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[Some Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/some-assembly-required-city-of-heroes-mission-architect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/some-assembly-required-city-of-heroes-mission-architect/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/some-assembly-required-city-of-heroes-mission-architect/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
The few. The proud. The quest writers.

At the best of times, the fruits of their labors guide us along in our progression of a local or global story, immersing us in the world. Even the nefarious "kill 10 rats" versions can be mini stories that pull players in when done well. But how many of us have ever had a "I could do better than that" moment or have simply wanted to live out a personal story or share in a customized grand adventure with our friends? Someone wished upon the right star because with features like the Mission Architect in City of Heroes you can do just that.

I am just going to come right out and say it -- the quest builder is one of the greatest boons ever for player-generated content in MMORPGs. Besides housing, it is the feature du jour for the creative crowd; I honestly can't see how any game can actually go without one. During this latest round of Choose My Adventure, I had the opportunity to check out the system in City of Heroes and revel in the creativity of others as well as try my hand at developing missions. And I tell you, it is addicting.

Feel like trying your hand at shaping some stories for heroes (and villains) to star in? Stick with me, kid, and you'll be directing your own missions in no time.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect

MassivelySome Assembly Required: City of Heroes' Mission Architect originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgame-mechanicsmissionmission-architectmission-creatorncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospgcplayer-contentplayer-created-missionsplayer-generated-contentplayer-made-questssandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredsuperherosuperheroesFri, 25 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Discussing the design of quests in The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Instead of wiping out these skeletons and the dread necromancer animating them, let's go back to the village and wipe out the villagers. Less complaining.
The Elder Scrolls Online has certain player expectations going in, such as an expectation of the sort of quest structure you usually find in the series. More specifically, it's the sort of structure in which you start off on some simple quest and wind up wandering off into some completely unrelated point of interest. A recent interview with creative director Paul Sage and lead content designer Rich Lambert reveals that the team is aiming for just that sort of model in the game.

As Lambert explains, the team wants to move away from the usual hub design in favor of several points of interest, each of which provides a little snippet of content and story. The points aren't meant to be structured as an A-to-B affair; instead, you have several points of interest in a given region which build into a large overarching story. Take a look at the full interview for more information about how quests will work in the game and how players will be guided through objectives as they play.

MassivelyDiscussing the design of quests in The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionsgame-designgame-mechanicsmorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpoints-of-interestpvpquest-mechanicsquestingquestsrvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpvideovideoszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot updates Relic mechanics and classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Relics also cannot be used any longer as snack food for pet monsters.
Some people no doubt see the venerable Dark Age of Camelot as a relic. But you know what's even more of a relic? The game's Relics. These powerful items have received an overhaul in the latest patch; the items have been moved to central locations in each Realm that cannot be captured or claimed. Players carrying Relics have also become more visible and slightly less mobile, and special Envoys have been added to help defend Relics from capture.

The patch also updates several class abilities. Bonedancers get a new spell to target a region on the ground, while Friars and Valewalkers both gain a rear snare. On the flip side, toxic direct damage poisons have all seen a slight downgrade in effectiveness for balance reasons. Dark Age of Camelot players can see the full list of changes in the patch notes, and while it's not a major content patch, the changes should spice up the game's ongoing realm warfare.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot updates Relic mechanics and classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassclass-balanceclassesclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsmechanical-changesmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypatchpatchespvprelicsrvrupdateTue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online rolling out a new installment of the Awakening]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In some cases, sleep is better than awakening. Like waking up to a fight against a giant squid monster.
Ultima Online is preparing a continuation of the game's latest global arc with tomorrow's patch. Act VI of The Awakening asks players to assist in crafting a number of alchemical preparations, with a number of rewards available for players who actively try to crack the puzzle of the correct ingredients. More information will be available from the official site as well as an in-game NPC. If you need more time to prepare, don't worry -- the quest is going active in July and lasting until mid-August.

If you're not willing to wait, the new patch also sees a revamp of the Covetous Dungeon. The first floor remains largely unchanged, but levels two and three both feature a new system for the game in which players accumulate points for defeating monsters that can later be turned in for new rewards. Last but not least, vanilla plants have been added to the game's gardening system, giving players another new thing to explore when not fighting monsters or preparing for the next part of The Awakening.

MassivelyUltima Online rolling out a new installment of the Awakening originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodungeon-revampsdungeonseaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsglobal-arclord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-contentnew-patchnewspatchpatch-notespatchesrevampsthe-awakeningultimaultima onlineuouo-awakeningupdatesMon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: I saw the wilds of Salem (and lived to tell about it)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/some-assembly-required-i-saw-the-wilds-of-salem-and-lived-to-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/some-assembly-required-i-saw-the-wilds-of-salem-and-lived-to-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/some-assembly-required-i-saw-the-wilds-of-salem-and-lived-to-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Salem dev tour
I spent an hour romping through the woods of Salem last Friday with Seatribe head honcho Bjorn Johannessen. The tiny indie company (current dev population: two) is hard at work on its followup to Haven and Hearth, an acquired taste of a sandbox game notable for its no-holds barred approach that includes permadeath and the ability to summon (and kill) criminal characters -- even while their lulz-loving puppet-masters are offline.

Publisher Paradox bills Salem as "the crafting MMO," and boy it's not kidding. Over the course of this particular dev tour, I saw crazy amounts of tradeskill functionality, all kinds of cool world-building stuff, and ultimately, more than enough reasons to spend time with the game when it launches later this year.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: I saw the wilds of Salem (and lived to tell about it)

MassivelySome Assembly Required: I saw the wilds of Salem (and lived to tell about it) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessenbodily-humorscraftingf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicshistoricalhumorsmetagamenew-englandopinionparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpgcplayer-contentplayer-created-contentplayer-generated-contentsalemsalem-skillssandboxsarseatribeskill-basedsome-assembly-requiredtradeskillinguser-generated-contentFri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA outlines political systems, launches an emblem contest and premium services]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tera-outlines-political-systems-launches-an-emblem-contest-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tera-outlines-political-systems-launches-an-emblem-contest-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/tera-outlines-political-systems-launches-an-emblem-contest-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Health care reform is very serious business in TERA.
TERA isn't just about killing enormous beasts in active combat. That's certainly a big part of it, yes, but it's also about political maneuvering and gathering support. And once you get in office, you've got policies to enact, economies to stimulate, and re-election to consider in three weeks. If the whole thing seems a bit overwhelming, you'll be happy to know that the new official guide to the political system outlines the whole system from start to finish, giving a clear picture of how players can make lasting change in a province for better or worse.

Of course, if your guild is going to boost a candidate running for office, it helps if you've got brand-name recognition. How can you manage that? Perhaps by winning the newly announced Guild Emblem Creation Contest, which gives players a chance to get their guild logos in the game. Or you can just take advantage of the premium in-game services that have just been made available to ensure that your character has just the right winning smile for the next election.

MassivelyTERA outlines political systems, launches an emblem contest and premium services originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscontestcontestsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsmicotransactionspolitical-systemspoliticsteraWed, 16 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs
When Update 1.2 launched for Star Wars: The Old Republic, most players witnessed some major changes to their classes. In my opinion, these changes weren't game-breaking, but they did require that some players re-evaluate how they played. Some classes were changed so drastically in this patch players claimed they felt as if they were truly playing a completely different class.

Major changes like this do not happen without reason, and from my time spent with SWTOR developers, I know that they are passionately interested in making their game the best it can be. So I asked Game Director James Ohlen some questions about these mechanical changes. In true James Ohlen fashion, he was more than happy to answer in intricate detail, and I'm excited to bring you those answers here in the Hyperspace Beacon.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebuff-stackingclass-balanceeaelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-directorGame-Mechanicshyperspace-beaconinterviewjames-ohlenlucasartsopinionplayer-vs-playerPvPsci-fisith-inquisitorsith-sorcerersorcererstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-1.2Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn the basics of Diablo III gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/learn-the-basics-of-diablo-iii-gameplay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III
Massively's sister site WoW Insider brings us this special bonus article tonight on the basics of Diablo III for folks who normally play MMOs like World of Warcraft. Enjoy the rest of Joystiq's WoW team's Diablo coverage over on WoW Insider, and stay tuned for our own Diablo III launch roundups tomorrow morning!

Since Diablo II was released 12 years ago, it's safe to say that Diablo III will be the first Diablo title many people will have ever played. It's one of the most anticipated titles of the season and is attracting countless new players to the genre. We've received a number of questions asking how this game is even played -- and if it has anything in common with your favorite MMOs.

We have you covered.

The core of Diablo gameplay is the mouse click. You do everything from combat to looting to movement with your mouse, and your interactions with your keyboard are extremely minimal overall. On Twitter recently, many Diablo diehards have mentioned they were buying a new mouse specifically to use with Diablo III -- and that's not a bad idea. No, we're not talking a brand-new $80 Razer Naga; we're talking some $10 to $15 thing you can pick up off of a department store shelf. You want a mouse that you're not going to mourn when your buttons inevitably give out from the mountain of abuse you're about to unleash upon them. Grab something cheap and disposable so that when it dies, you will consider it a victory -- just another technological corpse for the bone pile.

Continue reading Learn the basics of Diablo III gameplay

MassivelyLearn the basics of Diablo III gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbarbarianbattlenetbattletagbattletagsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopclassclassesd3demon-hunterdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsgothic-fantasyguideguideshow-to-play-diablo-3how-to-play-diablo-iiimonkmultiplayernewbienewbie-guideonline-multiplayerroguelikerpgrunesrunestoneswitch-doctorwizardwow-insiderMon, 14 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic answers questions on companions and modifications]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-answers-questions-on-companions-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-answers-questions-on-companions-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/star-wars-the-old-republic-answers-questions-on-companions-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Could you guys be droids instead? I'd rather have droids.
Companions are one of the main features of Star Wars: The Old Republic, but they're also sometimes very limiting. Depending on your class and spec, you can find yourself with only one or two companions with useful abilities. But that's partly by design; according to the latest community Q&A, the distinctiveness of companions is both a result of their abilities and their personalities. The team has no plans for making companions more interchangeable, at least for the moment.

If you were hoping for better news, don't fret, as the other answers are a fair bit more positive. The technical hurdles preventing some classes from having a modifiable offhand are being looked into, and the answers also delve into the details of adding a new augment slot to existing modifiable items. There's also a discussion of the different rates of gear acquisition for players on the PvE and PvP progress tracks, along with a variety of other answers for players of several stripes.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic answers questions on companions and modifications originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommunity-q-and-aeaelectronic-artsgame-mechanicslucasartsmodifiable-itemsmodificationsnewspatchesq-and-aquestions-and-answerssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorsystemsthe-old-republictorupdatesFri, 11 May 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with The Secret World's Templar experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-templar-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-templar-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/11/hands-on-with-the-secret-worlds-templar-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - Don't mind this hollow earth portal
Believing in The Secret World takes a certain of amount of... faith. And I'm not just talking about Funcom's less-than-stellar reputation when it comes to bug-free MMO launches. No, the very foundation of this particular title rests on a narrative about things unseen, and that cryptic, otherworldly esoterica informed every moment of my time spent in the press beta over the last couple of days.

The basic premise, of course, is that everything is true. Every myth, legend, and spook story that our rational minds scoff at has a place in this particular riff on reality.

The Secret World is also quite heretical when it comes to gameplay. It eschews the tried and true class-based approach for a complex grimoire of a skill system featuring an ability wheel made of hieroglyphs and higher math (or so it first appears). To come right to the point, though, I bought into the game almost immediately.

Gallery: The Secret World - Press Beta (Templars)

Continue reading Hands-on with The Secret World's Templar experience

MassivelyHands-on with The Secret World's Templar experience originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>factionfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-mechanicshorrormythologysci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-hands-onsecret-world-previewsecret-world-templarsskill-basedskill-systemtemplar-starter-experiencetemplar-starting-experiencetemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-press-betatswtsw-skillstsw-templarsFri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Always on the wrong weekends edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/ask-massively-always-on-the-wrong-weekends-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/ask-massively-always-on-the-wrong-weekends-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/ask-massively-always-on-the-wrong-weekends-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hopefully I'll get some time to play, but I'm not expecting any miracles.
So for those of you wondering, the move went quite well. The expected problems occurred at times of minimal inconvenience, and we almost completely finished unpacking at the new place in one weekend. But we still have to finish up at the old apartment, so of course the first beta for The Secret World is scheduled to be this weekend when we're slotted to head down there. Just like how Guild Wars 2 scheduled a beta weekend for our last pre-move weekend. So that's awesome.

This week's Ask Massively does not discuss this particular state of awesome. Instead, it discusses the deferred awesomeness of switching combat styles on the fly and what games feature something similar. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of the column, leave it in the comments below or send it to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Always on the wrong weekends edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Always on the wrong weekends edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelyfeaturedfighting-stylegame-mechanicshumormassively-metamechanical-ideasmetaopinionstyleswapping-stylesThu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online overhauls factional warfare for cleaner systems and bigger consequences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/eve-online-overhauls-factional-warfare-for-cleaner-systems-and-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/eve-online-overhauls-factional-warfare-for-cleaner-systems-and-b/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/eve-online-overhauls-factional-warfare-for-cleaner-systems-and-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's more fun to read about this stuff than... um... well, I guess playing it still looks like reading about it.
Factional warfare isn't a part of EVE Online you hear about very often, and according to the latest design blog, that's partly because the system itself was a mess. The developers are hard at work overhauling the warfare system so that it will be easier to understand, will be more intuitive to use, and will have more substantial bonuses and penalties for factions actively participating in the war. The usability changes are small but significant, mostly centering around consolidating the system's important details under a unified naming schematic.

Turnaround time for system control is being lengthened to roughly 30 hours, but the penalties for enemy factions are also becoming more severe. Enemy factions cannot dock at stations in occupied systems, and the faction in control will be able to spend Loyalty Points to gain special upgrades so long as the system is controlled. If you like going to war in your internet spaceship but aren't really a fan of the wild frontier devoid of security, it might be worth taking a look at the newest design entry.

MassivelyEVE Online overhauls factional warfare for cleaner systems and bigger consequences originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdeveloper-blogdeveloper-diarieseveeve-onlinefactional-warfaregame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineupdateswarfareWed, 09 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online posts Ask Cryptic answers for each day of May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/04/star-trek-online-posts-ask-cryptic-answers-for-each-day-of-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Attacking DS9 is always something like content.
Converting a game from a subscription model is hard work. That's the theme throughout the latest installment of Star Trek Online's regular Ask Cryptic feature: The reason that the game has gone for so long without major batches of new content is that the team has been wholly focused on switching models. But there's more coming to the game in the near future, starting with the major Season 6 patch hitting the test server soon.

The coming patch will feature new ground and space missions similar to STFs without being quite the same sort of content. The update will also feature a new Fleet Advancement system, which will give player groups a chance to improve themselves and acquire new bonuses. Star Trek Online players will be well-served by taking a look at the full list of answers, which go into further detail about upcoming systems and planned additions for the next patch and beyond.

MassivelyStar Trek Online posts Ask Cryptic answers for each day of May originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcrypticcryptic-studiosdevelopmentf2pfleet-advancementfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmajor-patchmajor-patchesnew-contentpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-season-6Fri, 04 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA gives players a guide to guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/tera-gives-players-a-guide-to-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If these players were in a guild, they'd be having at least 30% more fun right now.
Maybe TERA is your first MMO, maybe you want to learn about what TERA offers its guilds, or maybe you just want to see guilds defined as something other than small-scale drama generators for once. There are a lot of reasons you might want to look at TERA's new guide to guilds in the game, but whatever your motivation, the guide will provide you with all the answers you need to start guilding away with ease.

The main benefit to being in a guild in TERA are the guild quests; available all across the game, each guild quest provides players with Catharnac Awards that can be used to improve the guild's level and buy special items from vendors. You also need to be part of a level 3 guild to run for public office, which is all the more reason for politically minded players to make friends. But don't take our word for it -- after all, there's a guide to tell you all of this in detail.

MassivelyTERA gives players a guide to guilds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioscultureen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsgame-systemsguideguidesguildguild-benefitsguild-questsguildsnewssystemsteraThu, 03 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Couch potato cat
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

My folks don't really understand my infatuation with video games (and MMORPGs in particular). "How can you sit there and play a game for two or three hours at a time?" my mom is fond of asking. Ironically, this usually happens on a visit that ends where most of our visits do: on the couch in front of the television.

Don't get me wrong; she's no couch potato, and in fact she has the meanest green thumb you'll ever see. When the sun goes down, though, my parents (like most of their generation, I'll wager) park their butts in front of the TV. That I should park my own posterior in front of the computer is exceedingly strange to them even though online gaming is to the 21st century what television was to the 20th.

I wonder, though, if games are starting to become more passive forms of TV-like entertainment.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchallengecomplexitycouch-potatoeditorialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgames-vs-tvhardcorehardcore-vs-casualinteractivitylets-playlivestreamlivestreamingmmo-industryop-edopinionpassivepassive-consumptionpassive-gamingpassive-vs-activepassivitypaying-to-skip-contentperils-of-passive-gamingrantrantsskipping-contentsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-perils-of-passive-gamingthe-soapboxTue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Ten years warp by for Vendetta Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/some-assembly-required-ten-years-warp-by-for-vendetta-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/some-assembly-required-ten-years-warp-by-for-vendetta-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/some-assembly-required-ten-years-warp-by-for-vendetta-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
If I were to start describing a game where players have zipped about one persistent universe as one of three factions in customizable ships vying for wealth and territory by mining, dodging hostiles, fulfilling missions, blasting one another to bits, docking at stations, blazing trade routes, and pirating for the past 10 years, you would say... Vendetta Online, of course! Perhaps the longest-running epic space-based sandbox MMORPG, the game hit a milestone last week that few others can boast: It turned 10!

Although its major retail distribution was in 2004, Vendetta Online marks its anniversary as the day it was spotlighted in Penny Arcade during the game's completely open and public alpha (which means it basically launched since everyone could dive in and play) and the population exploded! A truly multi-platform MMORPG, Guild Software's game can be played on Windows, Mac, Linux, and even Android, giving pilots the freedom to log in when and where they may, even to surreptitiously check the markets or maybe sneak an event in while at work via a smartphone. After all, who wants to miss an event just because employment gets in the way?

Luckily for those of us without an Android, Vendetta Online celebrated its decennial anniversary with some developer-run in-game events over the weekend. Always willing to join the party, Some Assembly Required strapped into a shiny new ship and blasted right into the thick of things in order to share in the festivities.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Ten years warp by for Vendetta Online

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Ten years warp by for Vendetta Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversary-eventanniversary-eventsfactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguild-softwareguild-software-incindependentopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredspace-tradinguser-generated-contentvendettavendetta-10-year-anniversaryvendetta-anniversaryVendetta-Onlinevendetta-ten-year-anniversaryFri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Illyriad MMORTS adding emergent mob distribution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/illyriad-mmorts-adding-emergent-mob-distribution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/illyriad-mmorts-adding-emergent-mob-distribution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/22/illyriad-mmorts-adding-emergent-mob-distribution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Illyriad player city
Large-scale game changes are a risky endeavor when it comes to MMOs. Today's Illyriad update is no exception, though we're excited to see what happens as the title switches from randomly generated world biology to an "organic and emergent model."

Animal distributions will now take habitats, breeding, and migration into account, and players will notice various critters moving around the map and behaving in a more logical manner. "Now, each pack or herd of animals will be tracked in real time, its population increasing over time, and the pack splitting when the population grows to a certain point. Players will be able to dramatically impact the sizes of animal populations, which will have multiple consequences," says Illyriad founder James Niesewand.

The tweaks are part of a warmup to the game's extended trade and economic revamp which is due later this year.

[Source: Illyriad Games press release]

MassivelyIllyriad MMORTS adding emergent mob distribution originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-migrationemergent-migrationfantasygame-mechanicsillyriadillyriad-mmortsillyriad-patchmmortsmobmob-airtsSun, 22 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Embers of Caerus dev blog talks sieging, Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/embers-of-caerus-dev-blog-talks-sieging-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/embers-of-caerus-dev-blog-talks-sieging-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/21/embers-of-caerus-dev-blog-talks-sieging-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ember of Caerus logo
Embers of Caerus has been flying under the radar of late (even for an indie sandbox title). Happily, the dev team has broken the silence with a new 20-minute video featuring Forsaken Studios technical director and co-founder Dave Belcher.

Belcher has a lot to say, the main gist of which is that work on EoC is going quite well. That said, funding is an issue as it is for most indie projects, so Belcher and his team have decided to try their hand at Kickstarter. "We're not a greedy bunch, the main thing is making the game and everything else is secondary," Belcher explains. To that end, look for an EoC Kickstarter page over the next few weeks.

In terms of gameplay and systems, Belcher spends a spot of time discussing siege warfare. He does offer a disclaimer in terms of the early nature of a high-level design, but he also describes sieging as "one of our key, killer features," so chances are good that you'll see it in EoC's eventual prototype. Head past the break for the full video.

[Thanks to Sam for the tip!]

Continue reading Embers of Caerus dev blog talks sieging, Kickstarter

MassivelyEmbers of Caerus dev blog talks sieging, Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-siegingdave-belcherembers-of-caerusfantasyforsaken-studiosfundinggame-mechanicskickstartersandboxsandbox-fundingsiegesiege-warfaresiegessiegingSat, 21 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online streamlines the process of figuring out who's crippling your ship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/eve-online-streamlines-the-process-of-figuring-out-whos-crippli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/eve-online-streamlines-the-process-of-figuring-out-whos-crippli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/eve-online-streamlines-the-process-of-figuring-out-whos-crippli/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Still arguably a bit less than visceral combat.
If you're playing EVE Online, you are going to lose a ship sooner or later. It's as inevitable as the tides. Sometimes you'll be outnumbered and outgunned, and while that can be frustrating, there's no real shame in it. But when you're having your ship locked in place by an attacker you can't see and you don't actually know what's happening, that is a different matter. It's particularly infuriating, and it's something that the game's next update is aiming to fix.

Starting with the next patch, the new Effects Bar will show a quick overview of all the effects currently in place on your ship as well as the source of same. So if there are two people attacking you, an icon will pop up, and you'll be able to target and counterattack appropriately rather than fumble through more clumsy interface methods. If the blog entry explaining the system isn't clear enough for you, check out the short preview video just past the break.

Continue reading EVE Online streamlines the process of figuring out who's crippling your ship

MassivelyEVE Online streamlines the process of figuring out who's crippling your ship originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesescalationeveeve-onlinefunctionsgame-mechanicsgame-systemsinterfaceinternet-spaceshipssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinesystemsuiupdatesuser-interfacevideovideosWed, 18 Apr 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse highlights shiny TERA launch features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/en-masse-highlights-shiny-tera-launch-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/en-masse-highlights-shiny-tera-launch-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/en-masse-highlights-shiny-tera-launch-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

TERA - Mistmoor party
TERA is soldiering on toward its May 1st North American street date. En Masse Entertainment, the game's American publisher, has quite a few features lined up to distract you from the brouhaha going on outside the game's lush fantasy world, and the firm has updated its website accordingly.

You'll find info on TERA's staged invasions, public quests, and economic system archived in the lengthy new post. The update also recaps the game's reputation system, its dungeon roster, and a few of the more interesting class tweaks to boot. Head to the official TERA site for all the goods.

MassivelyEn Masse highlights shiny TERA launch features originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosclasseseconomyen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasygame-mechanicsteratera-economytera-launchtera-launch-featuresTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online alerts players to a new trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/champions-online-alerts-players-to-a-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/champions-online-alerts-players-to-a-new-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/champions-online-alerts-players-to-a-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I'm getting an urgent alert. The Hot Pockets are almost done.
If you haven't played the content in the latest Champions Online update, you haven't been playing the game. After all, the update launched last Friday. But maybe you're a free player and you're still on the fence about whether or not the game is worth playing with all of the system overhauls and new mechanics. In the hopes of targeting that critical but indecisive user base, the development team has put together a new trailer for the On Alert update.

All right, so perhaps a trailer isn't the best place to show off detailed mechanical shifts in depth unless you really enjoy watching math. But it still shows off a bit of the new group challenges and the new Alert system, and the update's information hub can fill you in on the more numerical shifts. Check out the trailer just past the break, and if it sparks your interest, you can log into the game and start playing with the new systems now.

Continue reading Champions Online alerts players to a new trailer

MassivelyChampions Online alerts players to a new trailer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsnew-mechanicsnew-systemsnewson-alertpatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesuperherosuperheroestrailertrailersupdateupdatesvideovideosMon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Ain't what she used to be]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-mog-log-aint-what-she-used-to-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-mog-log-aint-what-she-used-to-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-mog-log-aint-what-she-used-to-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Final Fantasy XIV has changed a lot since launch. That's kind of the thing you say about every game, but usually you can see most of the telltale signs of where the game had been. That's not quite the case with the huge, sweeping changes that Eorzea has undergone. You can see some of the comparisons, but a lot of mechanics have been widely overhauled and altered so that it barely even feels like the same game.

This, of course, is not stuff you catch as a casual observer. Heck, there are things I don't notice because I'm knee-deep in Final Fantasy XIV and have gotten more accustomed to the changed version over the new version. So I thought this would be a good week to try taking a step back and looking at all of the things that have changed in the game since launch... or at least the major points that you might not have caught.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Ain't what she used to be

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Ain't what she used to be originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsmog-logopinionpatchessquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupdatesSat, 14 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/some-assembly-required-can-darkfall-and-the-repopulation-end-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Catching up with Darkfall and The Repopulation
It's not often that we use this space for news recaps. Generally MJ and I have a particular topic (or game) in mind for Some Assembly Required's biweekly rotation. This time, though, I figured we should highlight some of the recent goings-on with a couple of pertinent sandbox titles simply because Massively news posts don't offer enough space to expound on anything other than the basics.

Join me after the break, then, for a rundown on what's new with Darkfall and The Repopulation.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Can Darkfall and The Repopulation end the sandbox drought? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesagonaventurinecity-buildingcraftingdarkfalldarkfall-2.0darkfall-craftingdffantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsnation-buildingopen-pvpopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvprepopulationsandboxsarsci-fisome-assembly-requiredthe-repopulationtradeskillinguser-contentuser-generated-contentFri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble Online gears up for beta, launches Kickstarter drive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/ensemble-online-gears-up-for-beta-launches-kickstarter-drive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/ensemble-online-gears-up-for-beta-launches-kickstarter-drive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/ensemble-online-gears-up-for-beta-launches-kickstarter-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ensemble Online gameplay screen
It's been nearly two years since we first heard of Ensemble Online, a browser-based MMO that combines elements from RPG and RTS titles. SemiFormal Studios is gearing up to launch Ensemble's beta testing phase, and the firm has taken to Kickstarter to help with funding.

SemiFormal bills the game as "the world's first MMORTS"; the company says that it allows you to "tactically control territory, harvest resources, and build buildings anywhere on an expansive, real-time, never-ending map." The game doesn't limit where you can build, either, and there are no text-based battles (nor do you lose your progress when you log out).

If that's piqued your interest, head to the official site to learn more about the game, and don't forget to check out the Ensemble Kickstarter page to contribute.

MassivelyEnsemble Online gears up for beta, launches Kickstarter drive originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaensembleensemble-kickstarterensemble-onlinegame-mechanicskickstartermmortsrtssemiformalsemiformal-studiosWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online cuts the craft in favor of the mod scene]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/champions-online-cuts-the-craft-in-favor-of-the-mod-scene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/champions-online-cuts-the-craft-in-favor-of-the-mod-scene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/champions-online-cuts-the-craft-in-favor-of-the-mod-scene/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I'm going to use Fusion to fuse this arrowhead to your brainmeats.
Whether or not you're fond of Champions Online, you probably don't like the game's crafting system. Almost no one does, and apparently not even the developers have been terribly pleased with it. That's why the game is putting that system aside and replacing it with a new system. The Mod and Fusion system will work more along the lines of gear slotting as found in other MMOs. Certain gear comes with slots for Mods, and by combining Mods via Fusion, you can produce more powerful enhancements.

The old crafting skills, meanwhile, tie into the new method of fusing Mods by helping you create stronger Mods and harvest new ones. Extant crafters will also be integrated into the new system; all existing crafted benefits will stay in place (although new ones won't be available), and the crafting-specific travel powers and bags will be moved to other vendors. It's a pretty radical reinvention of the game's current dynamic, but it will hopefully make the game a bit more fun for crafters and non-crafters alike.

MassivelyChampions Online cuts the craft in favor of the mod scene originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinechampscocraftingcraftscrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-systemspatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewspwesuperherosuperheroesupdatesFri, 30 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
Many moons ago when the air just started to cool from summer's heat (aka, last September), Some Assembly Required had the opportunity to talk shop with a new outfit that is developing a promising new sandbox MMORPG, Origins of Malu. And you know me: Sandbox is the magic word! As skeptical as I knew I should be, I still came away from that interview with renewed hope that a game with some of the features for player-generated content could exist again.

Back then, Burning Dog Media made the bold statement that it would absolutely release its flagship game in 2012, with a target of early 2012 to boot. But as the first quarter of the year quickly drew to a close with scant information available, it became pretty clear the game is still a ways off. In the realm of games, no news is not necessarily good news... and we definitely hit a drought in news.

Now that drought has ended. In our second exclusive interview, we spoke with Michael Dunham, Producer, Jason Mitchell, Senior Developer, and Dave Cruikshank, Art Director, to learn what's been going on behind the scenes and get the scoop on more details about those very features that have sandbox lovers salivating.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burning-dog-mediaconstructioncraftingDave-Cruikshankeconomyexclusiveexclusive-interviewfaction-warfarefactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguildsinterviewinterviewsJason-Mitchellmassively-exclusive-interviewsmichael-dunhamopinionorigins-of-malupgcplayer-contentplayer-economyplayer-generated-contentPvEPvPsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - DUST 514 Fanfest 2012 highlights
Oh man, this back and forth between PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 is going to be the death of me. I feel like I'm cheating on one game every time I get excited about the other, but I just can't help it since both titles are drawing a bead on my personal sweet spot.

This week's Firing Line is all DUST all the time, thanks to the massive info dump at last weekend's Fanfest 2012 event. I didn't get to go to Iceland for the hands-on, unfortunately, but I did log into PlayStation Home for the keynote livestream (which is archived after the cut in case you missed it).

And I'll go ahead and beg your forgiveness for my fanboy breathlessness in advance this week. I've been an EVE Online player for a number of years now, so I'm already enamored of both the DUST universe and CCP's propensity for sandbox mechanics. What I didn't know prior to Fanfest, though, was just how deep the rabbit hole's going to go.

Continue reading The Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-fanfest-2012ccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfestfanfest-2012featuredfiring-linefpsgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpsopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinetflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsFri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Mechanical buildup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-soapbox-mechanical-buildup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-soapbox-mechanical-buildup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-soapbox-mechanical-buildup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The image is somewhat apt.
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I was in high school when I discovered a love for simplified tabletop games. I'd long been fond of the absurdly detailed and baroque structure that you could find in Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, going so far as to purchase all of the various little add-ons that allowed you to reinvent the game systems in dizzying density. And I can pinpoint the moment when I decided that all of that was for the birds.

Specifically, it was the moment when I sat there with Skills & Powers open to one page, the Player's Handbook open to another, and the Complete Psionics Handbook open to yet another. It was when I stared at three separate passages and realized that I was on the second hour of making a character that resembled nothing so much as a math project. On that day, I understood intuitively why designers would look at the whole thing and advocate sweeping the mess away altogether -- just like what many, many MMOs do as they grow long in the tooth.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Mechanical buildup

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Mechanical buildup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designeditorialfeaturedgame-mechanicsgame-systemsmechanical-cruftmechanicsop-edopinionrantrantssoapboxsystemsthe-soapboxFri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: A confluence of awesome edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ask-massively-a-confluence-of-awesome-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ask-massively-a-confluence-of-awesome-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ask-massively-a-confluence-of-awesome-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If you'd like to complain about the ending, please avoid spoilers, be polite, and don't. Just don't.
Every so often, awesome things happen. Apparently, for reasons I cannot begin to explain, I can now dress my characters in Final Fantasy XIII-2 in N7 armor from Mass Effect 3. This makes me happy in countless ways. I'd like to have full-on armor customization for the suits, but then, I'd also like the game to be a totally separate storyline as opposed to providing a wholly unnecessary epilogue to Final Fantasy XIII. So I'm focusing on combining an awesome game system with a visual element of an awesome game.

This week's Ask Massively has nothing to do with combining one thing with another thing. Or maybe it sort of does, seeing as how it's all about crafting and gathering instead of killing stuff. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment, send it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: A confluence of awesome edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: A confluence of awesome edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycraftingfeaturedgame-mechanicsgatheringhumormassively-metametaopinionThu, 29 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An outsider's look inside Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/an-outsiders-look-inside-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/an-outsiders-look-inside-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/an-outsiders-look-inside-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 - Engineer concept art
The second Guild Wars 2 press beta weekend has come and gone, and Massively was there every step of the way. Stay tuned throughout the day today for even more guides, impressions, videos, and Q&As to get you ready for the highly anticipated sequel to Guild Wars.

My Guild Wars 2 beta weekend started off with a whimper instead of a bang. As I fired up the client and got a load of that sexy 2/dragon logo prior to character creation, one of the video cards in my gaming tower decided to give up the ghost. I didn't know this at the time, and as I slogged through the game's opening sequence, I wondered why it was running like pure Charr poo even with the settings dialed down.

I could barely move around the starter village, and after 15 minutes or so, I closed the client in disgust. Later I fired up EverQuest II on that same system and experienced similar subpar performance, so I quickly downloaded the GW2 beta to my laptop.

Ah, now that was more like it. Here was the Tyria I'd glimpsed via screenshots and video over the past few weeks, and I rolled up an Engineer to help determine whether ArenaNet has anything to offer a crusty old newb.

Continue reading An outsider's look inside Guild Wars 2

MassivelyAn outsider's look inside Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetclassesdivinitys-reachengineerfantasygame-mechanicsguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-beta-impressionsguild-wars-2-impressionsguild-wars-2-newbguild-wars-2-previewguild-wars-2-questsguild-wars-2beta-impressionsgwgw2impressionsncsoftquestingMon, 26 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-firing-line-a-couple-of-planetside-2-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns
Now that the glow of PlanetSide 2's GDC demo reveal is a couple of weeks back in the rear-view mirror, I've had time to digest it all and adjust my expectations of the game accordingly. Nothing I saw from Matt Higby and company dampened my enthusiasm for Sony Online Entertainment's MMOFPS opus, but a few things I didn't see are niggling at the back of my mind.

Don't get me wrong -- PS2 is still at the top of my most-anticipated MMO list, but there are a few points of contention that could relegate it to the status of fun diversion instead of zomg-must-play-every-day title.

Continue reading The Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns

MassivelyThe Firing Line: A couple of PlanetSide 2 concerns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodesignfeaturedfiring-linefpsgame-mechanicsimmersionmatt-higbymmo-shootermmofpsopinionplanetsideplanetside-2psps1ps2pvpsandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsFri, 23 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP shifts gears from DUST to EVE at Fanfest 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/ccp-shifts-gears-from-dust-to-eve-at-fanfest-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/ccp-shifts-gears-from-dust-to-eve-at-fanfest-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/ccp-shifts-gears-from-dust-to-eve-at-fanfest-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Internet space troopers
Day one of EVE Online's 2012 Fanfest is in the books, and it was quite the interesting spectacle from CCP's perch at the top of the world.

As expected, yesterday's juicy news centered on DUST 514, and we learned a bit about merc quarters, skills, and objectives. The devs also talked about DUST's battlefield resupply mechanics (which are somewhat unique for a shooter since every bullet, weapon, and vehicle must be produced before it can be airlifted to the front lines). We also got to see the first real footage of EVE/DUST integration courtesy of a live orbital strike coordinated between a ground trooper and a capsuleer.

Today looks just as interesting, and the focus will be shifting to EVE as CCP talks up the state of the game's economy, factional warfare, and a variety of other topics. As you're probably aware, you can catch all of this via our dedicated EVETV Livestream channel, and we'll have more info and analysis for you as the weekend rolls on.

MassivelyCCP shifts gears from DUST to EVE at Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-fanfest-2012ccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514dust-eve-integrationeveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfest-2012fpsgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterFri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/22/ask-massively-misunderstandings-about-our-robot-overlords-editi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Unfortunately, afterwards there will still be a lot of novelty robots out of a job.
As I personally have no real reservations about the impending destruction of human society by perfect killer robots, I thought I'd take the opportunity to dispel certain misunderstandings about living under the thumb of mechanical overseers. Specifically, I'd like to dispel the idea that we'll be living. Robots wouldn't be sending us to work in mines; they can build machines to do that faster than our frail organic bodies. Not to mention that those machines would whine a lot less. So don't worry! You won't be toiling for a monolithic AI for years; you'll just be obliterated or used as organic building material. Doesn't that make things better?

In unrelated news, it's time for this week's installment of Ask Massively, which focuses on the question of raw, unfettered action. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, mail it along to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Misunderstandings about our robot overlords edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadviceadvice-columnask-massivelycombatculturedevelopmentfeaturedgame-mechanicshumorindustry-trendsmassively-metamechanicsmetaopinionThu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online puts you in contact with your duty officers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/star-trek-online-puts-you-into-contact-with-your-duty-officers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/star-trek-online-puts-you-into-contact-with-your-duty-officers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/star-trek-online-puts-you-into-contact-with-your-duty-officers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're hoping that one of the assignments from your CMO is Unresolved Romance Subplot, well, I can't blame you.
It's easy to forget from time to time, but no matter what level you're at in Star Trek Online, you've got a pretty big ship under your command. That means there are all sorts of people who need help, all manner of different departments to address, and generally enough running around to fill an hour of programming every week for seven years. The game's newest patch, which rolls out this week, aims to address that feel by adding several assignment contacts to your ship interior, fleshing out the ship and offering you another set of content to explore.

Some of the assignments offered within your ship are new, while others allow you to further focus your efforts on a given commendation category. Almost all of them involve seeking out and speaking to the appropriate part of your duty roster, meaning that your Engineering officer will be in charge of a plethora of Engineering-related assignments. It's a great chance to get to know your crew as more than just piles of stats, and it should give you just a bit more of that ever-important Star Trek feel.

MassivelyStar Trek Online puts you in contact with your duty officers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosduty-officersf2pfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmechanicsofficerspatchpatchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoWed, 21 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World offers up a video diary on freeform progression]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/the-secret-world-offers-up-a-video-diary-on-freeform-progression/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/the-secret-world-offers-up-a-video-diary-on-freeform-progression/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/the-secret-world-offers-up-a-video-diary-on-freeform-progression/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Okay. Maybe this is okay. Maybe it just wants a bacon strip.
The Secret World is going to feature a lot of different monsters to contend with, and that means a lot of different tricks to deal with all of them. We've known for a while that the game will feature a freeform skill system, but in a recent video diary the development staff shows off some of these freeform skills in action and in visual flow. As stated before, players can pick any different combination of skills and abilities from the skill wheel, with the big key simply being to look for synergy between your various abilities.

Regardless of what your character has unlocked, you'll be limited to seven active abilities and seven passive abilities at any given time, thereby ensuring that more experienced characters will have more options rather than more raw power. The video also talks about templates to help guide new players and the game's equipment system, all of which emphasize the role of players in determining how they want to play. If this sounds right up your alley, take a look at the full video diary just past the break.

Continue reading The Secret World offers up a video diary on freeform progression

MassivelyThe Secret World offers up a video diary on freeform progression originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesdev-diarydeveloper-diaryfactionfantasyfreeform-progressionfuncomgame-mechanicshorrormechanicsmythologysci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedskill-progressionskillsthe-secret-worldtswvideovideosWed, 21 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Digital Enhancements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-digital-enhancements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-digital-enhancements/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-digital-enhancements/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Illustration by A. Fienemann
Last week, I covered the raw basics of Enhancements in City of Heroes. This was a good place to start, but it also glossed over everything but the basics. It's telling that glossing over everything but the basics still involves stuff that's as bogglingly complicated as diversification, but then, there's a reason I decided to do these columns in the first place. But with all the basics out of the way, what more could there be to cover?

Lots, as it happens, because last week didn't touch upon dual Enhancements or Inventions, both of which cover the same ground and take into account the specifics of Enhancement Diversification and so forth. So for those of you wondering why I didn't talk about IOs, those still trying to get a handle on the system, or those just morbidly curious about how the game works, it's time to start in with the enhancements that broke the entire system in half more or less the second they were introduced: Inventions.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Digital Enhancements

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Digital Enhancements originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxcraftingenhancementsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgame-mechanicsinventionsmechanicsmild-mannered-reporterncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiossuperherosuperheroessystemsWed, 21 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Point two one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-mog-log-point-two-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-mog-log-point-two-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/17/the-mog-log-point-two-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
So patch 1.21 has finally come out, after what feels like a wait of several thousand years. It's the biggest patch since the last one, certainly, and headlining the whole thing is the introduction of the Job system. Final Fantasy XIV players the world over can finally experience the game as one of the iconic classes that have pretty much been the other shoe waiting to drop since the game's launch. But there's also chocobo barding, new dungeons, new functional improvements, private rooms... the usual confluence of many separate elements in a single patch. It's the biggest one since the last one, in other words.

The problem this patch faces with its marquee element, of course, is that jobs are something players have anticipated for so long that there's no right way to do them. However jobs get put into the game, some players will be happy and some won't. The best outcome has never been a perfect implementation so much as an implementation that's done consistently and hits the right notes. And that's arguably what happened, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'll agree that this was the best implementation possible.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Point two one

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Point two one originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.21final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgame-updatesjobsmog-logopinionpatchpatchessquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupdatesSat, 17 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/some-assembly-required-is-the-secret-world-a-sandbox/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required - Is The Secret World a sandbox?
I'm more excited than I thought I would be for The Secret World. After playing it at last week's Game Developer's Conference and getting a preview of the game's crafting system, I think it's safe to say my anticipation went up a few notches.

The real-world setting and horror-fantasy elements have always been appealing, but a general lack of info throughout 2011 -- coupled with Funcom's decision to add a cash shop to a subscription game -- conspired to knock The Secret World down a few pegs. Now I'm almost willing to forgive the business model faux pas because it seems like the game will feature significant sandbox elements.

Is it a sandbox, though?

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox?

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Is The Secret World a sandbox? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracycraftingfactionfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-mechanicshorroris-the-secret-world-a-sandboxjoel-bylosmartin-bruusgaardmmo-storymythologyopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsandparksarsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsome-assembly-requiredstorythe-secret-worldthemeparktradeskillingtradeskillstswuser-generated-contentFri, 16 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall believes in magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Okay, not believing in magic is a mite hard at times in a magical fantasy world.
There are a lot of changes in the pipeline for Darkfall, but it's safe to say that whatever else changes in the game, magic will remain important. The newest development blog for the game discusses the revised state of low-level magic and some of the basics of more powerful magic as well. Every character can use the lowest tier of magic, which mixes both Intelligence and Wisdom as important stats and can be cast regardless of what the character is wearing. Known as Minor Incantations, the school contains only five spells, but they're all of basic utility, ranging from basic magical damage to a simple self-healing spell.

Beyond the earliest steps, the developers have taken pains to try to make magic more balanced and interesting. The biggest element in spell potency is the governing attribute of the spell (Intelligence or Wisdom), but the level of the spell, the staff being used by the caster, and the overall level of the magic school in question all come into play. Take a look at the full diary to get a better sense of where the game's mystical arts are heading in the future.

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

MassivelyDarkfall believes in magic originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldffantasygame-mechanicsmagicmechanicsnewsopen-pvppvpsandboxupdatesThu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Some Enhancement evening]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/a-mild-mannered-reporter-some-enhancement-evening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/a-mild-mannered-reporter-some-enhancement-evening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/a-mild-mannered-reporter-some-enhancement-evening/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
Using the Enhancement system is pretty important to playing City of Heroes successfully. It's a combination of both gear and (arguably) character specialization, and it's the main way that you increase your power over the course of your leveling. Sure, you get new powers as you level up, but your earlier powers remain your steadfast workhorses. Mastery of Enhancements is the path to being imbalanced.

Unfortunately, the Enhancement system is also really, really complicated.

I don't say this lightly; in fact, I say this specifically after a conversation with a fellow Massively staffer who has never fully understood how this system is supposed to work. Said staffer is an intelligent man, but the system is rife with corner cases, strange rules, exceptions, and several elements that are never really explained in full. So for all of the newer free-to-play people or old hands at City of Heroes who never really got the system, here's a primer on how Enhancements work.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Some Enhancement evening

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Some Enhancement evening originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reportercity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxenhancementenhancementsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgame-mechanicsmild-mannered-reporterncsoftnew-player-informationopinionparagonparagon-studiosstartersuperherosuperheroesWed, 14 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST