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[Alganon delays expansion, plans double-XP weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/alganon-delays-expansion-plans-double-xp-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/alganon-delays-expansion-plans-double-xp-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/alganon-delays-expansion-plans-double-xp-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Alganon
Citing "unforseen circumstances," the team at QOL has announced that Alganon's Rise of the Ourobani expansion will be delayed until the fourth quarter of this year. "After evaluation of the project, it was decided that more time was needed in order to do some critical bug fixes as well as to spend more time on certain areas and features of the expansion in order to do the best work possible," the devs wrote in the April newsletter.

Rise of the Ourobani will feature the playable titular race, a brand-new continent to explore, a Warden combat companion, PvP, and flying mounts. To soften the blow of the expansion's delay, QOL has released several sneak peek pictures and videos.

Even though the expansion is a ways away, players have a reason to log in now, as Alganon is preparing a double-XP weekend from April 20 through the 23rd.

You can watch Rise of the Ourobani flying mounts in action after the break.

Continue reading Alganon delays expansion, plans double-XP weekend

MassivelyAlganon delays expansion, plans double-XP weekend originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonclasscontinentdelaydouble-xpdouble-xp-weekendf2pfantasyflying-mountflying-mountsfree-to-playourobaniqolquestquest-onlineracerise-of-the-ourobanitrailervideowardenTue, 17 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What outdated game mechanic should be retired from MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-daily-grind-what-outdated-game-mechanic-should-be-retired-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-daily-grind-what-outdated-game-mechanic-should-be-retired-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/the-daily-grind-what-outdated-game-mechanic-should-be-retired-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Abandoned Lonely Phone Booths
Returning to an old game is like hopping in a time machine and surveying the horrible mistakes made by MMO studios a decade ago. Forget those five guys who still murmur the word "permadeath" wistfully; we're talking corpse runs, vitae penalty, corpse looting, tank mages, experience loss, holy trinities, zone walls, hybrid class level penalties, and tree-top cities without railings, all as a matter of course for the games of the day. Nowadays, these mechanics are abandoned in a field somewhere by all but the most retro game studios.

I have to wonder what we'll look back on in another 10 years with the same feeling of "wow, I can't believe anyone thought that was a good idea." Cash shops? Flying mounts? Faction-grinds? Classes? Skill bars? Questing? Tree-top cities without railings? (Seriously guys -- stop making those.) What game mechanic is so outdated and so abhorred that it should be retired from MMOs right now?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What outdated game mechanic should be retired from MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgcorpse-runsdaily-grindexperience-lossflying-mountshybrid-exp-penaltykelethinopinionpermadeathseriously-kelethin-suckedtank-magestdgthe-daily-grindvitae-penaltyMon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: EverQuest II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/why-i-play-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/why-i-play-everquest-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/why-i-play-everquest-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II screenshot
Because.

Remember back when this answer was lobbed at you as the definitive answer (often by moms tired of incessant "why"s or as a precursor to "I said so!")? But since I am not your mom -- and more importantly, the boss isn't about to pay me for a one word article -- let me elaborate, though, I warn you, you may regret it; once I get going I may not be able to stop! Seriously, they had to restrain me from taking over Why I Play. Obviously I broke free mwuahahahaha!

Simply put, I love EverQuest II. I log into it daily. Sometimes I don't leave for more hours than I am willing to admit. I can hum the guild hall music from memory. I have a list of things I want to do so long I can't possibly get it all done. All this after taking a multi-year break. Yes folks, I left the game for a long time -- a move I am still kicking myself for. But certain features pulled me back, and let me just say, I am so glad I came back.

So why do I play EQII? Where to begin...

Continue reading Why I Play: EverQuest II

MassivelyWhy I Play: EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appearance-itemsappearance-slotsCollectionscreativitycustomizationdecoratingdungeon-makereditorialeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedflying-mountsfree-to-playhousingmassively-metamentoringmentoring-systemmetanostalgiaop-edopinionplayer-generated-contentshinysoesonysony-online-entertainmentwhy-i-playWed, 11 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forsaken World Nightfall expansion is officially live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/forsaken-word-nightfall-expansion-is-officially-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/forsaken-word-nightfall-expansion-is-officially-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/forsaken-word-nightfall-expansion-is-officially-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Forsaken World - Nightfall Citadel
It's expansion time in the lands of Forsaken World, and Perfect World Entertainment wants you to know that Nightfall is officially ready for prime time. The content drop is the game's largest to date, and to celebrate, PWE is offering players a chance to obtain a rare phantom orb pet. Anyone over level 40 who logs in between March 28th and April 1st will be given a phantom orb chance box and a shot at the various goodies that may be inside.

As for the expansion itself, it's got quite a bit of new content. Flying mounts are in, as are new areas like Nightfall Citadel which are full of quests and new exploration content. Players can now further customize their skill sets, participate in a new PvP arena season, and check out the new guild base system revamps. More details are available at the official Forsaken World website.

[Source: Perfect World Entertainment press release]

MassivelyForsaken World Nightfall expansion is officially live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chance-boxf2pfantasyflying-mountsforsaken-worldfree-to-playnightfallnightfall-citadelnightfall-expansionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentphantom-orbpweWed, 28 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II adds player wings, yes really]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/everquest-ii-adds-player-wings-yes-really/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/everquest-ii-adds-player-wings-yes-really/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/everquest-ii-adds-player-wings-yes-really/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Players with wings, yes, really
EverQuest II is one of the most feature-rich MMOs in existence. One of the few things it doesn't didn't have is the ability for players to sprout wings and take to the skies. Oh sure, there are some pretty spiffy flying mounts, and there is even a quest line that grants Fae and Arasai avatars the ability to use their faerie wings for something other than looks.

Today, though, Sony Online Entertainment is raising the bar via new sets of wings that are available to any character (of any race). These aren't just crappy looking social add-ons, either, but slickly animated functional wings on par with those in Aion or Perfect World. The catch is that they're only available in the Station Cash marketplace, and they'll set you back 1,950 points (about 20 bucks). Check out the video after the break for a brief demonstration. Also keep in mind that you'll need a character of level 85 or higher to use them.

[Source: SOE press release]

Continue reading EverQuest II adds player wings, yes really

MassivelyEverQuest II adds player wings, yes really originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatar-flightcash-shopeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyflightflyingflying-mountsfree-to-playhuhitem-storesoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstation-cashvideowingsWed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion's 3.0 update features extensive housing mechanics, mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/aions-3-0-update-features-extensive-housing-mechanics-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/aions-3-0-update-features-extensive-housing-mechanics-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/aions-3-0-update-features-extensive-housing-mechanics-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aion - housing
Remember that really slick Aion "vision" trailer that NCsoft released in November of 2009? If you're a fan of the Daeva-centric fantasy MMO you've probably seen the nine-minute clip floating around the intarwebs (and marveled at its graphical upgrades, mounts, player housing, and various bells and whistles).

While NCsoft has already implemented some of the visual tweaks in a previous patch, the housing and mounts have remained conspicuously absent. Now, though, new info leaking out of Korea confirms that the features (and the rest of Aion 3.0) are indeed on the way. Housing will be available at level 21 and will boast many different styles, customizable interiors and exteriors (including color and elevation), functional wardrobes, and a variety of furniture items that will be produced by crafters.

Mounts will come in both flying and ground-based flavors, and will need to be hatched from eggs like most of Aion's other pets. Finally, it's worth noting that NCsoft has no official release date for 3.0, and the North American servers usually lag several months behind their Korean counterparts in terms of content updates.

MassivelyAion's 3.0 update features extensive housing mechanics, mounts originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.03.0-patchaionaion-3.0and-there-was-much-rejoicingatreiacraftingfantasyflying-mountsfurniturehousingmountsncsoftplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentplayer-housingzomg-housingTue, 18 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: A 'Top Gear' look at mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/the-tattered-notebook-a-top-gear-look-at-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/the-tattered-notebook-a-top-gear-look-at-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/the-tattered-notebook-a-top-gear-look-at-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EQII fire spirit mount
Previously, I've been writing about the weighty topic of free-to-play vs. live subscription servers in EverQuest II. This week, I'd like to switch gears, both figuratively and literally, to talk about speed. I've recently become a fan of the show Top Gear, a British program(me) that is completely devoted to the love of cars. I don't know why -- I'm not really into cars, and my Volkswagon Passat Wagon hardly qualifies as a car with a soul. But I was watching a recent episode, the one in which Jeremy was driving an Aston Martin across country, and I thought about how far EQII's mount selection has grown. Gone are the days when your choices ranged from a horse with brown spots to a horse with white spots to the really impressive horse with brown and white spots. The only unique mounts back then were the Paladin and Shadow Knight "fun" mounts.

Today, there are dozens of different types of mounts that run, leap, glide, and fly. And they're not all just marketplace quick hits; several are easily attained from simple quests or live events. In this week's Tattered Notebook, I'll look at a few of my favorite mounts with an ode to Top Gear.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: A 'Top Gear' look at mounts

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: A 'Top Gear' look at mounts originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedeverquest2favoritesfeaturedfire-spirit-steedflying-carpet-mountflying-mountsglidershorsehorse-of-a-different-colorhorseskaren-bryanmoonlight-enchantmentsmountmountsopiniontattered-notebooktop-geartreegliderSat, 08 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are flying mounts bad for gameplay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/the-daily-grind-are-flying-mounts-bad-for-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/the-daily-grind-are-flying-mounts-bad-for-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/the-daily-grind-are-flying-mounts-bad-for-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EverQuest II recently announced that flying mounts (or more accurately, gliding and leaping mounts) are coming to a sub-90 character near you. Predictably, the community reaction was one part "awesome" and two parts "zomg nooooo," both of which were also heard en masse when endgame flying mounts were announced in 2010.

The naysaying consensus seems to be that flying mounts cheapen progression-based gameplay by providing an easy way around troublesome mob spawns. That said, there's no denying the lure of unrestricted flight in our MMOs, particularly in a world as large and as topographically diverse as Norrath (and players are of course free to ignore what is essentially a new form of fast travel).

For today's Daily Grind, we'd like to know your thoughts on flying mounts. Specifically, do you like them or do you feel they add more negative than positive to the MMO experience?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Are flying mounts bad for gameplay? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiflying-mountflying-mountsgame-discussiongamer-discussionmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentTue, 14 Jun 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EQII's Georgeson talks GU60, low-level flying mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/eqiis-georgeson-talks-gu60-low-level-flying-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/eqiis-georgeson-talks-gu60-low-level-flying-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/eqiis-georgeson-talks-gu60-low-level-flying-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's a pretty safe assumption that Sony Online Entertainment's MMO developers and its IT security staff are separate groups of people, and that begs the question of what EverQuest II's coders were doing during the recent 12-day downtime. Perhaps an impromptu vacation or some quality time with other games (or hobbies) was in the cards?

Not so, according to producer Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson, who says that the team was hard at work on Game Update 60 (and 61). EQ2Wire's Feldon has a breakdown of various and sundry Smokejumper quotes gleaned from the official EQII forums, and there's a lot of ground to cover. Topics range from GU60 testing to update notes and updated abilities to potential flying mounts for lower-level players. "Also, the mysterious flying mount thing I promised to explain... well... I don't want to build it up too big, but it's aimed at lower-level characters also," Georgeson says. Hit up EQ2Wire for more details.

MassivelyEQII's Georgeson talks GU60, low-level flying mounts originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneq2eq2-gu-60eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyflying-mountsfree-to-playgame-update-60gu-60low-level-flying-mountssmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentupdatesTue, 17 May 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II's Georgeson mentions free max-level toons, community foams at the mouth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/everquest-iis-georgeson-mentions-free-max-level-toons-communit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/everquest-iis-georgeson-mentions-free-max-level-toons-communit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/everquest-iis-georgeson-mentions-free-max-level-toons-communit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EverQuest II producer Dave "Smokejumper" Georgeson recently touched off a firestorm of controversy by asking the fantasy game's community how it would feel about a win-back promotion featuring free max-level characters. Predictably, the howls of protest are still reverberating around the internet, and EQ2Wire has a bit of analysis regarding both the discussion and the high-level flying mount portion of the game's latest expansion that led to it.

Despite the fact that Georgeson was clearly engaging in a bit of speculative thinking with the community (i.e., there are no plans for EQII insta-90s), and despite the fact that Guild Wars has been offering max-level PvP toons since 2005, the EQII discussion quickly turned hostile and demonstrated the minefields that developers must occasionally navigate when engaging their playerbase.

MassivelyEverQuest II's Georgeson mentions free max-level toons, community foams at the mouth originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>90community-discussioncontroversydave-georgesoneq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyflying-mountsfree-max-level-characterfree-to-playgrindmax-levelnorrathsmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentSat, 23 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[gPotato prepping Iris Online Tears of Arcana content update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/gpotato-prepping-iris-online-tears-of-arcana-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/gpotato-prepping-iris-online-tears-of-arcana-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/gpotato-prepping-iris-online-tears-of-arcana-content-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Crafting is often the red-headed step-child of newer MMOs, so it's always a happy event when we can report on a title that adds it, improves it, or otherwise takes it seriously. One such game is Iris Online, and the free-to-play offering from gPotato is gearing up to introduce a new forging system that allows for the crafting of epic items as well as a slew of other features.

What kinds of features? How about an accessory upgrading system, flying mounts, three new maps, and an increased level cap (65)? All of these bells and whistles are included in the forthcoming Tears of Arcana update, which is currently scheduled to take a bow in the month of May.

In the meantime, gPotato is showering its Iris Online faithful with leveling perks, free items, and various celebratory events. First up is a double XP gig (April 18th through the 22nd) followed by an Easter shindig featuring quests that could lead to exclusive mounts and head pieces.

Check out the Iris website for more event details.

MassivelygPotato prepping Iris Online Tears of Arcana content update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessory-upgradesarcanacraftingeastereaster-eventsf2pflying-mountsforgingfree-to-playgpotatoin-game-eventsirisiris-onlinepatchestears-of-arcanaupdatesTue, 19 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[King of Kings 3 Dragon God Resurrection expansion features dragon taming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/king-of-kings-3-dragon-god-resurrection-expansion-features-drago/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/king-of-kings-3-dragon-god-resurrection-expansion-features-drago/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/king-of-kings-3-dragon-god-resurrection-expansion-features-drago/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

April is a big month for gamigo's King of Kings 3. The free-to-play fantasy title will be unveiling its first expansion over the next few weeks, and the new Dragon God Resurrection patch looks to add a slew of content to the game.

For starters, the level cap is being raised to 140 and a second level of specialization is being unlocked (which will increase the game's class total to 27). Crafting is also being expanded, with the available equipment now scaling to 140 alongside the new level cap. Seven new boss monsters have also been added, and each drops powerful artifacts that players can use to create valuable weapons.

Finally, what's a Dragon God Resurrection expansion without dragons? King of Kings 3 has them in spades, including the big nasty boss monster variety as well as tamable dragons that may be used as flying mounts. "Dragon Knights can even raise their own dragons, nurturing a baby dragon into a fully grown flying menace" according to a gamigo press release. The expansion is also adding a good number of new items, quests, and dungeons, and you can read all about it on the game's official website.

MassivelyKing of Kings 3 Dragon God Resurrection expansion features dragon taming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-dragonsclassescraftingdragon-god-resurrectiondragon-mountsdragon-tamingdragonsdungeonsexpansionsf2pfantasyflying-mountsfree-to-playgamigoking-of-kingsking-of-kings-3patchespress-releasequestsupdatesWed, 06 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Week one in Velious]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/the-tattered-notebook-week-one-in-velious/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/the-tattered-notebook-week-one-in-velious/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/the-tattered-notebook-week-one-in-velious/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been a very busy week since EverQuest II's Destiny of Velious launched! Despite a few server issues, the launch seemed to go smoothly, and there were plenty of players running around in otter illusion form by the end of the first day.

I happily welcomed the return of the Kael Giants, the Coldain Dwarves, and even the Tizmak! After battling the void for so long, I found them to be a refreshing change. In this first week, I set out to raise and train my flying griffon mount and began to tackle the new content. Read on for highlights of my past week, including public quests, my stubborn baby griffon, and a mysterious guide quest involving Kael Drakkel.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Week one in Velious

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Week one in Velious originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coldaincoldain-ringdestiny-of-veliousdovEQ2EQIIEverQuest-2everquest-iiexpansionfeaturedflying-mountflying-mountskael-drakkelpublic-questsveliousMon, 28 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: More on flying mounts, public quests, and prestige homes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/the-tattered-notebook-more-on-flying-mounts-public-quests-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/the-tattered-notebook-more-on-flying-mounts-public-quests-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/the-tattered-notebook-more-on-flying-mounts-public-quests-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


SOE has been slowly getting new information out about Destiny of Velious. As part of an ongoing promotion to showcase the upcoming expansion, Senior Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson and Greg "Rothgar" Spence took part in the second installment of the Destiny of Velious webcast. They took the opportunity to elaborate on topics from the first show and also revealed some exciting new features. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at the highlights of last Friday's webcast. Read on to hear more about flying mounts, prestige housing, and public quests.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: More on flying mounts, public quests, and prestige homes

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: More on flying mounts, public quests, and prestige homes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dave-Georgesondestiny-of-veliousEQ2eq2xEQIIeqII-mobile-appErollisi-DayEverQuest-2everquest-iieverquest-ii-extendedexpansionflying-mountsfreebloodGreg-Spencemarketplaceothmirprestige-homespublic-questsrothgarsmokejumpersoeSony-Online-EntertainmentveliousMon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Flying mounts and what's Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/the-tattered-notebook-flying-mounts-and-whats-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/the-tattered-notebook-flying-mounts-and-whats-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/16/the-tattered-notebook-flying-mounts-and-whats-next/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Well, it's been quite the week and a half for EverQuest fans, with not one but two expansion announcements, a few more details on the upcoming EQII Extended service courtesy of various Fan Faire panels, and of course the speculation supernova surrounding the pseudo-reveal of EQNext (is it really a reveal though if we know virtually nothing about it?). You might think that here at the Tattered Notebook, we'd be quivering with excitement for more EQNext info, or salivating at the prospect of a return to Velious as well as gearing up to visit the House of Thule.

You'd be right, but all of that pales in comparison to two very special words (no, not Station Cash):

Flying frickin' mounts.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Flying mounts and what's Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Flying mounts and what's Next originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>destiny-of-veliouseq-nextEQ2eq2-extendedeq2xEQIIeqII-extendedeqnexteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-2-extendedeverquest-iifan-fairefeaturedflying-frickin-mountsflying-mountsjohn-smedleyopinionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-tattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebook-jef-reahardveliousMon, 16 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE officially announces EQII's Destiny]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/soe-officially-announces-eqiis-destiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/soe-officially-announces-eqiis-destiny/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/10/soe-officially-announces-eqiis-destiny/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Not to be outdone by all the fan coverage of last week's Fan Faire 2010, Sony Online Entertainment has released its own smorgasbord of information on the next EverQuest II expansion in the form of an official press release. Destiny of Velious, flying your way in February, looks to expand the venerable franchise while simultaneously paying homage to its roots.

The release will feature an all-in-one compilation pack with the base game, all seven expansions, and three adventure packs, allowing newbs and veterans alike to dive into (or back into) the world of Norrath. Speaking of diving, we've now confirmed that flying mounts will allow you to venture off the beaten path of pre-determined flight tracks, wheeling and soaring at will. Additionally, expansioneers can partake of 300 new quests (including four Heritage Quests), 10 new dungeon instances, a contested dungeon, Velious-themed PvP battlegrounds, two new overland zones, six new raids, and dozens of new armor sets.

Gallery: EQII: Destiny of Velious Announcement

MassivelySOE officially announces EQII's Destiny originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This year's Fan Faire has been kind to fans of EverQuest II and EverQuest, with the announcement of new expansions and a mysterious further project for the franchise. The fine team at The EQ2 Wire sat in on a discussion of all of the new features and details of the upcoming expansion, Destiny of Velious, and they transcribed their notes from the event. While the notes are a bit disjointed, they should give players quite a bit to look forward to and a number of tidbits to munch on.

If there has to be a downside, it's likely the fact that the Othmir will not be added as a playable race -- in fact, no race will be added to the playable roster. But there's a lot for fans to mull over even with the questions that the team declined to answer. Most interesting is that the expansion's release will be split into two parts, with part two possibly coming via update rather than a separate release. There are also plans for flying mounts in every overland zone of the game, rather than the "some" that was announced earlier. EverQuest II players should promptly take a look at the latest news, as it's going to be an interesting ride.

MassivelyDestiny of Velious details announced for EverQuest II originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsdestiny-of-veliouseq-2eq-iiever-quest-2ever-quest-iieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionexpansion-featuresfan-faire-2010flying-mountslive-bloggingpanelsplayer-racespreviewssoe-eq-2soe-eq-iisoe-fan-fairesony-eq-2sony-eq-iisplitsplit-releaseFri, 06 Aug 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan Faire 2010: EQII flying mounts, EQNext art revealed [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/fan-faire-2010-eqii-flying-mounts-eqnext-art-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/fan-faire-2010-eqii-flying-mounts-eqnext-art-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/06/fan-faire-2010-eqii-flying-mounts-eqnext-art-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The EverQuest franchise looks to be the big winner at this year's Fan Faire event, as several large announcements regarding the games in the long-running series were featured in SOE president John Smedley's community address. EQ2Wire's Feldon has the details on the short presentation.

In addition to restating the features coming your way when EQII Extended hits in mid-August, Smedley discussed the next EverQuest expansion, House of Thule, which adds several new dungeons as well as player housing and launches on October 14th. EverQuest II players will have a to wait a bit longer for their expansion, Destiny of Velious, which debuts on February 8th. The wait will likely be well worth it, however, as flying mounts will be introduced in many of the game's zones.

Finally, Smedley revealed a presentation slide labeled "The Future of EverQuest" and preceded to show off the first concept art in-game art from the cryptically titled EverQuest Next, which you can view in our gallery below. He also hinted that more information would be forthcoming as Fan Faire wraps up this weekend.

[Update: We received a note from SOE clarifying that the screenshot here is not mere concept art -- it's actual in-game art. Only makes you more curious, doesn't it!]

Gallery: EverQuest Next

MassivelyFan Faire 2010: EQII flying mounts, EQNext art revealed [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artdestiny-of-veliouseqEQ2EQIIeqnexteverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefan-faire-2010flying-mountshouse-of-thulejohn-smedleynew-dungeonsplayer-housingFri, 06 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A trio of Mabinogi videos show off the "Ancient Secrets of Irinid"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/a-trio-of-mabinogi-videos-show-off-the-ancient-secrets-of-irini/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/a-trio-of-mabinogi-videos-show-off-the-ancient-secrets-of-irini/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/a-trio-of-mabinogi-videos-show-off-the-ancient-secrets-of-irini/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mabinogi was recently patched with a big content update called "Ancient Secrets of Irinid", which added an African themed zone called Courcle and flying mounts (including the legendary pelican) to the game. To help promote all of the new stuff on offer, Nexon has put out a trio of videos that highlight some of the biggest features from the patch. The one above shows a fairly hazardous river rafting trip, which is made much safer by a pretty powerful new Magic Shield skill, followed by some animal taming.

Past the break, the second trailer looks at the new flying mounts -- though its hard to go past the pelican, there are others to choose -- as well as the Dash combat skill and the massive Giant Alligator boss. The third video starts out peacefully, with some Metallurgy and Fishing, but then things get decidedly more ferocious when the Giant Lion boss shows up to punt someone off the screen. It seems there's a delicate balance between some quiet exploring and getting your butt handed to you by over-sized animals in Courcle, but it's nice to have a choice.

Continue reading A trio of Mabinogi videos show off the "Ancient Secrets of Irinid"

MassivelyA trio of Mabinogi videos show off the "Ancient Secrets of Irinid" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-secrets-of-irinidcourcleflying-mountsgiant-alligatorGiant-LionmabinoginexonpelicanTue, 25 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A WoW burnout's guide to Wrath of the Lich King, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/a-wow-burnouts-guide-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/a-wow-burnouts-guide-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/a-wow-burnouts-guide-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading A WoW burnout's guide to Wrath of the Lich King, part 2

MassivelyA WoW burnout's guide to Wrath of the Lich King, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbarbershopblizzardflying-mountflying-mountsmounted-combatraidsworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will we ever be able to fly in Middle Earth?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/will-we-ever-be-able-to-fly-in-middle-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/will-we-ever-be-able-to-fly-in-middle-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/will-we-ever-be-able-to-fly-in-middle-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The ability to fly is one thing players ask for in practically every online game! But not all games feature soaring superheroes, so most gamers turn to the next best thing: flying mounts. The ability to mount up on a fire-breathing dragon and fly as far and high as one can has been the dream of almost every child (and adult) who has read a fantasy novel ... so why not allow flying in the MMORPG adaption of the greatest fantasy novel of all time?

One of Turbine's greatest strengths in developing Lord of the Rings Online is their adherence to the novels of J. R. R. Tolkien. This is partially because they must run any large game changes past Tolkien Enterprises to make sure they reasonably fit within the lore that Tolkien created, and also because the developers themselves are quite dedicated to the source material. Therefore, there would have to be either justification in the lore for allowing regular players to fly mounts, or enough silence on the issue so that Turbine could implement them without technically breaking any lore.

So what mounts would be possible in Tolkien's lore? Obviously there would need to be a creature or machine big enough to carry a fat hobbit, hefty dwarf, muscular man or freakishly-tall elf. This narrows it down quite a bit.

Continue reading Will we ever be able to fly in Middle Earth?

MassivelyWill we ever be able to fly in Middle Earth? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>book-13eaglesflying-mountsjoystiq-featureslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-book-13lotro-loremines-of-moriamountsturbineWed, 16 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard update four goes live!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/vanguard-update-four-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/vanguard-update-four-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/vanguard-update-four-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The fourth giant update to Vanguard: Saga of Heroes has gone live on the official servers! The test realm cooked this one for a good long time before they released it. Now adventurers can enjoy a whole new pile of goodies like the beautiful flying mount pictured above. You can also get Wyverns! Here's an abbreviated features list:
  • A revamp to the game's teleportation system, called the Riftway.
  • Player-wearable helmets, and changes to the facial features you can modify on your character.
  • Updates to the Druid, Dread Knight, and Paladin classes!
  • Lots more, including veteran rewards, bug fixes, and a whole new overland raid.
The official Vanguard site has a whole feature up on the vet rewards you can receive just by logging in. For firsthand impressions of the new content, make sure to check out the writing over at MMO Quests. Sounds like there are still some kinks to work out with the mount quests, and a bit of balancing yet to do with economic concerns. Plus, are helms ever that cool? Make sure to check out the full patch notes and log in to snag your vet reward!

MassivelyVanguard update four goes live! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingflying-mountssoesony-online-entertainmentupdate-4vanguardWed, 12 Mar 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Forms of transportation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/the-daily-grind-forms-of-transportation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/the-daily-grind-forms-of-transportation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/the-daily-grind-forms-of-transportation/#commentsFiled under: , ,

No matter what game you play or virtual world you inhabit, one of the major points is how to get around. In Second Life, you can hit a SLurl and teleport, or if you're just exploring, you can fly around the landscape and check out what people have designed and built. In World of Warcraft, you can run around on different land-based mounts in "old" Azeroth, and enjoy lots of different forms of flying mounts in Outland. In EverQuest, you could take boats, books, portals, be transformed into a wolf, or just get a speed-buff in the form of a SoW. Perfect World allows you to pile a land mount on top of a flying mount, even!

It seems like with as varied as each game is, there are always preferences for one mode or another. I will admit that one of my favorite ways to get around is SuperJump in City of Heroes just because it's just so much fun to bounce into a group of bad guys, then bounce away. Today we thought we'd ask you what your favorite methods of getting around are? Do you have a Peep (the phoenix mount from WoW) or are you all about catching portals to save time? Do you like the city-to-city teleports offered in Guild Wars, or prefer to adventure with your noble steed in Lord of the Rings Online?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Forms of transportation originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcity-of-heroescoheqeverquestflyflying-mountsgetting-aroundguild-warsgwland-bsed-mountslinden-lablord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncsoftperfect-worldsecond-lifeslsoetdgteleportthe-daily-grindtransportationturbineworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO dev chat reveals hints of the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/lotro-dev-chat-reveals-hints-of-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/lotro-dev-chat-reveals-hints-of-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/lotro-dev-chat-reveals-hints-of-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Deep into testing in Book 12, Lord of the Rings Online devs had little to reveal about the upcoming content patch that wasn't already announced. The juicy parts of this chat are the hints the devs dropped about long range plans for the game.

Fly like an Eagle: New variants of land mounts obtained through future patches and Festivals are mentioned, but more importantly the dev team is exploring "a new type of mount to take you into places horses would dare not go." Eagle ride anyone? And can you imagine the rep grind to get friendly with the Eagles? Roll up that Lore-master now.

Continue reading LotRO dev chat reveals hints of the future

MassivelyLotRO dev chat reveals hints of the future originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ashen-wastesbook-12book-13class-specializationdev-chateagle-mountseriadorflying-mountslotrorohanturbineFri, 25 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST