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[Massively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes collecting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-collecting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-collecting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/massively-exclusive-free-realms-referee-ruby-goes-collecting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Last week, we heard from Free Realms' Referee Ruby as she walked us through the serene joy of farming in Free Realms. This week, we're moving away from Farmer Ruby to something a bit more Rubyana Jones, so don your best explorin' clothes and let's go collect some stuff.

Yes, the focus this week is on collections. The idea behind collections is fairly simple: As you'd expect, you gather things up and hoard them like a packrat. In the case of Free Realms, you're gathering keys that can be found scattered across the world in Robgoblin junk piles. There are eight keys in every collection. And what's your reward for gathering all of them, you ask? Another key! But this one is different. It's probably magic or something, because it unlocks one of many chests scattered around the world, chests which contains a plethora of stylish clothing rewards. To see the system in action, jump past the cut and spend some time with Referee Ruby as she takes you through it.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes collecting

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Free Realms' Referee Ruby goes collecting originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectingcollectionsf2pfrfree-realmsfree-to-playfreerealmsreferee-rubyrubysoesony-online-entertainmentvideoTue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE rewards players for aiding Japan's relief effort]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/soe-rewards-players-for-aiding-japans-relief-effort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/soe-rewards-players-for-aiding-japans-relief-effort/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/27/soe-rewards-players-for-aiding-japans-relief-effort/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In case you haven't been paying attention to the world, Japan was hit with a devastating tsunami a couple of weeks ago. Since then, multiple MMO companies have donated to the restoration. According to a post on the EverQuest II site, the Sony Corporation has donated 300 million yen (3.6 million U.S. dollars) to the Central Community Chest of Japan and hopes to donate more as needed.

Sony Online Entertainment is encouraging its players to donate to the cause as well. The game development team has designed special in-game gifts for those who would like to donate through Station Cash. EverQuest, Free Realms, and Clone Wars Adventures players can purchase a cherry blossom tree (the national tree of Japan) for 500 Station Cash. EQII players can purchase a Memory of Spring statue, also for 500 Station Cash. Lastly, Star Wars Galaxies players can buy a $5 stuffed Tauntaun toy TCG loot card. With each of these purchases, SOE will donate $10 to the American Red Cross relief efforts.

Monday will mark the last day you'll be able to make these purchases, so if you play any of these games or would just like to make a donation, the sooner the better!

MassivelySOE rewards players for aiding Japan's relief effort originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clone-Wars-Adventurescwaeqeq2EQIIeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifree-realmsfreerealmsjapanred-crossSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesswgtsunamitsunami-reliefSun, 27 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Five favorite game systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/free-for-all-five-favorite-game-systems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/free-for-all-five-favorite-game-systems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/free-for-all-five-favorite-game-systems/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This week I decided to talk a bit about some of my favorite game systems. Systems are essentially the building blocks of all quality MMORPG matter, allowing for an experience that is unique and worth returning to. Developers have been very creative in designing these systems that, like good technology, are not often noticed by gamers. Good systems blend into your experience but enhance it, and often make the overall game play seem like something more than it would be without them.

Here are some of my favorites, and I would recommend downloading these games and checking them out. Or, if you are already playing these games, take a moment to notice how much thought went into these systems, and also of how much time you spend using them. Their simplicity can sometimes be deceiving, hiding the complicated processes that help your game play be a detailed and varied experience.

Continue reading Free for All: Five favorite game systems

MassivelyFree for All: Five favorite game systems originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acclaimddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinefeaturedFree RealmsFreeRealmsftpkingsislemabinoginexon-americaSOEthe chronicles of spellbornTheChroniclesOfSpellbornturbinewizard101Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Are kids' games valid?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/free-for-all-are-kids-games-valid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/free-for-all-are-kids-games-valid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/16/free-for-all-are-kids-games-valid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I had the dream again, but this time with a twist. I walked through the store, admiring the shelves and shelves of tiny robots, toy trains and action figures. Cool toys lined every shelf, articulated robots and little army men with swappable guns. Tanks, space marines, huge dragons and all sort of wind-ups tempted me. This time, though, I talked to the store owner about how I frequently have this dream, and that normally I find a section of really cheap toys that I pile up in my arms to buy. He proceeded to show me a stack of those type of toys, clearance toys, and offered me entire armies and model kits for just a few dollars. As usual, I woke up before I can buy them and take them home to adorn my office with. It's a slightly frustrating dream, but always a lot of fun.

In the meanwhile, I stopped long ago with collecting toys. They take up too much space, gather too much dust and generally get no use at all. I have replaced these toys, though, and now have a new collection of bright and shinies: kids' free-to-play MMORPGs. I have played every one of them I can get my hands on, sometimes getting pretty high up in the game, and sometimes just exploring or talking with other players. They give me that same feeling that a toy gives you. Yes, adult reader, you know the one I am talking about and surely you too have at least a few toys adorning your office as well?

Continue reading Free for All: Are kids' games valid?

MassivelyFree for All: Are kids' games valid? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club penguinClubPenguinfeaturedFree Realmsfree-to-playFreeRealmsftpkids gamesrunescapeWorld of WarcraftTue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: How free is freemium?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/free-for-all-how-free-is-freemium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/free-for-all-how-free-is-freemium/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/free-for-all-how-free-is-freemium/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Welcome to Free for All, a weekly column highlighting the world of Free to Play/Freemium games! The new generation of free-to-play games are not only of the same quality as many "standard" MMOs, but they give players a chance to try them out before they ever spend a dime (if they choose to). I am going to try to make sense out of the masses with this column, so wish me luck and thanks for reading!

Freemium is one of those rare hybrid terms that is used to describe some games in the MMO market. Yet, what does it mean? I prefer to use the term "velvet rope", because it places a good picture in your head as to how the game might work.

I decided to examine what the term means, and what it might say to a potential player. The best way for me to do this is to look at some "freemium" games that not only do it well, but are some of the most successful games out there, regardless of subscription model.

Continue reading Free for All: How free is freemium?

MassivelyFree for All: How free is freemium? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoon-networkfeaturedFree Realmsfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumFreeRealmsfusionfallkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentrunescapesoesony-online-entertainmenttrialwizard101Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Goal Time brings soccer to Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/goal-time-brings-soccer-to-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/goal-time-brings-soccer-to-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/goal-time-brings-soccer-to-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Soccer fans in Free Realms have a brand new update to enjoy. The Goal Time update brings fans a new Soccer Star job and a 3D soccer minigame.

The soccer minigame offers players the chance to round up some friends and play 3 on 3 matches at the Snowhill soccer fields, or play against the AI in one of 15 scenarios. Goal Time offers a choice of three themed fields for variety, and six full sets of soccer clothing and gear so players can pass, shoot, and defend in style. Players can also buff their speed and toughness on the field during play, and give their skills a boost with a selection of accessories and shards.

As always, Free Realms makes it easy for all players to check out the new content and participate. The Soccer Star job offers a free trial up to level five before it becomes members only. Level progression climbs all the way to level 20, and there is a soccer tutorial that will remain available to everyone. The Goal Time update is now available in game, so enjoy!

MassivelyGoal Time brings soccer to Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfreerealmsGoal-timekidssoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 05 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An Identity of Imagination...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/an-identity-of-imagination/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/an-identity-of-imagination/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/an-identity-of-imagination/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Being anonymous is par for the course when it comes to the Internet. When approaching any kind of online community for the first time, the very first given task is usually to pick a whole new name, and even without thoughts of deliberate anonymity, it can be very difficult to actually be yourself. Common real names, such as James or Mary or John or Linda, are likely to have already been chosen as login names a long time ago and the nature of the database means duplicates are rarely allowed. A more unique name is needed when signing up, and so almost everyone begins to create for themselves an online persona.

In the world of MMOs, the idea of not being oneself becomes even more integral. The player is more than merely a user name attached to forum posts or comments, and is a mighty adventurer too! This presents even more choices; physical attributes, choice of class and profession, even an invented racial background, and with each choice, the opportunity to precisely recreate the real world self diminishes. A game might only provide two different 'light brown' hair styles for male humans, none of which resemble the player's real hair in the slightest. The player has to pick something however, in order to get on and play, and with each choice a made-up version of ourselves is increasingly realised.

This other self, comfortably detached from the consequences of a real life existence, can be a liberating thing, but can also be a source of troubles and difficulties all of its own. Just how much anonymity is good for us, and what makes us hide ourselves online?

Continue reading An Identity of Imagination...

MassivelyAn Identity of Imagination... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anonymitydaedalus-projecteve-onlinefreerealmsroleplayingworld-of-warcraftFri, 05 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Repletion of Rats...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/a-repleation-of-rats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/a-repleation-of-rats/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/22/a-repleation-of-rats/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In all but the most staunch sandbox-style MMOs, the Quest has become the cornerstone of directed player content. Gone are the days when they'd just give us a graveyard full of skeletons, and experience bar and tell us get on with it, and the modern MMO, such as World of Warcraft or Lord of the Rings Online, is very much a task-driven experience. Very little occurs without an accompanying quest journal entry these days, and thanks to generous cash, experience and item rewards, working through the quest chains can often be the most efficient way to make progress and headway in the average MMO.

The quest can also provide a little narrative to the otherwise formless adventuring of the typical MMO character; a set task and sometimes even a reason for the ensuing mayhem. That many of us simply skip the text is hardly the games fault. In any case, even without caring what the specifics or backstory to the job actually are, the mechanics of gameplay can be greatly improved by taking an endless and unbroken monster killing spree starting at level one and ending at level fifty, and breaking it into a large number of smaller distinct tasks, suitable for planning a gaming session around.

There is very little not to like about the currently widespread quest system; while individual implementations may vary and have their own quirks and peculiarities, the general principle of having something specific to be doing in a gaming session is a good one, and if it isn't, well, they are generally optional anyway and the graveyard of skeletons is always out there. But ask anyone with more than thirty completed journal entries to their name about questing in general, and two specific gripes are likely to come to light very quickly, the 'Kill Ten Rats' quest, and the 'Fed Ex' quest, two types of task that seem to resurface over and over, from back to EverQuest and beyond, in almost any MMO where there are quests at all.

What else can we be given to do, or are these two templates doomed to underlie everything we do in all our MMOs?

Continue reading A Repletion of Rats...

MassivelyA Repletion of Rats... originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a tale in the desertATaleInTheDesertFree RealmsFreeRealmsguild wars nightfallGuildWarsNightfallpuzzle piratesPuzzlePiratesFri, 22 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A big list of MMOs to watch in 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/a-big-list-of-mmos-to-watch-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/a-big-list-of-mmos-to-watch-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/a-big-list-of-mmos-to-watch-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Over at The Vault, they've put up an exhaustive list of all the MMO titles you should have your eye on throughout the new year. While they sort of term it as thought it's a big list of games coming out this year, we think they know it's unlikely all of those games are going to be released in the next twelve months. With that in mind, if you aren't sure what games you should have on your radar (and you haven't clicked our handy "upcoming MMOs" widget above), this massive list will bring you up to date.

Here at Massively, of course, we've been doing our own level best to keep you updated on a lot of these titles, be they AAA superhero games like Champions Online or DC Universe Online. We've talked fervently about Star Wars: The Old Republic, and given you the skinny on under-the-radar titles like Aion, FreeRealms, and Jumpgate Evolution. We've even walked away from our precious fantasy to talk about games like APB or The Agency. The Vault's list is a great one to run down - check it out to see what game you should be obsessing over today!

MassivelyA big list of MMOs to watch in 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbig-listchampionsdarkfalldcuofreerealmsfusionfallhuxleyjumpgate-evolutionmmosnew-titlesstargate-worldsthe-agencyupcoming-gamesThu, 08 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Will Free Realms be bigger than World of Warcraft?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/will-freerealms-be-bigger-than-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/will-freerealms-be-bigger-than-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/will-freerealms-be-bigger-than-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


When Brent speaks, people listen. As the host of one of the largest MMO podcasts and communities out there, Brent Lassi of Virginworlds said something in his most recent podcast that may ruffle some feathers.

"After what we saw today...if any of you were here, listeners, and you saw what they're doing with Free Realms, you would agree... that this is going to be the biggest MMO in the World." He then goes to say that there will never be any numbers, with WoW, Habbo Hotel and Lineage included, that will ever touch the numbers we'll see in Free Realms.

Continue reading Will Free Realms be bigger than World of Warcraft?

MassivelyWill Free Realms be bigger than World of Warcraft? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brentfree-realmsfreerealmsprognosticatorsoesonysony-online-entertainmentvirginworldsworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 18 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST