Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you play classes you don't like?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-classes-you-dont-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-classes-you-dont-like/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-classes-you-dont-like/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - view from the rez pad
I recently returned to Lord of the Rings Online in anticipation of the Rohan-themed expansion pack due later this year.

As I was looking over my character page and deciding which of my toons I should take to 75, I reluctantly decided to abandon my highest level avatar. You see, he's a Guardian, and despite the fact that I'm basically throwing away 58 levels and some pretty decent gear, I simply can't bear the thought of playing what is absolutely the most boring class in any MMO, ever.

Why did I roll one, then? Mainly because my launch-day guild was going for class balance, and no one else wanted to play a tank. And that's my long-winded way of leading into today's Daily Grind question. Do you play classes you don't like (and if so, why)?

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you play classes you don't like? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdaily-grinddo-you-play-classes-you-dont-likef2pfantasyfree-to-playguardianlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelord-of-the-rings-online-guardianlotrolotro-guardianmiddle-earthopinionrohanrohan-expansiontankingtankstdgthe-daily-grindturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Now that all Guild Wars 2 professions are revealed, which will you play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-daily-grind-now-that-all-guild-wars-2-professions-are-revea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-daily-grind-now-that-all-guild-wars-2-professions-are-revea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-daily-grind-now-that-all-guild-wars-2-professions-are-revea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sylvari Mesmer in Guild Wars 2
Earlier this week, the internet exploded with a leaked reveal of Guild Wars 2's eighth profession: the Mesmer. The official reveal soon followed, with some of the most amazing skill videos and game mechanics to ever hit an MMO class. OK, so I'm a Mesmer fanboi. Sue me.

But now that we can flip through the entire array of Guild Wars 2 professions, we're left with the question about what class to play... or play first.

Will you be burning stuff with the Elementalist, bashing stuff with the Warrior, or shooting stuff with the Ranger? Perhaps you'd like to pander to your inner kleptomaniac by playing a Thief or dance with the dead as a Necromancer. Throw in the Guardian, Engineer, and Mesmer, and it's fairly impossible to pick just one.

So which will you play first? Let us know your profession plans for Guild Wars 2 in the comments below.

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

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Now that all Guild Wars 2 professions are revealed, which will you play? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetclasseselementalistengineerguardianguild-wars-2mesmerncsoftnecromanceromg-i-want-to-play-them-allopinionprofessionsrangertdgthe-daily-grindthiefwarriorFri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR: So you want to play a Jedi Knight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-jedi-knight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-jedi-knight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/swtor-so-you-want-to-play-a-jedi-knight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SWTOR - The Jedi Knight
If it's true that gamers would rather play Luke Skywalker than Uncle Owen, then the Jedi Knight is the class to put that claim to the test in Star Wars: The Old Republic. The Knight is the Republic side's melee specialist and classic tank-mage, who supplements her melee attacks with taunts, buffs, and Force powers. She operates on the front lines of the war against the Sith, protecting her allies and representing the Jedi Order across the galaxy.

Also, lightsabers. Two of them.

Continue reading SWTOR: So you want to play a Jedi Knight

MassivelySWTOR: So you want to play a Jedi Knight originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclassclassesdpseaElectronic-Artsfeaturedfocusguardianguideguidesjedijedi-guardianjedi-knightjedi-sentineljedi-templeknightloremeleemelee-dpspreviewragesentinelstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-class-guideswtor-guideswtor-launch-guidetanktankingthe-old-republictortythonwarriorWorld-of-WarcraftwowMon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Grudge match: RIFT faction rivalry heating up for one-year anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/grudge-match-rift-faction-rivalry-heating-up-for-one-year-anniv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/grudge-match-rift-faction-rivalry-heating-up-for-one-year-anniv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/grudge-match-rift-faction-rivalry-heating-up-for-one-year-anniv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT
Worried that RIFT's Guardians and Defiants are less age-old enemies and more goofy odd couple roommates bumbling around to a laugh track? If faction chumminess concerns you, you'll be glad to hear that Trion Worlds is planning to escalate tensions between the two sides that will forever change the feel of the game.

Trion said that it's already deep into the planning stages of heating up the conflict between the game's two sides, which is planned for next spring. The current Fae Yule festival is meant to be a quiet moment before everything explodes; a peace that is soon to be shattered.

Design Director Hal Hanlin puts a date on the upcoming Factionopalypse: "We're planning to drive a wedge between the factions for the game's one-year anniversary." This puts the date of the event in early March 2012.

Currently, while the two factions don't necessarily get along, they both are working toward the same goal of repelling the invading planar forces. It's just that they use different approaches and philosophies as they truck along.

MassivelyGrudge match: RIFT faction rivalry heating up for one-year anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarydefiantdefiantsfactionfaction-conflictfactionsfae-yulefirst-anniversaryguardianguardiansin-game-eventone-year-anniversarypvprifttriontrion-worldsTue, 06 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard elaborates on Guardian Cub sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/blizzard-elaborates-on-guardian-cub-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/blizzard-elaborates-on-guardian-cub-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/22/blizzard-elaborates-on-guardian-cub-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WoW
Has Blizzard surrendered to the powerful RMT lobby or are there other forces at work behind the company's recent decision to introduce a loophole that allows players to buy in-game gold and items with real-world currency? According to a recent post on World of Warcraft, the sale of the Guardian Cub is meant to test the waters of fighting rampant account compromises.

Blizzard claims that gold farming is actually not as common these days, but instead most of the gold that is sold through third-party services comes from stolen accounts. The idea of bypassing third-party gold sellers by providing a cash shop pet that could be resold or traded in game was meant to be a creative solution to the problem.

"Players can buy one for the purpose of trying to sell it in-game, creating the potential for players to exchange real money for gold in a way that does not lead to account compromises. Of course, all that comes with the pretty important caveat that demand for the pet will be finite, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to find a buyer," Blizzard writes.

The company says that it doesn't expect this will solve the overall issue, the success or failure of the unique pet will help Blizzard determine if this approach is worth pursuing further.

MassivelyBlizzard elaborates on Guardian Cub sales originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentgold-farminggold-sellingguardianreal-money-tradingrmtthird-partyWorld-of-WarcraftwowSat, 22 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Protect Isengard with the new LotRO Guardian dev diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/protect-isengard-with-the-new-lotro-guardian-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/protect-isengard-with-the-new-lotro-guardian-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/protect-isengard-with-the-new-lotro-guardian-dev-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Lord of the Rings Online
It's time for another Lord of the Rings Online developer diary, and this time around the Guardian is up to bat. So what's in store for the plate-wearing, shield-toting class come Rise of Isengard? Well, of course Turbine realizes that many Guardians are tanks first and foremost, and it will ensure that Guardians are able to continue tanking with the best of them. On top of that, however, some passes are being made to increase Guardian DPS, which Turbine feels is substandard.

In order to accomplish this, they will be raising Guardian DPS "in a behind-the-scene fashion." This means that many abilities, such as Guardian's Ward, will simply "do more damage inherently as the Guardian levels up from 65," and Guardians will also be granted some additional damage from their shield abilities thanks to increased Shield Use rating from new Legendary Traits. If you're interested in the finer details, the full list of skill changes can be found in the full dev diary.

MassivelyProtect Isengard with the new LotRO Guardian dev diary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changesclassf2pfree-to-playguardianimprovementlord-of-the-ring-onlinelord-of-the-ringslotrlotrorise-of-isengardturbineTurbine-EntertainmentTue, 30 Aug 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: RIFTastic!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/choose-my-adventure-riftastic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/choose-my-adventure-riftastic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/17/choose-my-adventure-riftastic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure: RIFTastic
Frenzy engulfed this last week's poll, which is one of the reasons I tweeted about it so often. EverQuest II and RIFT battled to the death over which would hold the attention of this writer for the next five weeks. Ultimately, the power of Regulos overpowered the Norrathians, but not without a fight.

Usually the first community manager or game developer who catches wind of his or her game's appearance on Choose My Adventure wins. And just like past devs, Community Manager for EverQuest II Tiffany "Amnerys" Spence tweeted and posted in the EQII forums to encourage fans to vote for her game. However, Lindsay Lockhart, Lead Defiant Lore Writer for RIFT, would not have Telara beaten by Norrath, so she tweeted about it and passed the information off to Community Manager Erick "Zann" Adams, who posted it on RIFT's Facebook page. Immediately, RIFT's votes doubled then grew quickly after that.

Congratulations to the RIFT fans. I hope I do your game justice, but I do want to give a shout out to all the EQII fans. I hope you stick around for this. You put up an awesome fight and certainly made the poll interesting to watch.

As for this week, we step into RIFT's character creator. All the decisions are up to you! Should I roll Defiant or Guardian -- Warrior or Mage? Just cruise past the break for all the details!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: RIFTastic!

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: RIFTastic! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amneryschoose-my-adventureclassescmadefiantEQ2EQIIerick-adamsEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedgamebreakergamebreaker-tvgendergroup-roleGuardianirljasmineJasmine-HruschakLindsay-LockhartloreMatt-Danielplanes-of-telararacesRIFTrift-planes-of-telaraSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmenttiffany-spenceTriontrion-worldszannWed, 17 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima X: Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-x-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-x-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-x-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Last week on The Game Archaeologist: Murder most foul! A promising sequel to a hit MMO cut down in its prime, left to die on the front steps of EA's headquarters while its team was banished into exile! With special guest star, Richard Garriott's hair braid.

And now, for the exciting conclusion!

As disappointed that some MMO fans were over Ultima Worlds Online: Origin's cancellation, the truth is that the industry still was young, these MMOs still had their "new car smell," and hey, there was always Ultima Online to play. It was probably the right call at the time to not create your own competition, but if that was the case, EA should've never begun it to begin with.

So did the company have a major case of cancellation remorse? Or did it look at other industry sequels like Asheron's Call 2 and EverQuest II and feel as though it was being upstaged?

Whatever the reason, EA decided that it had been too hasty, and it greenlit development on yet another Ultima Online sequel, this one titled Ultima X: Odyssey. It would go deeper and further into development, gather more acclaim, and generate more hype than UWO:O, and in fact would get within spitting distance of launching.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima X: Odyssey

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima X: Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ac2Alucinorasherons-call-2avatarbiowaree3e3-2003eaelectronic-artselveseqeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifeaturedgargoylesguardianintelligent-itemsJonathan-Hannalegendary-itemslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroodysseyorcsphodaspixiespvprichard-garriottstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortgathe-game-archaeologistthe-old-republicultimaultima-2ultima-ixultima-onlineultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-xultima-x-odysseyunreal-engineuouxovirtue-itemsvirtuesworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 05 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Class graduation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/the-road-to-mordor-class-graduation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/the-road-to-mordor-class-graduation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/the-road-to-mordor-class-graduation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Amid all of the hubbabaloo of E3, Rise of Isengard reveals, and pre-order madness, something equally as significant has been taking place on the Lord of the Rings Online scene: proposed class changes.

Turbine's been fairly good giving each of the classes a pass over this last year, but it looks as though something even more significant is in the offering when the expansion hits this fall. As we all know, the level cap is going up to 75, virtues will increase to a new cap of 12, and stats will be expanded in several ways. But there's even more on top of that: Orion and Zombie Columbus have been posting a steady stream of proposed class changes on the forums.

These aren't all tiny tuning measures, either. In many cases, weak elements of classes and class builds will be radically revamped, and how you play these classes will change forever. As with any prospect of change, these proposed notes are both exciting and scary to behold. I felt it was high past time we at least chew on the reveals thus far and see how our classes will be graduating to the next level when Isengard arrives.

Of course, these are all proposed and highly subject to change between now and whenever they're implemented. As Orion said, "Blogs are coming out before the major changes so that we can get your feedback early, often and when we are still agile enough to respond to the valid reasoning behind concerns or true issues that are found." Read with a grain of salt (if you like, perch the salt on your shoulder so it can view the screen better).

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Class graduation

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Class graduation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglarcaptainchampionclassclassese3e3-2011f2pfeaturedfree-to-playguardianhunterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrominstrelorionrise-of-isengardroad-to-mordorrunekeeperthe-road-to-mordorturbinewardenzombie-columbusFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Find your focus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/hyperspace-beacon-find-your-focus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/hyperspace-beacon-find-your-focus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/hyperspace-beacon-find-your-focus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Thanks to the new advanced class page on the Star Wars: The Old Republic website and MMORPG.com's interview with Georg Zoeller, we now know quite a bit about the skill tree breakdown of each advanced class. However, over the next few weeks, I want to take a look at a few of the classes and read between the lines of text. Several abilities are listed for each class, but how do they fit together? What does the complete package look like?

The Jedi Knight looks to be one of the most popular classes to play. After all, what kid growing up didn't have a fantasy of wielding a lightsaber just like Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi? I'd like to give a general overview of the advanced class abilities and collate a comprehensive list of the announced abilities. Follow me beyond the cut to see how these puzzle-pieces fit together in SWTOR.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Find your focus

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Find your focus originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-classesBioWareclassescombatcrowd-controldefensedpsEAElectronic-Artsfeaturedfocusgeorg-zoellerguardianjedi-knightLucasArtsmmorpg.comsentinelStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortankthe-old-republictorvigilancewatchmanTue, 07 Jun 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New RIFT lore highlights the fearsome Frederic Kain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-rift-lore-highlights-the-fearsome-frederic-kain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-rift-lore-highlights-the-fearsome-frederic-kain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/new-rift-lore-highlights-the-fearsome-frederic-kain/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

These RIFT lore reveals are getting to be old hat by now, what with Trion releasing one every week and all of them boasting both interesting prose and scrumptious screenshots. This week's entry is no exception, and it tells a grim tale from the adventures of one Frederic Kain, an uncompromising Guardian commander who leads a fearsome band of warriors known as the 12th.

Whether due to Kain's eerie silence in the heat of pitched battle, or his penchant for using captured Defiant prisoners as makeshift catapult ammunition, Ascended on both sides of RIFT's eternal struggle would do well to tread a wide path around any territory occupied by Kain and his men. Check out all the gory details after the cut.

Continue reading New RIFT lore highlights the fearsome Frederic Kain

MassivelyNew RIFT lore highlights the fearsome Frederic Kain originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendedcatapultsdefiantfantasyfrederic-kainguardiankainloreplanes-of-telaraprisoners-of-warriftrift-planes-of-telarastorythe-12thtriontrion-worldtrion-worldsThu, 07 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT's March 30th update bringing live events, exclusive items, new 20-man raid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/rifts-march-30th-update-bringing-live-events-exclusive-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/rifts-march-30th-update-bringing-live-events-exclusive-items/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/rifts-march-30th-update-bringing-live-events-exclusive-items/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT is about to pass the one-month mark, and Trion's fantasy title is marking the occasion with an update that's bringing a good bit of new content to the war-torn world of Telara. Beginning on March 30th, Regulos the Destroyer is taking the gloves off, and Ascended heroes will have "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a key moment in the game's history," according to a Trion press release.

Alsbeth the Discordant will lead invasions across every Telaran zone, and players who brave the hordes will earn hundreds of new items (including exclusives like a spectral horse and transmogrifying disguises). Trion also tells us that once these rifts are sealed, the unique loot items will never again be available.

The update is also bringing a new 20-man raid zone to RIFT, and the River of Souls encounter will test the mettle of Guardians and Defiants alike as they battle Alsbeth's undead minions and attempt to bring the fallen mage to justice.

MassivelyRIFT's March 30th update bringing live events, exclusive items, new 20-man raid originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30-day-updatealsbethalsbeth-the-discordantdefianteventsfantasyguardianin-game-eventspatchesplanes-of-telararegulosriftriver-of-soulsspectral-horsesubscriptiontriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsupdatesThu, 24 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fortune Online video dev diary details classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/fortune-online-video-dev-diary-details-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/fortune-online-video-dev-diary-details-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/fortune-online-video-dev-diary-details-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Judging by a new (and slickly produced) dev diary video, Gazillion is spending a fair bit of money on its new Fortune Online MMORPG. The video features a mixture of in-game footage as well as commentary from producer Ricardo Mendoza, design director Adam Maxwell, and senior content designer Chris Holtorf. Most of the discussion is focused on two of the game's classes, the Master of Arms and the Disciple of the Dragon, which belong to the Warrior and Guardian archetypes respectively.

What's an archetype?

"Fortune Online has several classes that you can choose from but we've done something to sort of simplify it for more casual players. We've boiled them down into very basic archetypes," Maxwell explains. Check out the full video after the cut.

Continue reading Fortune Online video dev diary details classes

MassivelyFortune Online video dev diary details classes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-maxwellarchetypesbrowserbrowser-basedchris-holtorfclassesdiscipile-of-the-dragonf2pfantasyfortunefortune-onlinefree-to-playgazillionguardianmaster-of-armspress-releasericardo-mendozavideowarriorWed, 09 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: A closer look at wardstones and public groups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-closer-look-at-wardstones-and-public-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-closer-look-at-wardstones-and-public-g/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/09/enter-at-your-own-rift-a-closer-look-at-wardstones-and-public-g/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What a busy first week it's been in Telara! The first evening of RIFT's head-start was a bit stressful, as players fretted over hours-long server queues and lost playtime. But after that, things settled down, and the forums went relatively quiet as players chased down rifts and fought off invasions. With all of the excitement, though, there are a few things that players might overlook. This week, we're going to investigate a couple of handy tips that you might have missed but that will definitely make your adventures in Telara more enjoyable.

Read on to see why public groups are not just for rift invasions and how a little love to your nearby wardstone can make your life (and those around you) much happier.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: A closer look at wardstones and public groups

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: A closer look at wardstones and public groups originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augment-wardstonebless-wardstoneblessed-wardstonedefiantenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedguardianguideguideshallowed-wardstoneplanar-vendorpublic-groupsRIFTrift-planes-of-telarasmall-talktelaratriontrion-worldswardstonesWed, 09 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT details Greenscale's Blight raid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rift-details-greenscales-blight-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rift-details-greenscales-blight-raid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/rift-details-greenscales-blight-raid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The big day is almost here, folks. Yes, after months of beta previews, trailers, reveals, and a head-start, March 1st marks the official kickoff for Trion Worlds' RIFT MMORPG. The company's last PR gasp prior to the launch date onslaught is a look at the Greenscale's Blight raid content.

Who is Greenscale, you might be wondering? Well he's no orc or goblin, as fantasy stalwarts might suppose after a cursory glance at the name. No, Greenscale the Primeval is a dragon most foul, responsible for unimaginable destruction and terror by virtue of his penchant for "seeding the world in vines and vegetation that could devour cities" according to Trion's latest literature.

As you're counting down the hours until launch day (or taking a break from your headstart), join us after the cut for a bit of lore relating to the fearsome wyrm and the prison temple that serves as his current home (as well a challenging bit of content for Defiants and Guardians alike).

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

Gallery: RIFT: Location Reveals

Continue reading RIFT details Greenscale's Blight raid

MassivelyRIFT details Greenscale's Blight raid originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiantdungeonfantasygalleriesgallerygreenscalegreenscale-the-primevalguardianlaunchlaunch-daynew-titlesriftscreenshotstriontrion-worldsMon, 28 Feb 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Pre-launch checklist]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-pre-launch-checklist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-pre-launch-checklist/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-pre-launch-checklist/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'll just come out and say it: The month or so right before the launch of a highly anticipated MMO is simultaneously ecstasy and agony, full of love and loathing. The waiting sucks, but the anticipation is delicious. The enthusiasm from the community is electric, but the heated emotions can be toxic. The discussion is fascinating, but the know-it-alls are annoying.

Personally, I kind of wish we could be at launch-plus-one month right now, just so that the frenzy of insane opinions will have died down and we can just, y'know, play the game without feeling as though we were in the middle of a verbal rugby match. Like any MMO, RIFT's going to have its positives and negatives, but I feel that this launch is going to be something we haven't seen in a long time: a solid, stable MMO that offers up a complete package. That pleases the Justin.

Since I can't whip out my magic remote control and fast-forward to April, I propose we do the next best thing. Let's open up our imaginary quest logs and run down a checklist of seven "To Dos" and a few "To Don'ts" to help us prepare for RIFT's release. Planning can be fun! Shut up, it can be!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Pre-launch checklist

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Pre-launch checklist originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypebetabeta-eventbuildbuildschecklistdefiantenter-at-your-own-riftexpectationsfeaturedforumsfoundersfounders-subscriptionguardianguildlaunchnvidiaofficial-forumsopen-betapitfallpitfallsplease-the-justinpre-orderpre-releasequest-logreading-rainbowriftrift-planes-of-telarasoulsoul-calculatorsoul-treesoul-tree-calculatortake-a-look-its-in-a-booktelaratriontrion-worldsWed, 16 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT's Telara the Merciless open beta starts February 15th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/rifts-telara-the-merciless-open-beta-starts-february-15th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/rifts-telara-the-merciless-open-beta-starts-february-15th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/rifts-telara-the-merciless-open-beta-starts-february-15th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Let's face it. This time next week, some of us will be entirely sick of all the warm, fuzzy, cuddle-bug lovin' that typically signifies mid-February. Thankfully Trion Worlds is here to remind us that there are plenty of dragons, plate-clad pretty people, and a violent, war-torn world to explore when we've had our fill of Valentine's Day chocolates, truffles, and pink.

On February 15th, gamers across the land will be able to take part in RIFT's six-day open beta extravaganza. The event is billed as Telara the Merciless and will feature two playable factions, 42 levels, three PvP warfronts, and several explorable zones and dungeons. Signups are going on now, and you can also get ahead of the competition by pre-ordering and securing a spot in the head start event (February 24th to March 1st).

Finally, any dungeon boss that dies by your hand grants you a chance to win a spiffy Nvidia graphics card as well as an in-game prize pack. Get the full details at RIFT's official website.

MassivelyRIFT's Telara the Merciless open beta starts February 15th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadefiantfantasyguardianheadstartin-game-eventnvidiaopen-betapinkpvepvprifttelaratelara-the-mercilesstriontrion-worldsMon, 07 Feb 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Incursion guide -- Fleet setup and tanking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-evolved-incursion-guide-fleet-setup-and-tanking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-evolved-incursion-guide-fleet-setup-and-tanking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-evolved-incursion-guide-fleet-setup-and-tanking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

In last week's EVE Evolved, I gave my first impressions of EVE Online's newest group PvE activity based on a cautious first night spent at an incursion in Obray. The Sansha incursions have been running for over a week now, and players have come up with some clearly effective strategies for clearing the sites. Many groups are now tackling the incursions in relative safety, and yet every incursion still sees several ill-prepared fleets decimated at the hands of Sansha's ships.

Incursions throw some difficult challenges at players, with focus fire melting vulnerable targets, energy neutralisers and ECM disabling your support ships, and bomber frigates wreaking havoc on large hulls. In some encounters, Sansha's Nation will even use deployable remote repair platforms and other structures to its advantage and will call in random reinforcement waves if your group is too slow. With the right fleet composition and strategy, however, all of those challenges can be overcome with ease. It seems that what players need most right now is a solid guide to tackling incursions.

Over the next few editions of the EVE Evolved column, I'll be smashing my way through EVE's incursions to compile a comprehensive guide from the ground up. In this week's first part of the guide, we get the ball rolling with vital information on incursion fleet composition and tanking strategies. This part of the guide is aimed mainly at those interested in Vanguard-level sites, but the fleet setup and tanking strategies described are fundamental to all encounter sizes.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I tackle the fundamentals of incursion fleet design and tanking, which should be enough to help your group jump right into 10-man Vanguard encounters.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Incursion guide -- Fleet setup and tanking

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Incursion guide -- Fleet setup and tanking originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>basiliskccpccp-eveccp-gamesenergy-transfereveeve-ccpEVE-Evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgroupgroup-pveguardianguideguideshands-onincursionincursion-guideincursionslogisticsoneirospveraidsanshascimitarstrategiesstrategytankingSun, 06 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the scenes with the Guild Wars 2 Guardian: Massively's interview with Jeff Grubb and Eric Flannum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/behind-the-scenes-with-the-guild-wars-2-guardian-massivelys-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/behind-the-scenes-with-the-guild-wars-2-guardian-massivelys-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/behind-the-scenes-with-the-guild-wars-2-guardian-massivelys-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Guild Wars 2 fanbase is still buzzing about the Guild Wars 2 Guardian this week, and we here at Massively are just as interested -- if not more so -- as anyone else. There's been a lot of talk of skills, armor, and so on, but we were curious about something a little different: the backstory behind this new class, both in a lore context and a creation context.

We got the opportunity to chat with some of the minds behind those very things: GW2 lead designer Eric Flannum and lore designer (and co-author of Ghosts of Ascalon) Jeff Grubb. Follow along after the jump as we hear all about the creation and vision of the Guild Wars 2 Guardian.

Continue reading Behind the scenes with the Guild Wars 2 Guardian: Massively's interview with Jeff Grubb and Eric Flannum

MassivelyBehind the scenes with the Guild Wars 2 Guardian: Massively's interview with Jeff Grubb and Eric Flannum originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetclasseseric-flannumfeaturedguardianGuild-Wars-2guild-wars-2-guardiangw2interviewInterviewsjeff-grubbncsoftMon, 31 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion releases new RIFT CG cinematic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/trion-releases-new-rift-cg-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/trion-releases-new-rift-cg-cinematic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/trion-releases-new-rift-cg-cinematic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If it wasn't already apparent that Trion Worlds is spending a lot of money on its new RIFT MMORPG, one look at the game's newest trailer should erase all doubts. Up to now, the title's teaser videos have featured in-game footage which, while undeniably pretty, frankly pale in comparison to the CG trailer Trion has just released.

The clip features a tense chase and eventual standoff between a pair of Defiants and a Guardian, followed by the activation of an awe-inspiring rift and the arrival of its nasty denizens. As per MMO custom these days, the entire production is liberally laced with over-the-top violence, and serves to amp up the excitement level for fans of fantasy-related combat. Check out all the details after the break and let us know what you think in the comments.

Continue reading Trion releases new RIFT CG cinematic

MassivelyTrion releases new RIFT CG cinematic originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betacgcg-trailercgicgi-trailerdefiantfantasyguardianriftrift-planes-of-telararift-videoriftstrailertriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsvideoThu, 27 Jan 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Tyria Evolved: Massively's analysis of the Guild Wars 2 Guardian]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/tyria-evolved-introducing-the-guild-wars-2-guardian/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/tyria-evolved-introducing-the-guild-wars-2-guardian/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/tyria-evolved-introducing-the-guild-wars-2-guardian/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today ArenaNet has unveiled the Guild Wars 2 Guardian. After nearly a full week of wild speculation, we've finally got the details on the fifth class.

Interestingly, this reveal followed a similar pattern as the Necromancer reveal in that by the time today's details arrived, it was a surprise to exactly nobody. The Guardian had been revealed after a fashion in Edge of Destiny, then leaked by PC Gamer last week. In the ensuing fan frenzy, Regina Buenaobra stepped in to announce that the full reveal would happen on the 27th.

Now that we've finally got the full scoop on the Guardian, follow along after the jump and take a look!

Continue reading Tyria Evolved: Massively's analysis of the Guild Wars 2 Guardian

MassivelyTyria Evolved: Massively's analysis of the Guild Wars 2 Guardian originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetclass-previewclass-previewsclass-revealclassesguardianguild-warsGuild-Wars-2gwgw2ncsoftrevealThu, 27 Jan 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: The "must-see" list for beta five]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-must-see-list-for-beta-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-must-see-list-for-beta-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/enter-at-your-own-rift-the-must-see-list-for-beta-five/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


RIFT 's fifth beta, The Battle of the Ascended, is upon us, and this time around, we see double the number of servers and waves of new players. With launch day just around the corner, there are many who are ready to give this game a serious look. There's a lot in the game that will feel familiar to any veteran MMO player, but there are some features that might cause some sideways glances. Those entering Telara for the first time (and even those who have participated in past beta events) should check out this list of "must-see" goodies during this week's beta!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: The "must-see" list for beta five

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: The "must-see" list for beta five originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-fivedefiantfeaturedfreemarchguardianplanar-focusrealm-of-the-faeRIFTrift-huntingrift-planes-of-telarasanctumsourcestonetelaratriontrion-worldsWed, 26 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet confirms Guardian profession for Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/arenanet-confirms-guardian-profession-for-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/arenanet-confirms-guardian-profession-for-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/arenanet-confirms-guardian-profession-for-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,


ArenaNet and PC Gamer magazine delivered a surprise to the Guild Wars 2 fanbase this evening: confirmation of the Guardian profession for Guild Wars 2.

The gaming magazine snuck a single throwaway line about the Guardian on page three of an article about games coming in 2011, setting fansites and forums buzzing with curiosity. Community Manager Regina Buenaobra quickly confirmed the news and promised a full reveal next Thursday.

Next week's unveiling will bring the usual round of art, video, and descriptions. As always, Massively will have the full scoop and analysis next Thursday, so keep your eyes peeled!

MassivelyArenaNet confirms Guardian profession for Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetguardianguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-professionsgw2ncsoftFri, 21 Jan 2011 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Sightseeing in Sanctum]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/enter-at-your-own-rift-sightseeing-in-sanctum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/enter-at-your-own-rift-sightseeing-in-sanctum/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/enter-at-your-own-rift-sightseeing-in-sanctum/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One of the things I love about RIFT is its smaller, more intimate feel. Don't get me wrong -- there's still plenty of space to explore and get lost in, but the space that is present is used to great effect and isn't just there to make it seem bigger for bigger's sake. This is echoed in the two capital cities of the game, Sanctum (Guardian) and Meridian (Defiant). Both are gorgeously detailed and impressive in their own way, yet they're comfortable and accessible instead of sprawling and vast.

If one thinks of the quest hubs, camps and villages dotting the world as mom and pop stores, then the capital cities are the Walmarts of RIFT: one-stop shops for all your character's needs. They're both fairly compact, although I found myself preferring Sanctum's beachfront atmosphere and circular layout over Meridian's underground labyrinth.

Because all players will be traveling to and extensively using capital cities during the course of their in-game careers, I figured we might as well take a look at what capital cities -- Sanctum specifically -- have to offer. Jump on our people-mover as we wind our way through the sights and sounds of civilization!

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Sightseeing in Sanctum

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Sightseeing in Sanctum originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artifact-masterartifactsauction-houseauctioneerbankcapital-citiescapital-cityclass-trainerscollectionscraftingcrafting-trainersdefiantdyedyesfactionfaction-vendorsfactionsfeaturedguardianmeridianmitchmountsmr-mailboxporticulumporticulum-masterprofessionspvpriftrift-planes-of-telarariftpertssanctumsoul-trainerssoulstelaratriontrion-worldswal-martWed, 19 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion announces next RIFT beta event, showcasing warfronts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/trion-announces-next-rift-beta-event-showcasing-warfronts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/trion-announces-next-rift-beta-event-showcasing-warfronts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/03/trion-announces-next-rift-beta-event-showcasing-warfronts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hot on the heels of its year-end beta event, Trion has announced the dates for the next round of beta for RIFT. From Friday, January 7th, at 10 a.m. PST until Monday, January 10th, at 10 a.m. PST, players invited to beta can participate in the next event, which features PvP Warfronts. In addition, players can now explore content from levels 1-25, which means an extra five levels and more points to spend on the soul trees.

Players who participate in a Warfront are also eligible to win an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 video card. Visit the official RIFT website for details on the event as well as information on Warfronts.

MassivelyTrion announces next RIFT beta event, showcasing warfronts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-eventclosed-betadefiantguardianpvprifttelaratriontrion-worldswarfrontMon, 03 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Four hours over Telara: RIFT beta three event extended]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/four-hours-over-telara-rift-beta-3-event-extended/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/four-hours-over-telara-rift-beta-3-event-extended/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/31/four-hours-over-telara-rift-beta-3-event-extended/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Four hours may not seem like a huge deal in the grand scheme of things, but for RIFT beta testers enjoying the third event this holiday weekend, it's a welcome boon. After all, how much extra carnage can one squeeze into that time frame? If you're a smart player, the answer is "a lot!"

Community Manager Abigale came on the forums yesterday to announce that this week's beta event would be extending a little longer than planned:

"Thank you for your feedback and for your patience as our team keeps working to prepare Rift for future betas and release. We'd like to show our appreciation by extending the beta for another 4 hours! Servers will be open until Friday, 2 p.m. (PST) ."

RIFT's third beta event is featuring the 1-20 zones for both Guardian and Defiant factions. Players testing the game have access to two dungeons and the mass rift invasions that are becoming the keystone of the PvE experience.

MassivelyFour hours over Telara: RIFT beta three event extended originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abigalebetabeta-3beta-eventbeta-threebreakingdefiantguardianinvasionpveriftrift-invasionrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsFri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/ten-levels-of-rift-a-guide-to-your-first-day-in-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/ten-levels-of-rift-a-guide-to-your-first-day-in-telara/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/ten-levels-of-rift-a-guide-to-your-first-day-in-telara/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With two RIFT beta events under my belt, I was given the supreme honor of creating a guide to the first 10 levels of the game. Naturally, I fell apart under the stress, assumed the fetal position for a couple days while whimpering about "frame rates," and then was prodded into action by our editors. That's quite literally "prodded," mind you -- Massively purchased a pair of cattle prods last year at a police auction. It's going to be years until the scorch marks fade from my spine.

The purpose of this guide is two-fold. First, we want to give anyone who's interested in RIFT but couldn't get into the beta a chance to vicariously experience RIFT's newbie path. Second, while RIFT is careful to hold your hand during your first steps into Telara, there are always a lot of things that can be easily missed while one is partaking in the wonders of a new virtual world. So this guide is here to share a few tips and pointers that beta testers may have missed.

What are you waiting for? Roll up a new character by hitting the jump!

Continue reading Ten levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara

MassivelyTen levels of RIFT: A guide to your first day in Telara originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievement-systemachievementsarchetypeArchetypesbeginner-zonebeginner-zonesbeginners-guidebetabeta-eventcattle-prodcautiouscharacter-creationcharacter-creatorclassclericclosed-betacritter-tearsdeathdeath-penaltydefianteq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifirst-ten-levelsguardianguideleveling-guidemagenewbie-experiencenewbie-guidenewbie-zonesporticulum-masterracial-abilitiesracial-bonusesracial-traitsriftrift-planes-of-telararoguesoulsoul-attunementsoul-systemsoul-travelsoul-vitalitysoulstelaratriontrion-worldsuiwarriorWed, 22 Dec 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT beta: Massively's first impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rift-beta-massivelys-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rift-beta-massivelys-first-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/rift-beta-massivelys-first-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

When it comes to RIFT, Massively readers have been patiently watching this game for a while. You've seen the trailers of the rift invasions and in-game cinematics, checked out our hands-on coverage, and gobbled up 500 VIP keys in less than 20 minutes. But does the game live up to the hype? We know you have lots of questions, and thankfully, the NDA is officially over, so it's time to talk about our first impressions of RIFT. Read on to get a close look at the two beta events held so far -- Rise of the Defiant and Guardians of the Vigil.

Continue reading RIFT beta: Massively's first impressions

MassivelyRIFT beta: Massively's first impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadefiantfeaturedFirst-Impressionsguardianhands-onpreviewpreviewsriftrift-planes-of-telarariftingscott-hartsmansoul-systemSoulstelaratriontrion-worldsWed, 22 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT unveils the starter movies for Guardians and Defiants [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/rift-unveils-the-starter-movies-for-guardians-and-defiants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/rift-unveils-the-starter-movies-for-guardians-and-defiants/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/rift-unveils-the-starter-movies-for-guardians-and-defiants/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RIFT has been turning a lot of heads and garnering quite a bit of attention, which is rather unique for a game that starts off by killing the player. (You get better.) But although the game's not going to be available for players over the upcoming holidays, you can at least whet your appetite with the newest releases from Trion Worlds. The development team behind the game has unveiled the two starting cinematics for players, which play immediately after character creation for each faction.

Both videos emphasize the thematic split between the two factions, with the Guardians being the defenders of faith and the Defiants focusing on their ingenuity and technology. If you've been lucky enough to get in on the closed events, the videos may feel familiar, but for the many hopeful future RIFT players, you can get your first taste of the game's introduction by watching the videos just after the break.

[Updated: Trion has provided an updated, higher-quality version of the Guardian cinematic, so we've updated our copy accordingly!]

Continue reading RIFT unveils the starter movies for Guardians and Defiants [Updated]

MassivelyRIFT unveils the starter movies for Guardians and Defiants [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadefiantfactionsguardianin-game-movieintro-videosriftrift-planes-of-telaratriontrion-worldsvideovideosTue, 21 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan 2.1 brings new minigame, Guardian revamp, winter event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/age-of-conan-2-1-brings-new-minigame-guardian-revamp-winter-ev/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/age-of-conan-2-1-brings-new-minigame-guardian-revamp-winter-ev/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/age-of-conan-2-1-brings-new-minigame-guardian-revamp-winter-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today is patch day in the world of Hyboria, and Funcom has quite a few changes in store for Age of Conan. Version 2.1 is currently on the live servers and it brings new social content, a new PvP minigame, and a Guardian class revamp. Still want more? OK, how does a winter solstice quest grab you?

In addition to the items above, 2.1 also boasts a laundry list of tweaks and additions, among them adjustments to PvP minigame balancing, 18 new Gateway of Khitai quests, guild renown adjustments, and various and sundry bug fixes. While the jury is still out on the minigame balancing, the new game (The Call of Jhebbal Sag) transports players to the Pictish wilderness for a lengthy battle featuring capture objectives and resource stockpiles on a large-scale map.

MassivelyAge of Conan 2.1 brings new minigame, Guardian revamp, winter event originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.12.1-patchage-of-conanaoccall-of-jhebbal-sagclass-revampfuncomguardianguardian-revampguild-eventsminigamespvepvpsocial-contentupdatewinter-eventwinter-solsticeTue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Bits 'n' pieces]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/the-road-to-mordor-bits-n-pieces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/the-road-to-mordor-bits-n-pieces/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/the-road-to-mordor-bits-n-pieces/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Three wolves. A full moon. One incredible cloak in the Lord of the Rings Online store. As a forum poster asked, is the Cloak of the Mountain Wolves too powerful and too intrinsically sweet?

I think it is a distinct possibility. I already own six and have Sauron on farm status because of them. Forget piddly rings -- this is the one cloak to rule them all, and in the darkness, blind them.

I'm a bit all over the place in today's column, so bear with me as I spew forth a 427-line stream-of-consciousness poem devoted to Aragorn's stubble. You totally know you want to hit the jump to read it. I triple-dog-dare ya.

[Editor -- No, Justin, you have to write a normal column. Don't make me get the fire hose.]

Darn.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Bits 'n' pieces

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Bits 'n' pieces originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aragorns-stubblebarter-walletcloak-of-the-mountain-wolvescosmetic-outfitdwarfelfenedwaithf2pfeaturedfestivalfree-to-playguardianhousing-decorationslone-landslord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrolotro-storemarketingmirkwoodmoriamountnovember-updatepatchpierep-horsereputationrune-keepersantasauronshiresteed-of-nighttask-systemthree-wolf-moonturbineTurbine-Entertainmentupdatevaultvault-3.0winter-homeyule-festivalFri, 03 Dec 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rift classes and capital city detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/rift-classes-and-capital-city-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/rift-classes-and-capital-city-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/22/rift-classes-and-capital-city-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

As if a bunch of free beta keys weren't enough, Massively is proud to present even more goodies from Trion Worlds' upcoming Rift MMORPG. This time we have a detailed look at the lore behind the Guardian capital city of Sanctum, a new video of the city, and a ton of screenshots related to the Archon, Paragon, Shaman, and Riftstalker classes.

Archons are support specialists who steal their opponents' strength and convert that raw energy into beneficial magic. These mages bolster their allies and unleash potent kinetic blasts, quickly turning the tide of battle. The Paragon wields two weapons to perfection, devastating his enemies. Paragons specialize in dealing consistent damage, and can also hit their enemies from range.

The Riftstalker is a defensive specialist who bends the planes to enhance her constitution and shift in and out of the physical dimension. These highly skilled and survivable combatants keep their opponents' focus while easily evading incoming blows. Finally, the Shaman binds the power of the icy north to her very being, wreathing herself in pure elemental force. This power augments a Shaman's attacks, making her a powerful melee combatant, and provides shields and reactive healing

Hit the jump for the lore and video.

Gallery: RIFT: Classes & Races

Continue reading Rift classes and capital city detailed

MassivelyRift classes and capital city detailed originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archonclassesgalleriesgalleryguardianparagonriftrift-planes-of-telarariftstalkersanctumscreenshotsshamantrailerstriontrion-world-networktrion-worldsvideoMon, 22 Nov 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara at Gamer Day II]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara-at-gamer-day-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara-at-gamer-day-ii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telara-at-gamer-day-ii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

As part of its recent Gamer Day event, Trion Worlds invited Massively back to its studio for another look at Rift: Planes of Telara. Having now been to two of these Gamer Day events, I can say without a doubt that last week's was the more festive -- the player-community leaders and swarm of devs certainly made the whole experience much more wild than the first and reminded me that I was supposed to be having fun (not just studiously taking notes for you lovely readers, although I did that too!).

Since this was my second day-long hands-on with the game (the first being last summer when I got to check out Rift's dynamic content), I thought it best to focus on two areas: improvements to systems I'd seen before, and totally new elements I hadn't seen at all (like the Guardian starting zone, PvP, UI enhancements, Deepstrike Mines, and several new souls including Riftblades, Bards, and Wardens!). Follow along after the break for my second impressions of this MMO that continues to surprise me with its glittering shine of polish.

Gallery: RIFT: Core Gallery

Continue reading Hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara at Gamer Day II

MassivelyHands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara at Gamer Day II originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabardbattlegroundsbooksclericCollectionsdeath-penaltydeepstrike-minesfactionsfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgamers-dayguardianhands-onhealinghousinginstancesnewbie-zonesnicholas-mcdowellopinionprestige-rankpvpriftrift-planes-of-telarariftbladescott-hartsmansecond-impressionSoulsstarting-zoneswimmingtriontrion-worldsuser-interfacewardenwarfrontwarfrontswater-mageTue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: End of line]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/anti-aliased-end-of-line/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/anti-aliased-end-of-line/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/anti-aliased-end-of-line/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Yeah, it's exactly what you think it is. It's one of those columns where the writer announces that she's packing up and moving out. It's a column where the writer talks about how she's been here for two years and 199 days, and has written over 1,018 posts that have included over 534,580 words. It's a column where the writer says goodbye, wishes that she wasn't moving on, but knows that she must.

Guys and gals, it's been an amazing two and a half years and it has been nothing but an honor to write for all of you. I know sometimes we all disagree, and I know I say some really insane stuff that leaves people going, "Wow, she really said that aloud?" But, I'm glad that all of you still come back to discuss gaming here on my column, despite some of our disagreements. Anti-Aliased has remained one of the most popular columns here on Massively throughout these two years and I am very grateful for your readership.

As I prepare to leave Massively and say goodbye, I'd like to take one final look at the MMO genre as a whole. Plus, I have a surprise announcement to make at the end! Yay surprises!

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: End of line

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: End of line originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>are-you-having-fun-yetat-least-its-not-a-speech-about-geeksbostoncommunity-specialistddodeveloperend-of-linefeaturedfungamergo-have-funguardianjobleavinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromiddle-earthopinionsepharielthe-lord-of-the-rings-onlineturbineyou-should-be-having-funWed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Killer colors]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/hyperspace-beacon-killer-colors/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/hyperspace-beacon-killer-colors/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/12/hyperspace-beacon-killer-colors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The lightsaber is the most iconic tool of the Jedi in Star Wars. "This weapon is your life," Obi-Wan Kenobi said to Anakin Skywalker as the master handed back the lightsaber his student lost while chasing Zam Wessel. Without a lightsaber, the Jedi are just another group of wizards with fancy quotables. But as soon as you put the glowing laser sword in their hands, they become something more; they become the warriors whom every child has imitated in one way or another. Just what about that blade makes it special? Well, I can't tell you the reason people are intrigued by the illuminated weapon, but I can tell you that, according to lore, the crystal is the heart of the blade.

In the movies, we have seen four different colored blades: red, green, blue, and purple, but other colors exist in lore. The Lead Writer for Star Wars: The Old Republic, Daniel Erickson, made a statement at PAX when questioned about saber crystal colors at the SWTOR presentation: "There is a broad spectrum of crystals available out in the galaxy. We have not made final plans on some of the more esoteric ones. They all have specific canonical connotations -- as to what they represent and how they came to be." Which raises the question: What are these canonical connotations? What do the colors of the crystals mean? I took a trip through Star Wars lore to uncover the answer to that question. Follow me after to break to find out more.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Killer colors

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Killer colors originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdeganbiowareconsularDarth-Plagueiseaea-biowareelectronic-artsfeaturedguardianIlumjedi-consularJedi-guardianlightsaberlightsaber-colorslightsaber-crystalslucas-artsLucasArtsMace-winduStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-lore-guidethe-old-republicTue, 12 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara's dynamic content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/massivelys-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telaras-dynamic-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/massivelys-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telaras-dynamic-conte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/massivelys-hands-on-with-rift-planes-of-telaras-dynamic-conte/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Just a few weeks ago, I was invited to attend Trion Worlds' Gamer's Day in San Francisco to get some hands-on time with a couple of the company's upcoming titles, including Rift: Planes of Telara. If Rift seems to have come out of nowhere, that might be due both to the acquisition of EverQuest II veteran Scott Hartsman to head the project as executive producer, and to a clever name change meant to reflect the team's shift in development focus.

In fact, that shift in development focus is precisely what I was at Trion's studio to test -- I got to check out the Rifts themselves in all their glory, in the context of the greater dynamic content system that the developers are so excited about. Massively's writers have been able to play and report on character creation and the starting areas of Rift several times over the last year or so, including earlier this summer at E3. But until today's embargo lift (coinciding with the reveal at Gamescom), no one had quite seen the fabled planar invasions and takeovers in action.

Now we have.

Continue reading Massively's hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara's dynamic content

MassivelyMassively's hands-on with Rift: Planes of Telara's dynamic content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementAchievementsaddonsalphaalpha-testbattlegroundsbuildscallingCapture-the-flagcharacter-creationcharge-barclericclunkcollectionCollectionscraftingdefiantDemodynamic-contentEarth-Elementalelementalistepic-mountfeaturedfootholdfootholdsgallerygloamwoodgraphicsgroupgroupinggroupsguardianhealershealinghell-levelsheroes-of-telaraholy-city-of-sanctuminstanceinstancesinterfaceinvasionjumpingjust-say-no-to-hell-levelslootmapmapsminimapmodsp2ppay-to-playpetsphilosophyplaneplanesplanes-of-telarapublic-questspvpquestingrealm-of-the-faerespecresurrectionriftrift-planes-of-telarariftsscott-hartsmanscreenshotsshadowlandssoul-walkSteamPunkstrategerystrategysubscriptionswimmingtalent-treestalentstavril-plazatelaratrailertriontrion-worldsUIvideowarfrontwarfrontsWed, 18 Aug 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Putting the "lass" back in "class"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-road-to-mordor-putting-the-lass-back-in-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-road-to-mordor-putting-the-lass-back-in-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/the-road-to-mordor-putting-the-lass-back-in-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With the not-so-recent NDA lift on the beta, LotRO players are fast at work discussing, analyzing, dissecting and pouring over all of the information coming from testers. Like a double Shire rainbow, the main question on everyone's lips is, "What does it mean?" We want to know how this is going to impact us, our future, and our gameplay, and the massive scope of this change is both unsettling and heady.

Last week we sifted through the LotRO forums for testimonies about several aspects of the beta, which was treated with a stony silence from the lot of you. Oh, I kid! Nothing gets the tongues wagging around here like a good mouthful of free-to-play, although I've been informed by the leaders of the Global Conspiracy Against Gamers Having Fun that this topic has three days left on the clock until it's locked away in a vault forever.

So even though I tried to touch on the relevant points of the beta last week, there's simply so much of it out there that I had to leave some behind. It's easy to forget that this fall's update contains more than the LotRO store, like a whole barrel of additions and fixes to the game -- including class tweaks. Grab my hobbity hand, and we will venture into the land of the unknown... the land of class changes.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Putting the "lass" back in "class"

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Putting the "lass" back in "class" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaburglarcaptainchampionclass-previewclass-previewsdouble-rainbowf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpglobal-conspiracy-against-gamers-having-fungoldilocksguardianhobbity-handhunterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrominstrelndarune-keeperturbinewardenwhat-does-it-meanFri, 13 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Rift trailer highlights Telara's Defiant faction]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/newest-rift-trailer-highlights-telaras-defiant-faction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/newest-rift-trailer-highlights-telaras-defiant-faction/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/newest-rift-trailer-highlights-telaras-defiant-faction/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Opposing factions are a familiar story in the world of MMOs, and the creators of Rift: Planes of Telara are bringing their own world conflict to the forefront with their latest trailer.

The Defiant faction of Telara have grown tired of what they view as sitting around waiting on the gods and their representatives to defend them. "The gods have failed us too many times." The Defiant are taking matters into their own hands, using forbidden technology to take the fight to whatever lies beyond the rifts.

Follow along after the jump for a look at the trailer, and check out the full story of the Defiant (and the opposing Guardian faction) on the official Rift: Planes of Telara page.

Continue reading Newest Rift trailer highlights Telara's Defiant faction

MassivelyNewest Rift trailer highlights Telara's Defiant faction originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>defiantguardianriftrift-planes-of-telarariftstelaratrailertriontrion-world-networkSun, 27 Jun 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Shopping for your skirmish soldier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/the-road-to-mordor-shopping-for-your-skirmish-soldier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/the-road-to-mordor-shopping-for-your-skirmish-soldier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/the-road-to-mordor-shopping-for-your-skirmish-soldier/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Every Friday, The Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis.

Breaking up, as the song goes, is hard to do -- but sometimes very, very necessary. I'll admit that I have recently settled into a bit of a skirmish funk, firing up a session here and there merely for the XP and the privilege of filling my bags with 576 different types of marks (seriously, Turbine, couldn't we switch from this confusing British-like currency to something more streamlined, like the Euro?). When I couldn't find a partner for a skirmish, the sessions seemed like a drag, and even though I dutifully stabbed my way through them, I grew to resent their length and my death-prone Herbalist soldier.

It wasn't until the other day that a friend challenged my choice of soldier, and in so doing, freed me up for a more enjoyable skirmish experience. "Why are you sticking with the Herbalist?" he asked. I shrugged -- I thought that's what you picked when you were DPS-y and lacked a lot of self-heals. After doing a bit of research on the forums, I made the switch from the decaf healbot to 100% caffeinated Archer goodness, and I couldn't be happier. Pew pew, stab stab, win win.

The choice of a soldier companion for skirmishes may be the tipping point between a painful slog and a joyful battle, as it was in my case. If you're still trying to figure out which soldier might work best with your class, then hit the jump and see what other players recommend you try.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Shopping for your skirmish soldier

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Shopping for your skirmish soldier originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerbannerguardburglarcaptainchampioncomboduofeaturedguardianherbalisthunterif-you-read-these-tags-you-have-excellent-eyesightlord-of-the-rings-onlinelore-masterlotrominstrelprotectorrune-keepersageskirmishskirmish-solidersoldierturbinewardenwarriorFri, 21 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: A class made just for you]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/the-road-to-mordor-a-class-made-just-for-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/the-road-to-mordor-a-class-made-just-for-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/30/the-road-to-mordor-a-class-made-just-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Every Friday, The Road to Mordor brings you the latest in Lord of the Rings Online news, guides and analysis.

In some MMORPGs, picking a class to suit your taste and playstyle is as uncomplicated as buying your favorite beverage. Do you want something fizzy? Then get a soft drink. Something to make you think you're way more witty than you actually are? Beer will do. Something to fill your bladder in under 0.2 minutes? Ice tea, baby. So it is in many MMOs, where players find that game's version of their favorite class and hit the "play" button without thinking. It's a sad commentary on the tired and bland class design that's come from the Holy Trinity of game design, but that's a discussion for another day (or column).

Instead, I want to devote today's Road to Mordor to sorting out the nine playable classes of LotRO, because they are very often not what you'd expect from MMORPG class stereotypes. I've met a lot of players who end up playing -- and falling in love with -- a class that they would never touch in another game, due to that unique Turbine Twist[TM] that's put into each class. So whether you're rolling your very first character in LotRO or thinking about taking a walk in another class' shoes, hit the jump for a handy guide to these nine classes.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: A class made just for you

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: A class made just for you originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burglarcaptainchampionclassesfeaturedguardianhunterlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominstrelrune-keeperthe-road-to-mordorturbinewardenFri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST