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[Conquer Online now available on iPad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/conquer-online-now-available-on-ipad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/conquer-online-now-available-on-ipad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/06/conquer-online-now-available-on-ipad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Conquer Online - martial artist concept art
NetDragon Websoft claims that Conquer Online was the world's first free-to-play MMO. Given that it debuted way back in 2003 when MMOs (nevermind F2P) were decidedly uncool, we're a little fuzzy on whether it was in fact the first of its type.

What we do know is that Conquer Online is now available in the iTunes Store, and NetDragon says that the game is "the first ever completely free MMORPG arriving on the iPad; [there's] no charge to download and no monthly subscription fee."

The game is set in ancient China and features six martial arts-based classes, player housing, and plenty of questing and monster-killing. There's even a player marriage mechanic if you tire of more traditional MMO gameplay. We've got a launch trailer for you behind the break, and you'll find more info at the iTunes Store and the game's official website.

Continue reading Conquer Online now available on iPad

MassivelyConquer Online now available on iPad originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualconquer-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playiosipaditunesmobilenetdragonnetdragon-websofttrailervideoTue, 06 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple releases Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles to the app store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Legends
It's been a long time winding its way through the Apple approving process, but Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles is now available for iOS devices. The game, which is free with optional microtransaction purchases, is a universal app, so it will play on the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad.

Apple users have had to wait significantly longer to get their hands on Star Legends than Android players, as the Android version was released much earlier this month. Spacetime Studios promises gamers that a "majority" of the content of the game is completely free-to-play, and characters can reach the level cap without having to pay a dime.

If you're interested in our impressions of this sci-fi blastathon, check out our Rise and Shiny Recap of Star Legends!

Gallery: Star Legends

MassivelyApple releases Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles to the app store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-storeblackstarf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchituneslaunchmobilemobile-mmoreleaserise-and-shinyspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesFri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The top indie and free-to-play stories of 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/the-top-indie-and-free-to-play-stories-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/the-top-indie-and-free-to-play-stories-of-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/the-top-indie-and-free-to-play-stories-of-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have to admit to feeling slightly amazed when I read that someone thought of 2010 as a bad year for MMORPG fans. Then, when I think about it, I realize that he was talking about the year in "AAA" subscription gaming -- something almost alien to me. I just don't get turned on by huge-budget subscription games like I did seven or eight years ago. Well, it might be better to say that I am always suspicious of big-budget gaming. Gaming is a lot like movies, and look at how bad most blockbusters are. They are often silly, over-the-top, special-effects-laden bores. If those movies were the only ones I watched, I might be a little depressed about Hollywood as well.

If you pay attention only to what the major publishers are pushing out, you are simply going to have a narrow view of MMO gaming. You will miss too much. The year 2010 offered more than any year before it, and 2011 will top that. Thanks to mobile technologies and the always-dropping price of computers, you will find that smaller or unknown games have much more of a chance of grabbing a gamer's eye than ever before.

So, what were some of the high and low points in free-to-play and indie gaming this year? Click past the cut and let's take a look!

Continue reading The top indie and free-to-play stories of 2010

MassivelyThe top indie and free-to-play stories of 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonallodsallods-onlineapbbattle-of-the-immortalsbeau-hindmanboicash-shopcataclysmchang-youderek-smartend-of-the-year-2010everquestEverQuest-2f2pfeaturedforsaken-worldfree-realmsfree-to-playfreemiumftpgpotatoipadiTuneskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlegend-of-martial-artslomalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroMapleStorymicrotransactionMicrotransactionsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpocket-legendsquest-onlineSOESony-Online-EntertainmentUltima-OnlinevanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropevelvet-rope-modelwe-rulewizard-101World-of-Warcraftzentiazentia-mmoTue, 28 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's in your ears while you play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/20/the-daily-grind-whats-in-your-ears-while-you-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/20/the-daily-grind-whats-in-your-ears-while-you-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/20/the-daily-grind-whats-in-your-ears-while-you-play/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When it's time to sit down and play an MMO, very few of us do so in total silence. Even neglecting the occasional burst of profanity at the game, there's usually a wide selection of game audio to be heard, ranging from environmental noises like rustling leaves to simple and evocative music that stays with you even if you leave the game behind. But for all the care put into it, the in-game music can eventually get boring to many players.

Maybe you still have the game soundtrack turned on, and you occasionally just stop and listen to one of your favorite melodies. Perhaps you've moved on to listening to a favorite playlist on iTunes or Pandora while you play, or you might turn off the sound altogether to focus on the business of voice chat. There's even a chance you've decided to be charmingly meta and listen to another game's soundtrack altogether. What are you listening to while you play your favorite game?
Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What's in your ears while you play? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiointernet-radioituneslisteningmusicmusical-tastesopinionradiosoundtdgthe-daily-grindvoice-chatSat, 20 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mabinogi to host in-game fundraiser for Starlight Foundation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/mabinogi-to-host-in-game-fundraiser-for-starlight-foundation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/mabinogi-to-host-in-game-fundraiser-for-starlight-foundation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/mabinogi-to-host-in-game-fundraiser-for-starlight-foundation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Nexon America's Mabinogi is known for its bright clothing and extreme customization. It will now be known as charitable as well, thanks to the recent sale of the Starlight Scepter, a silvery wand that puts out a wonderful rainbow effect. During the charity event (scheduled to run for an entire year) 50 percent of the wand's cost -- roughly $4 US -- will be donated directly to the Starlight Children's Foundation, a charity that helps seriously ill children and their families. This would be the perfect opportunity to look good and feel good at the same time.

Not only that, but if you purchase one of the newly submitted Mabinogi soundtrack songs from iTunes, 100 percent of the proceeds go to the charity. That means that for every 99-cent song, Starlight Children's Foundation will receive 35 cents! The Foundation has been helping children with serious illnesses for more than 25 years. So, the next time someone asks you where you got that killer looking wand, you can tell him how you helped the foundation!

MassivelyMabinogi to host in-game fundraiser for Starlight Foundation originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancash-shopcharityf2pfree-to-playftpfundraiseriTunesmabinoginexon-americasoundtrackstarlight-childrens-foundationsstarlight-foundationFri, 19 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes Going Rogue soundtrack available on iTunes and Amazon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-soundtrack-available-on-itunes-and-am/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-soundtrack-available-on-itunes-and-am/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-soundtrack-available-on-itunes-and-am/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's just a little more than a month left until City of Heroes players get to take the new expansion for a spin, and Going Rogue's promotions have been stepped up accordingly. Oddly, while the art direction, storytelling, and mechanical aspects of the expansion have all gotten significant attention, we've heard very little about the music that will be expected to set the mood. But if you really want to know, there's no need to speculate -- the soundtrack is already available for purchase.

Available both on iTunes and Amazon (albeit slightly cheaper on Amazon), the soundtrack contains 13 pieces composed by Jason Graves, previously of Dead Space and Command & Conquer 4 fame. The previews available suggest a highly orchestral and high-energy collection of pieces, with each piece giving a distinct and different feel from the familiar melodies of the Rogue Isles and Paragon City. Going Rogue players may well want to pick up the soundtrack, as it's only a few bucks and should conjure some engaging images for future City of Heroes adventures.

MassivelyCity of Heroes Going Rogue soundtrack available on iTunes and Amazon originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonambiancecity-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainscohcomposerscovcoxenvironmentexpansion-soundtrackgoing-rogueitunesjason-gravesmoodmp3ncsoftparagonparagon-cityparagon-studiospraetoriarogue-islessoundtrackTue, 13 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The music of EVE Online now available on iTunes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/the-music-of-eve-online-now-available-on-itunes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/the-music-of-eve-online-now-available-on-itunes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/the-music-of-eve-online-now-available-on-itunes/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Many pilots have spent hours in New Eden, mining, exploring, missioning, ratting, PvPing - and enjoying the soundtrack all the while. For fans of electronica, EVE Online's music ranges from calm downtempo to trance-like. At other times, it soars to the fore with a more techno or EBM feel, just in time to get your blood moving. So far as sci-fi MMO soundtracks go, EVE Online's soundtrack is a favorite of several folks here at Massively - which is saying something when one considers how tedious many MMO soundtracks get after hours of playing!

For those of you who, like us, really love the music of EVE Online. CCP has some good news. They have patrnered together with RealX to release the soundtrack for New Eden to the iTunes store so everyone can get their hands on it. Individual tracks are the typical iTunes $ .99 each, with the entire 11-song first edition of the soundtrack for a non-discounted $10.89. Still, it warms our ratting hearts to see this soundtrack out there. We can't wait until the entire soundtrack is available too - maybe at a discount?

MassivelyThe music of EVE Online now available on iTunes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpelectronicaeve-onlineitunesitunes-storemusicsoundtrackMon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Parallels between free-to-play MMOs and the iTunes Store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/parallels-between-free-to-play-mmos-and-the-itunes-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/parallels-between-free-to-play-mmos-and-the-itunes-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/07/parallels-between-free-to-play-mmos-and-the-itunes-store/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Have you ever looked at your favorite subscription MMOs and thought about how much of the content available there you actually play through, use, or experience? Do you ever feel you're paying for more than you're actually using? Beau from the Spouse Aggro podcast points out an interesting parallel between how free-to-play MMOs vs. subscription titles relates to the iTunes Store vs. buying CDs.

Even though many people embrace the piecemeal approach to buying music through services like the iTunes Store, there are still plenty of consumers out there who still prefer to buy their music on CDs. After all, that's just how it's been done for years and some people really like to own a CD. They might not listen to every track frequently, but the music's always there for them in case they choose to enjoy it at some point. But how many times have you bought a CD after having heard a certain track you like, only to find out that only a few tracks on that CD are actually good? Maybe your friends like the whole album but for you, there are only a few you'll ever listen to. Did this make you look at the entrenched idea of having to buy the whole CD differently?

Continue reading Parallels between free-to-play MMOs and the iTunes Store

MassivelyParallels between free-to-play MMOs and the iTunes Store originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 May 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-turkeybusiness-modelsf2pfree-to-playitunesitunes-storemicrotransactionsopinionspouse-aggrosubscriptionsubscriptionsThu, 07 May 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online getting audio revamp]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/eve-online-getting-audio-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/eve-online-getting-audio-revamp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/eve-online-getting-audio-revamp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The music in a massively multiplayer online game tends to be an unappreciated aspect of the gameplay experience. When we play games we primarily notice the visual. Although the ambient sound surrounding us helps set the tone, it's almost always less commented upon. This is a shame because there really is some excellent music that's created for these games.

EVE Online is a game that has some rather unique music that, for some, fits the galactic setting of New Eden. But still, a number of EVE players opt to turn the music off and play to their own soundtrack. EVE players who are really into the music that permeates the game will love the latest dev blog from CCP RealX. He details how he's created the game's music in the past, both in terms of hardware and software, as well as his approach to his work. RealX says, "I tried to make use of the panning as a compositional element, making swells and sweeps come up from behind and sweep past the listener." But he's looking to make EVE's music a bit more engaging as time goes on, giving more players less of a reason to disable the sound in favor of their own iTunes library, stating "what doesn't grow must wither and die."

Continue reading EVE Online getting audio revamp

MassivelyEVE Online getting audio revamp originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioccpccp-gamesccp-realxeveeve-onlineitunesmusicrealxscoresettingsoundtrackSat, 06 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Track EVE skill training on your iPhone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/track-eve-skill-training-on-your-iphone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/track-eve-skill-training-on-your-iphone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/track-eve-skill-training-on-your-iphone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Having a pared-down, mobile version of the EVE Online client has been on the wish list of many players, as well as the to-do list of the CCP Games developers. Unfortunately, EVE mobile doesn't yet exist. The closest thing to this currently offered are mobile applications that monitor skill training and the market. However, there seem to be more and more of them lately, perhaps largely driven by the popularity of the iPhone and iPod touch.

One of the shinier apps out there for the iPhone is EVE Tracker from Saggy Software, an application that also runs on the iPod touch. As its name implies, EVE Tracker can track a pilot's stats and training status; it displays your avatar and isk balance, in addition to your attributes and skillpoints. You can review your character's skill progression (skills previously trained) and flip through related info with a skill browser. EVE Tracker can handle multiple characters and multiple accounts, which could be handy for those who took advantage of EVE's Power of Two subscription offer a little while back.

Continue reading Track EVE skill training on your iPhone

MassivelyTrack EVE skill training on your iPhone originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiappccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineeve-trackeriphoneipod-touchitunesmobilesaggy-softwareskill-monitoringskill-trainingskillsWed, 10 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan composer speaks about Hyborian soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/age-of-conan-composer-speaks-about-hyborian-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/age-of-conan-composer-speaks-about-hyborian-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/07/age-of-conan-composer-speaks-about-hyborian-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One interesting side effect of having a developer like Funcom being based out of Norway is that we are introduced to a whole cavalcade of interesting Scandinavian names. Case in point: they recently posted an interview on their official site with Knut Haugen, the game's composer, to celebrate the release of the Age of Conan official soundtrack on the iTunes store. The soundtrack itself is suitably epic, and you get a robust 25 tracks for the respectable price of $9.99. Plus, you get to own an album by a guy named Knut! Quite a deal.

As for the interview itself, Haugen talks about how he got into composing originally and how he came to be acquainted with the Age of Conan team. He also talks about the intricacies of balancing Age of Conan's ancient, almost primeval ambiance with a desire to convey complex emotions for a situational score. It's an interview that's definitely worth reading, as it effectively relates an aspect of game development that we often hear too little about.

MassivelyAge of Conan composer speaks about Hyborian soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccomposerfuncomitunesknut-haugenmusicnorwayscoresoundtrackSat, 07 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CoH Podcast available via iTunes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/coh-podcast-available-via-itunes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/coh-podcast-available-via-itunes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/coh-podcast-available-via-itunes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Although we here at Massively have our own podcast, and even though we've showcased other podcasts in the past, we missed one important offering in our MMOG podcast roundup last year. The CoH Podcast -- ably presided over by Chooch and Viv -- is a wonderful roundup of CoX news and events. A tasteful plate of information and opinion served up in under an hour, the CoH Podcast informs and amuses, and it's available via iTunes. Currently on Episode 21, they've been providing their own spin around the streets of the City since October 2007.

Feel free to browse their listener forums, look over their screen captures, or simply subscribe to one of the better podcasts streaming across the web. When you're done listening, they welcome feedback. And if you want to speak with them directly, feel free to give them a call ... their telephone number is on the main page of the site. Don't worry, though: I have it on the best authority that the number doesn't spell bubkiss.

MassivelyCoH Podcast available via iTunes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChoochCity-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCoHCoVCoXiTunesNCsoftPodcastVivWed, 30 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crazykinux, Bitter Old Noob plan new EVE podcast]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/crazykinux-bitter-old-noob-plan-new-eve-podcast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/crazykinux-bitter-old-noob-plan-new-eve-podcast/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/crazykinux-bitter-old-noob-plan-new-eve-podcast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Our good friend Crazykinux reveals that along with Bitter Old Noob and fellow EVE player Aldresech, they're plotting a brand new EVE podcast. Normally, this isn't really news (podcasts are a dime a dozen, and in fact, we'll put a Massively podcast together eventually, I guarantee), but considering that Crazy and BON are such experts on the game, and that they really seem to be putting the brain to the pedal on this one (they're talking "segments" and "content"), we can already tell it'll be a good listen.

They are also looking for a name, however, so if you've got a suggestion, roll on over to BON's post and suggest your own. Without having heard it, it's hard to come up with a name, and though "Transversal Velocity" seems to be winning, I'll nudge them that "TV" is already taken. "The Drone Bay" is a good one, too, but I admire "PODcast," if only for its simplicity. Can't wait to hear it.

MassivelyCrazykinux, Bitter Old Noob plan new EVE podcast originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bitter-old-noobcrazykinuxdrone-bayeve-onlineitunesmining-laserspodcastrackettvWed, 20 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SLusic.com: a guide to music in Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/slusic-com-a-guide-to-music-in-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/slusic-com-a-guide-to-music-in-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/slusic-com-a-guide-to-music-in-second-life/#commentsFiled under: ,

I was wondering when something like this would happen, and here it is: SLusic.com is a website that boasts a ton of features for fans of live music in Second Life. It's professional-looking site, with easy navigation and a ton of handy links along the top to help you with searching for activities revolving around your favorite musician. Included in these links are Videos, Charts, Events, Blogs, Photos, etc.

An intriguing feature to this site is the ability to listen to music, right there on the front page, which is arranged according to who's on the Top 10 Charts. There's also a Downloads section, where you can purchase music at the by-now standard iTunes price of US$0.99 per song. This is an excellent companion to the other SL-supporting, resident-run sites out there, and I have to thank Hollywood Ron of the Flektor Development Blog for the tip.

There is more going on in Second Life than the mainstream media gives it credit for; go check this stuff out!

[Thanks, Ron!]

MassivelySLusic.com: a guide to music in Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadseventsflektorhollywood-ronitunesmusicsecond-lifeslusicFri, 09 Nov 2007 07:08:00 EST