a hands-on demo and encouraged attendees to sign up to the End of Nations newsletter.

RIFT and World of Tanks were both playable on the show floor for the entire weekend, but nothing new was being shown. Hack-and-slash adventure RPG Dark Souls and the beautifully zen Journey both demonstrated incredibly innovative multiplayer aspects that I'll likely cover in my weekly Not So Massively column, but neither falls neatly into the MMO box. OnLive had a spectacular showing at the expo, giving away free home consoles to every attendee and demonstrating the system's surprisingly lag-free gameplay on the floor. We discovered that although there are no MMOs in OnLive's current lineup, this isn't due to technical infeasibility, so we may yet see MMOs launched on the service.

Skip past the cut for my in-depth hands-on impressions of Guild Wars 2, Star Wars: The Old Republic and End of Nations from Eurogamer Expo 2011.

Continue reading MMO impressions from Eurogamer Expo 2011

MMO impressions from Eurogamer Expo 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetarenanet-guild-wars2betabetasbiowarebioware-mmobioware-mmorpgbioware-star-warsbioware-swtorDark SoulsDarkSoulseaelectronic-artsEnd of Nationsend-of-nationsEndOfNationseurogamer-expoEurogamer-Expo-2011featuredfirst-impressionsgallerygameplayguild-wars2guildwars2gw2hands-onlucas-artslucas-arts-mmolucas-arts-mmorpgonlivepetroglyphpreviewstar-wars-gamestar-wars-mmostar-wars-mmorpgstar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torstarwarsstarwars-the-old-republicsw-torswtorthe-old-republictrion-worldsSat, 01 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively Extra: Our impressions of Bloodline Champions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/not-so-massively-extra-our-impressions-of-bloodline-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/not-so-massively-extra-our-impressions-of-bloodline-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/not-so-massively-extra-our-impressions-of-bloodline-champions/#commentsFiled under: Game mechanics, PvP, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Not So Massively

Not So Massively Extra title image

Of all the MOBAs on the market today, Bloodline Champions is probably the most action-oriented. Traditional MOBA gameplay with lanes, towers, and creeps is thrown out the window in favour of fast-paced action and skill-based aiming. Produced by indie developer Stunlock Studios, Bloodline Champions won the Best XNA Game award at 2009's Swedish Game Awards and went on to officially launch at the start of this year.

Since the game's release, Stunlock and publisher Funcom have worked together to introduce Bloodline Champions to the e-sports and competitive gaming arenas, sponsoring several competitive tournaments with cash prizes. Massively staffers Patrick Mackey, Matt Daniel and I recently spent a night of frantically smashing internet people to pieces in this high-action MOBA to see what all the fuss was about.

In this collaborative hands-on impressions piece, the three of us give our first impressions of Bloodline Champions.

Continue reading Not So Massively Extra: Our impressions of Bloodline Champions

Not So Massively Extra: Our impressions of Bloodline Champions originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloodline-championsbrendan-drainfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playfuncomhands-nignitermatt-danielmobapatrick-mackeypvpstunlock-studiosMon, 12 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Savage Coast first impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/the-anvil-of-crom-savage-coast-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/the-anvil-of-crom-savage-coast-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/04/the-anvil-of-crom-savage-coast-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Age of Conan, MMO industry, Patches, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Anvil of Crom

Anvil of Crom header

Oy, the life of a game blogger. Earlier this week I teed off a bit on subscription-based games that tack on a cash shop. The short version of that particular rant is that I'm not a fan of the practice, at all, and as far as my personal gaming time goes, I've bid adieu to all of the double-dippers formerly denting my wallet -- with one exception, of course.

Whether that one exception makes me a hypocrite or is simply part of my job description is something I haven't quite figured out yet. In any event, it's somewhat ironic that I'm now about to tell you what a good time I had after spending 20 bucks in Age of Conan's item store. Yep, there I was, forking over for 2400 Funcom points -- I only needed 2000 for the Savage Coast of Turan adventure pack, of course -- and enjoying it for the most part. Luckily, it only costs 520 Massively points to read my first impressions after the cut.

Gallery: Age of Conan - Coast of Ardashir

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Savage Coast first impressions

The Anvil of Crom: Savage Coast first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-package-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromaocaoc-unchainedardashirardashir-cityconanf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playgallerynew-contentsavage-coast-of-turanscreenshotsthe-anvil-of-cromturanSun, 04 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX 2011: Massively's hands-on with WildStar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-massivelys-hands-on-with-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-massivelys-hands-on-with-wildstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/pax-2011-massivelys-hands-on-with-wildstar/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Events, real-world, New titles, Previews, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, Massively Event Coverage, WildStar

Look at how big her ... ears are!

I'll confess, I didn't want to like WildStar. I was interested to hear that NCsoft and Carbine Studios would be unveiling a new MMO at Gamescom, so I took a look at the trailer as soon as it was released to see what it was all about.

At my look of the wasp-waisted, big-eyed bunny girl with the crazy long tail, I rolled my eyes and dismissed the game as silly. For about 10 seconds. By the time I got to the end of the trailer, the self-deprecating sense of humor and quirky style had sucked me right in. I watched pretty carefully for more information and was eager to get a firsthand look at WildStar at this year's PAX Follow along after the jump to see what I found out.

Continue reading PAX 2011: Massively's hands-on with WildStar

PAX 2011: Massively's hands-on with WildStar originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosfeaturedFirst-Impressionshands-onimpressionsncsoftpaxpax-2011pax-prime-2011previewpreviewswildstarWed, 31 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: A look inside the Forgotten City]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/the-anvil-of-crom-a-look-inside-the-forgotten-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/the-anvil-of-crom-a-look-inside-the-forgotten-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/31/the-anvil-of-crom-a-look-inside-the-forgotten-city/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Age of Conan, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Anvil of Crom

A couple of weeks ago I took you on a tour of the Breach, one of two new instances that debuted with Age of Conan's free-to-play Unchained patch. Today, we'll nose around the second dungeon, an outdoor playfield called the Forgotten City that -- like its predecessor -- has AoC's distinctive far-eastern flavor written all over it.

The two instances are similar in that they both scale to a player's level between 40 and 80, and they're both accessed via the Gateway to Khitai zone that serves as the entry point into AoC's Rise of the Godslayer content. That's about where the similarities end, though, as the dungeons are quite different in terms of visual style and challenge level.

Gallery: Age of Conan - The Forgotten City

Approaching the city

Path to the city

Archway again

Archway

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: A look inside the Forgotten City

The Anvil of Crom: A look inside the Forgotten City originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-guidesaocaoc-unchaineddemonologistdungeon-guidedungeonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsforgotten-cityforgotten-city-guidefree-to-playgallerygame-guideguidesimpressionskhitaiopinionpvescreenshotssolo-dungeonsolo-dungeon-guidesolo-instancethe-anvil-of-cromthe-forgotten-citythe-forgotten-city-guideSun, 31 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Once more unto the Breach, dear friends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/the-anvil-of-crom-once-more-unto-the-breach-dear-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/the-anvil-of-crom-once-more-unto-the-breach-dear-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/the-anvil-of-crom-once-more-unto-the-breach-dear-friends/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Age of Conan, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Anvil of Crom

Ah yes, where else but Massively can you get a lesson in both Shakespeare and Age of Conan (in the same article, no less)? Nowhere else, I tell you, and before we get to the Conan part, let's get ye olde English out of the way. Many of you have no doubt uttered today's titular phrase on your way into a particularly nasty game dungeon. A few of you may have even uttered it correctly.

Here's your gold star.

The rest of you, pay attention: It's unto the breach. Unto, not into. So said Shakespeare and later Olivier in his 1944 film adaptation of Henry V. And yeah, I used to say it wrong too. Anyway, on to the AoC. The Breach in question is one of two new solo dungeons added with the Unchained update, and thanks to Blood and Glory, this particular dungeon is the only one of the pair that your humble columnist has found time to sample.

Gallery: Age of Conan - The Breach

The Breach from afar

Dead guys hanging

Bear Shaman's campfire

The Arena again

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Once more unto the Breach, dear friends

The Anvil of Crom: Once more unto the Breach, dear friends originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conan-guideage-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromanvil-of-crom-guidesaoc-unchainedbear-shamanbreach-guidedemonologistdungeon-guidedungeonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playgallerygame-guidesguidesimpressionsinstanceskhitaiopinionpvescreenshotssolo-dungeonsolo-dungeon-guidesolo-instancethe-anvil-of-cromthe-breachthe-breach-guideSun, 17 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Unchained, free at last, and some initial observations]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/the-anvil-of-crom-unchained-free-at-last-and-some-initial-obs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/the-anvil-of-crom-unchained-free-at-last-and-some-initial-obs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/03/the-anvil-of-crom-unchained-free-at-last-and-some-initial-obs/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Age of Conan, Business models, MMO industry, Opinion, Free-to-play, The Anvil of Crom

Timing, as they say, is everything, and so I'd like to take a brief moment to thank Funcom for fouling up my carefully laid column plans this week. Also, it's a rare day that I'm not prowling the interwebs in search of news for our fair website, so of course, the second day out of the last six months that saw me take some time off was naturally the very same day that Funcom decided to launch Age of Conan: Unchained.

And yeah, I said Unchained, not Unrated, and if you think you're going to have trouble referring to the game as such after cozying up to the former moniker for the last month, console yourself with the fact that you now have David Lee Roth careening around inside your head for the foreseeable future. You're welcome.

In all seriousness, though, Age of Conan is free at last, free at last, thank God almighty it's free-to-play at last (even if it was a little sudden).

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Unchained, free at last, and some initial observations

The Anvil of Crom: Unchained, free at last, and some initial observations originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.62.6-patchage-of-conanage-of-conan-2.6age-of-conan-unchainedanvil-of-cromaoc-2.6aoc-unchainedaoc-unratedappearance-slotscash-shopconandavid-lee-rothf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playfuncomfuncom-pointshyboriaimpressionsitem-shopopinionslimy-sales-tacticsthe-anvil-of-cromunchainedunchained-impressionsunchained-reviewvan-halenvanity-armorSun, 03 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: ARGO Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/first-impressions-argo-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/first-impressions-argo-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/25/first-impressions-argo-online/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions

Ask any of the Massively staff and they will gladly tell you that I have a borderline obsessive fascination with all things steampunk (HNNNNGH!), so I was rather pleased when I found out that the subject of my next first impressions column was ARGO Online, which bills itself as a steampunk fantasy MMORPG. But of course, whether I'm borderline obsessive or not, a steampunk setting does not necessarily make a good game.

ARGO is very much what most expect out of a westernized Korean free-to-play MMO; it's rife with translation issues, grindy quests, and inadequately explained systems. But despite all of that, there are a few interesting features to be found buried in the sand. What are these features? And moreover, do they make the game worth playing? Follow past the cut to find out.

Continue reading First Impressions: ARGO Online

First Impressions: ARGO Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayaargoargo-onlinef2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onsteampunksteampunk-fantasySat, 25 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Eden Eternal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/first-impressions-eden-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/first-impressions-eden-eternal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/first-impressions-eden-eternal/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Free-to-play, First Impressions

Hello, Massively readers, and welcome to my first ever first impressions article. Are you excited!? No? Well, feign interest for me anyway, and be gentle! Today, I've been asked to take a look at the currently-in-closed-beta Eden Eternal from Aeria Games, and you all have front-row seats for the grand tour. Now, I don't know about y'all, but I tend to be highly skeptical in regard to free-to-play games such as this one. I'm sure at least some of you know what I mean -- anime-inspired graphics, microtransaction-based, each with the same instantly recognizable website layout.

With this in mind, I wasn't expecting much when I first logged in to Eden Eternal. I was anticipating, at best, some limited character customization, poorly translated quests, and a whole lot of grinding that could only be alleviated by shelling out for upgrades in the cash shop. What did I find instead? Jump past the cut to find out.

Continue reading First Impressions: Eden Eternal

First Impressions: Eden Eternal originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesanimebetaclosed-betaeden-eternaleef2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onMon, 06 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Gods & Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/first-impressions-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/first-impressions-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/first-impressions-gods-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Historical, New titles, Previews, Opinion, Hands-on, First Impressions, Miscellaneous

I've seen the gameplay in Gods & Heroes before. I've played games that were built on the same idea with similar lore, and I've definitely tried games that featured the same kind of quests. I've seen a lot, to say the least, so I really like it when a game surprises me a bit. I'll be really honest and say that I don't really even like the ancient Rome setting. It's not fantasy enough for me, sort of like MMOs set in World War II. Or Canada.

Still, I was asked to take a look at Gods & Heroes, and so I did. Up to that point, I had heard a lot about it, but most of it was negative. It's buggy, they said. It's ugly, too. So you can imagine my surprise when I felt surprised when I logged in. Granted, there was plenty of blandness in certain areas of the game, but the estate system and NPC groupmates made me think that this team might just have something.

Click past the cut and I'll tell you more.

Continue reading First Impressions: Gods & Heroes

First Impressions: Gods & Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-romebeau-hindmanbetacyclopsestateestate-systemestatesfeaturedFirst-Impressionsghgods-and-heroesgreecehands-onheatwaveheatwave-interactivemini-armyminionsromeFri, 03 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Divine Souls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/first-impressions-divine-souls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/first-impressions-divine-souls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/first-impressions-divine-souls/#commentsFiled under: Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions, Divine Souls

Divine Souls, published by Outspark, reminds me of Vindictus in far too many ways. I only question which came first and whether more fighting games like the two are coming in the future. While I have had a lot of love for Vindictus since its release, I also have had enough issues with it that I had to stop playing it much at all. While I will save that for another article, I can use the popular Nexon release to illustrate what is wrong and right about Divine Souls. More of Massively's readers are probably familiar with Vindictus, so that will be a good point of comparison.

Think of Divine Souls as Vindictus' uglier little cousin. Granted, Vindictus is a supermodel, so that makes Divine Souls just an average beautiful person, but it should still be noted. Also, both games pit players against hordes of enemies -- massive swarms of baddies that die in spectacular ways. Well, spectacular when you see them for the first few times. After that it becomes pretty repetitive.

Join me past the cut and let's talk about what I liked and didn't like about Divine Souls. Don't worry, there are no baddies to jump you.

Continue reading First Impressions: Divine Souls

First Impressions: Divine Souls originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionAction-RPGbeau-hindmancash-shopdivine-soulsdungeon-crawlerf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionfirst-impressionsfree-to-playftphands-onlaunchlaunchesnew-releasesNexonnexon-americaoutsparkpreviewvindictusThu, 07 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Forsaken World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/first-impressions-forsaken-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/first-impressions-forsaken-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/first-impressions-forsaken-world/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, Screenshots, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions

Perfect World Entertainment's latest title, Forsaken World, is made to sound like the polar opposite of Perfect World, the older flagship title that serves as Forsaken World's foundation. When I first heard about this newer project, I was enthused. After all, I wasn't really fond of Perfect World. I thought it was too stale and linear. Still, I have admired Perfect World Entertainment for a long time, mainly because the company knows its audience and does really good work. Its games are flexible when it comes to system requirements, and its titles fit all sorts of different players and age ranges.

Also, the developers claimed that Forsaken World would be a game made for a "Western audience." Of course this means absolutely nothing to me, being that there are easily millions and millions of players for decidedly "Eastern" games like Nexon titles or other large publishers, so I figured that PWE meant to say that it was a game made for those snootier Western players who consider free-to-play games to be nothing but point-and-click junk. Strangely enough, PWE got the WASD movement wrong in Forsaken World. I have no idea how or why this was missed, but the "Western" audience will notice, I promise.

Click past the cut and let's talk about everything I loved about the game -- and a few things I did not.

Continue reading First Impressions: Forsaken World

First Impressions: Forsaken World originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopcraftingeasternf2pfeaturedFirst-Impressionsforsaken-worldfree-to-playftpgrindperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentperfect-world-internationalpwepwiwesternFri, 01 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Mythos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/first-impressions-mythos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/first-impressions-mythos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/12/first-impressions-mythos/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Previews, PvE, Opinion, Mythos, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions

I've played plenty of Diablo-style games, games filled with endless hours of dungeon grinding and loot collecting. I'll be honest: They're not usually my thing. I like a little more variety in my adventure and not such a linear experience. When I was asked to take a look at Mythos, a "new" (read: older title that is receiving a re-do) game that is currently in closed beta, I was pretty skeptical. After all, I've played this style of game before and enjoyed it in Torchlight and others, and the developers are adding on an MMO element to it now.

This could mean a few things.

First, the game could be a horrible, buggy mess that would turn me off instantly. Or second, it could be something completely charming and different that could work really well as an MMO. Which did I find?

Click past the cut and I promise to tell you.

Continue reading First Impressions: Mythos

First Impressions: Mythos originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbetaclosed-betaDiablodiablo-clonedungeon-grinderf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playfrogsterftpgrindinghanbitsofthands-onmythosmythos-europeopinionpreviewredbanaWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 12 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's first impressions of Wakfu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/massivelys-first-impressions-of-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/massivelys-first-impressions-of-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/massivelys-first-impressions-of-wakfu/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Previews, Hands-on, First Impressions

If you are a fan of Dofus, you might be familiar with my current mania. I was asked to take an early look at Wakfu, the game that could be called "Dofus 2.0," and I was given permission to talk about it. That's right, if it were a horrible menace to my free time, I would be able to tell you. If it didn't run, or if it were nothing but a mess of bugs, I could tell you that as well. Of course, I wasn't forbidden from telling you how much I might have liked it or how confident I was that the game truly felt like a "2.0," so I might just do some of that.

Remember, this is a closed beta I am about to talk about. Let's keep that in mind. OK, OK, I just have to say that -- sort of like an article disclaimer to do away with any responsibility I might have for my opinion. Now, I don't want to give you any spoilers, and I want you to promise to read to the end of the article, but let's just say that, closed beta or not, this game is really tight.

But let's go ahead and click past the cut, mkay? I want to tell you more.

Gallery: Wakfu beta screens

Continue reading Massively's first impressions of Wakfu

Massively's first impressions of Wakfu originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesbeau-hindmanclosed-betacraftingDofusenvironmentalfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgalleryhands-onmabinogipreviewRyzomscreenshotsSquare-EnixTurn-basedwakfuweatherweather-systemsMon, 14 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The P-word: Earthrise first impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/the-p-word-earthrise-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: Sci-fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Launches, New titles, Opinion, Hands-on, Massively Hands-on, First Impressions, Earthrise, Post-Apocalyptic

Prior to taking the plunge with Masthead Studios' new Earthrise MMORPG, ask yourself the following questions: Do you have patience? Do you like to read? If the answer to either one of those questions is no -- regardless of whether you consider yourself a sandbox fan -- the game's current incarnation probably isn't for you.

Earthrise is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMORPG featuring two human factions struggling to rebuild in the aftermath of a third world war. In this distant, dystopian future, nanotech, quantum engineering, and cloning are commonplace technologies, and that's a good thing for you since you'll be dying. A lot.

If you're pre-disposed to sandboxes, excited by complexity, and not averse to a little ganking, the game might just tickle your fancy despite its rough-around-the-edges presentation and sub-par performance. We previewed the game a few weeks back over livestream, but today we add to that with a full hands-on with the game post-launch. Join me after the cut for my first impressions after 10-plus hours of gameplay.

Gallery: Earthrise

Continue reading The P-word: Earthrise first impressions

The P-word: Earthrise first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcraftingearthriseenterrafeaturedffa-pvpFirst-Impressionsgallerieshands-onlaunchlaunchesmastheadmasthead-studiosopen-pvpopinionpvepvpsandboxsci-fiscreenshotssubscriptionFri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: My expedition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/01/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-neverending-quest-my-expedition/#commentsFiled under: Fantasy, EverQuest, Free-to-play, Hands-on, Humor, First Impressions, The Game Archaeologist

Today I feel a little like Jake from The Blues Brothers, the Jake who, while on the defensive when confronted with his failings, comes up with a laundry list of excuses including earthquakes, flat tires, a lost tuxedo, a stolen car, floods and locusts: "It wasn't my fault, I swear to God!" Yup, Jake, I empathize.

After going through an excellent month of EverQuest on The Game Archaeologist here, I had every intention to marinate in old-fashioned EQ goodness for the very first time in my life. I set several evenings aside, put on my chainmail bikini and Viking hat, and told the computer to, I quote, "Bring it on."

Then the floods and locusts happened, in the form of a number of personal crises compounded by an unexpectedly difficult time just getting into the EverQuest Escape to Norrath unlimited trial. I don't know what's going on over at SOE, but the signup for this trial simply doesn't work. I followed the directions and downloaded the client, but the next screen (which contained the activation key) never appeared. It appears that I'm not alone dealing with this frustrating experience, but long story short, I eventually created a second account to just get the 14-day trial (instead of the unlimited one) to get in the game. By then I was down to just a mere two evenings of EverQuest trompings, which I knew would not be enough to satisfy the fans looking for an in-depth impressions of their favorite game.

So I have to throw myself on your mercy and tell you that I played it, but not nearly as much as I should've. That said, it definitely was an intriguing expedition from which I took away quite a few notes and during which I at least had the opportunity to get my feet wet. What is EverQuest like to an experienced MMO player who's coming to the game for the first time over a decade after it released? Hit the jump and let's see how far down this rabbit hole goes!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: My expedition

The Game Archaeologist and the NeverEnding Quest: My expedition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlinebarbarianbeastlordbeastmasterbeginner-zoneblues-brotherscity-of-heroesddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeqeq2eqiiescape-to-norratheverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifirst-impressionsframeratehailjakekill-ten-ratsnorrathplanetsidesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgthe-blues-brothersthe-game-archaeologistthe-simstutorialuiWorld-of-WarcraftwowTue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Pandora Saga beta event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/first-impressions-pandora-saga-beta-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/first-impressions-pandora-saga-beta-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/first-impressions-pandora-saga-beta-event/#commentsFiled under: Betas, Fantasy, Galleries, Screenshots, Previews, Opinion, Free-to-play, Hands-on, First Impressions

When I was asked to check out Atlus Games' Pandora Saga in its new form, I was slightly excited. Only slightly, though. See, I've taken a look at it before and found a lonely game with nothing but grinding to offer -- at least at first. So I hoped that the game had changed some, perhaps matured a bit for this newer offering for a newer audience. I didn't know it back then, but the game I was playing was not really the North American release. I just signed up and played it, and I didn't pay attention to any warnings that "This is not the North American version!" if there were any.

As it goes, this new version is really just a more localized and tweaked version of the previous game. The big difference for me came not in the form of quests and content, but in playerbase. The game space was flooded with players, most of them pining to hit level 30 first or run off to reported huge PvP matches. Again, I kind of felt left behind. Yes, I was given some handy experience potions and stat-increasing aids, but normally I play a First Impressions game a few hours a day for five to seven days. I had this game for only about three days.

Click past the cut and I'll tell you more.

Continue reading First Impressions: Pandora Saga beta event

First Impressions: Pandora Saga beta event originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atlusatlus-gamesbeau-hindmanbetabeta-eventbeta-eventsfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgalleryhands-onopinionpandora-sagascreenshotscreenshotsso-much-runningThu, 23 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST