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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pantsless First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta
Neverwinter's launch into open beta began last week, and through the grace of my press account, my Great Weapon Fighter was lucky enough to begin her digital life alongside players who forked over $199.99 for the Hero of the North Founder's Pack. I lack any of the Founders Pack bonuses, so off my plucky human character went, surrounded on her first day almost exclusively by panther-having Drow.

Justin's been serving up a delicious helping of launch diary goodness, but he's relaxing on a cruise ship this week, so you're stuck with me! Join me as we sally forth into my launch-but-not-really-launch-it's-open-beta-okay-guys-but-we-aren't-deleting-characters-anymore-no-really-it's-still-open-beta-look-it-says-so-in-this-blog-post impressions! The first section is about thighs.

Continue reading Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart

MassivelyPantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweTue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively's Neverwinter launch diary Day two
After yesterday's initial foray into Neverwinter, I was eager to get back to it. I was still trying to figure everything out, including frustrating little issues (is there a screenshot key that saves to a folder? Can I keep the little notifications from constantly popping out of the side of the map?). There's that period of acclimation in new games when you're excited but also feel a little lost. I'm guessing it's going to be another day or two before I truly feel comfortable in my Neverwinter home.

From what I can figure out, there are six main options for a typical Neverwinter play session. There are general PvE quests, skirmishes (think instanced public quests), zone-wide events, group dungeon runs, Foundry missions, and PvP fights. There's also playing the auction house, crafting, and making your own Foundry missions.

Yesterday was about the first two, so I decided that the second day would be all about the Foundry. At a certain level or part of the quest line (around level 11), you gain access to daily Foundry quests. These give you astral diamonds as incentive to run player-made content, so I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Continue reading Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two

MassivelyMassively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunch-diarylaunchesneverwinterneverwinter-daysneverwinter-nightsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPGCplayer-generated-contentpwethe-foundrySat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Massively's Neverwinter launch diary Day one
Neverwinter's launch isn't so much a launch as a gradual roll-out that's happening in several phases and operating under the code-name of "open beta." While the doors won't be open for the general public until April 30th, purchasers of the founder's packs are able to get in a few days early. Cryptic's invited the media to join the day one festivities alongside of those who've plunked down $200 for a Hero of the North package, which is how I'm able to bring to you a day-by-day account of the first week of Neverwinter live.

While I've participated in two of the beta weekend events and have been following Neverwinter for a few months now as part of my column coverage, much of the game is virgin territory to me. I like going into a launch relatively unspoiled (or as unspoiled as a writer who covers MMOs can be), so this launch diary isn't going to be the voice of great experience. It's going to be the voice of experiences. See what I did there?

Noon on April 25th finally arrived... and we were off to the D&D races!

Continue reading Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdevoted-clericdiarydndf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylaunch-diarylaunchesneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweFri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Neverwinter prelaunch interview, part two
We're back with Cryptic Lead Producer Andy Velasquez to continue our discussion of Neverwinter's beta lessons, launch preparations, and post-launch plans. We also touch on some of the comments and concerns that players had for the title and how Cryptic is addressing them.

If you missed the first part of this interview, make sure you check it out before continuing!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoandy-velasquezbalancebehind-the-scenesbetabeta-testingchampions-onlineclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdndexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspwestar-trek-onlineupdate-1update-2Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Shadow of Fear screenshot
EverQuest's Shadow of Fear just launched; it's the update and second part to the Rain of Fear expansion that released in November. Yes, you read that right: This is the old-school MMO's 19th expansion. If that's not impressive enough for, the list of content that comes with the patch should hold over vets for a long time. If you're level 100, you'll be able to enjoy new zones and content and brand-new mechanics.

The essence of fear is literally raining down in the form of crystalline shards. While players fight to restore balance, an ancient city has been resurrected with no explanation. Mysteries? New content? New spells, items, missions, raids quests, and storylines to discover? Yeah, we wanted in on that. We hung out with producer Thom Terrazas, lead designer Jonathan Caraker, assistant lead designer Julie Burness, and assistant lead game designer and Douglas Cronkhite for a video tour of the new update. Read on to hear what we thought and catch the brand-new trailer too.

Gallery: EverQuest Shadow of Fear expansion screenshots

Continue reading EverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin

MassivelyEverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Douglas-Cronkhiteeqeq1everquestexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryJonathan-Carakerlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesluclinpreviewpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsshadow-of-fearSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmenttrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/massivelys-darkfall-launch-week-diary-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Darkfall Unholy Wars loading screen art
Darkfall Unholy Wars' April 2013 launch was quite a bit like Darkfall's February 2009 launch. For me, at any rate. One crucial difference was that this time I was actually able to purchase Aventurine's fantasy sandbox title even though I wasn't able to log into it.

Four years ago, finding a digital copy of Darkfall was damn near impossible. Fast forward to the present and AV has improved its billing apparatus but certainly not its delivery mechanism. After nearly three hours, DFUW's patcher managed to pull down 90 MB out of 6487. I switched to the torrent download, and while it was faster, I still had to leave it overnight. So technically this is day two impressions even though it's day one for yours truly.

Continue reading Massively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Darkfall launch week diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-diarydarkfall-first-impressionsdarkfall-hands-ondarkfall-impressionsdarkfall-launchdarkfall-launch-diarydarkfall-launch-weekdarkfall-unholy-warsdarkfall-unholy-wars-launchdfexpansionfantasyfeaturedhands-oninventorylaunchlaunch-daylaunchesopen-pvppvpsandboxunholy-warsWed, 17 Apr 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/first-impressions-swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/first-impressions-swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/first-impressions-swtors-rise-of-the-hutt-cartel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This image delivers exactly everything it promises.
How much of an expansion can you really get from one new planet and five new levels?

I've been subscribing to Star Wars: The Old Republic since launch day, so buying Rise of the Hutt Cartel wasn't exactly a difficult decision. I like the game, I'm pleased with it, and I'm going to pick up the expansion. But the pre-launch marketing for the expansion looked pretty sparse. A new planet was nice, and a level cap raise was great, but it seemed very low-key even for the price point. Ten bucks for one new area and more leveling felt thin.

After a week on Makeb, I can comfortably say that it was worth the price of entry. There have been a lot of changes made to the game with the expansion and its connected patch, and with only a handful of exceptions, those improvements make the game universally better. And it all starts with a reversal of the game's status quo.

Continue reading First Impressions: SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel

MassivelyFirst Impressions: SWTOR's Rise of the Hutt Cartel originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsexpansionf2pfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onhutt-cartelimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylauncheslucasartsrise-of-the-hutt-cartelrothcsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Art of Wushu: Launching into Age of Wushu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/the-art-of-wushu-launching-into-age-of-wushu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/the-art-of-wushu-launching-into-age-of-wushu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/the-art-of-wushu-launching-into-age-of-wushu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Art of Wushu Launching into Age of Wushu
Age of Wushu just launched publicly today, and as you read this, thousands of players are getting into the game for the very first time. For a lot of you first-time readers, you might be wondering what the heck is this game, why should you play it, and what are some of the community resources for the game?

Age of Wushu is an open-world PvP sandbox set in a fictional Ming Dynasty China where traditional MMO elements like sorcery and character levels are eschewed for martial arts and proficiency in a wide variety of different skills. I'm fond of saying that Wushu is "like EVE in China." Many of AoW's features are similar to EVE's systems, including an emphasis on leveling breadth versus depth, a true player economy, and social maneuvering and backstabbing. At the same time, Wushu is a fundamentally different creature, with skill-based gameplay and a much clunkier interface. It's also a bit simpler than EVE, but the barrier of entry is still pretty high.

The Art of Wushu column is about lowering that bar a bit, and I'm simultaneously proud and sad to say that the English fan-made wiki still currently provides much less in-depth information than this column does. If you're already playing the game, check out some of the previous articles as they are pretty useful things that I link people to regularly. If you're not a new player yet, well... this one's for you.

Continue reading The Art of Wushu: Launching into Age of Wushu

MassivelyThe Art of Wushu: Launching into Age of Wushu originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-wulinage-of-wushuart-of-wushublue-dragonchinachinesechinese-mythologycolumnfeaturedhands-onkung-fulaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-patchlaunchesmartial-artsmeridianmeridiansminers-are-best-pvperspvpsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usastare-into-eternitywhite-tigerwhy-play-age-of-wushuwushuwuxiaWed, 10 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/alter-ego-a-defiance-launch-week-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/alter-ego-a-defiance-launch-week-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/alter-ego-a-defiance-launch-week-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Defiance character select screen
I'm an ark hunter, or so they tell me. They being the ruggedly handsome NPCs on display in Defiance's opening cutscene. There's a gruff military man, a captain I think, and some balding suit with trendy eyewear named Von Bach.

There's a bunch of frenzied activity on board the stratocarrier New Freedom, and I pass by a familiar roughneck and a red-haired alien girl that I've seen before in Defiance's ubiquitous television commercials. I'm a human male because I'm one of those weirdos who plays to real-world type in video games. I've got corn-rows here, though, blonde ones, and a face that only a mother could love. Much like my real face, I didn't have a lot of say in the matter because Defiance's character customization is rather bare bones. There's Human or Irathient, male or female. After that there's a choice of four origins: Veteran, Survivalist, Outlaw, and Machinist.

I have a hard time with this because if the earth really were on the edge of sci-fi post-apocalyptic alien invasion extinction, I would no doubt be some sort of grizzled Survivalist/Outlaw/Machinist hybrid. Though this isn't a class-based game from what I hear, for now I have to choose.

It's Survivalist.

Continue reading Massively's Defiance launch week diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Defiance launch week diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldefiancedefiance-first-impressionsdefiance-hands-ondefiance-launchdefiance-launch-diarydefiance-launch-impressionsfeaturedhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchespvpsci-fisyfytransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxTue, 02 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizardry Online launch-day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/wizardry-online-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/wizardry-online-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/wizardry-online-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Wizardry Online launchday roundup
If you've been waiting to get your fill of fantasy in the no-holds-barred setting of Wizardry Online (and then waited some more when the launch was pushed back), your patience is about to be rewarded. The time is finally at hand; the hardcore game sporting permadeath and friendly fire launches today.

Curious about what lies ahead in the wilds of Wizardy Online? Get a glimpse of dungeons and death along with a taste of the adventures that await you through our hands-on experiences, gallery, videos, and news bytes after the break.

Continue reading Wizardry Online launch-day roundup

MassivelyWizardry Online launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasyhardcorelaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-roundupopen-pvppermadeathpkplayer-killingpvpsir-techsoesony-online-entertainmentwizardrywizardry-onlineWed, 30 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was the best first day you've ever had in an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-best-first-day-youve-ever-had-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-best-first-day-youve-ever-had-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/12/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-best-first-day-youve-ever-had-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind What was the best first day you've ever had in an MMO
While I've had many great first days in MMOs (and only a couple of nasty ones, surprisingly enough), the one that always sticks out as a seminal moment in my gaming life was my first day in World of Warcraft.

I picked a Dwarf and so ended up logging into Coldridge Valley. It was hard to believe that after a lengthy development process that I was actually in the game. I remember spending almost 20 minutes just absorbing the look of everything and fiddling around with the UI. The remainder of my first day was spent enchanted with the ease of combat, the cool details like my Dwarf's breath puffing out in the wold, and the general atmosphere of the game. I think I knew right then that MMOs were going to be the way of my gaming future.

Whether it was WoW for you or something else, what was the best first day you've ever had in an MMO? And keep in mind that it doesn't necessarily have to be the first day of a game's operation, just the first day you tried it.

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 was the best first day you've ever had in an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcoldridge-valleydaily-grindfantasyfirst-daylaunch-dayopiniontdgthe-daily-grindwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 12 Dec 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Matt Higby reveals account-wide SC unlocks coming to PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/massively-exclusive-matt-higby-reveals-account-wide-sc-unlocks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/massively-exclusive-matt-higby-reveals-account-wide-sc-unlocks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/30/massively-exclusive-matt-higby-reveals-account-wide-sc-unlocks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Matt Higby reveals accountwide SC unlocks coming to PlanetSide 2
Back at SOE Live, Creative Director Matt Higby spoke about PlanetSide 2's goal to appeal to a broader audience than just the shooter fanbase. It might just have worked: It's been just a little over a week since launch, and PS2 seems to be pulling in players ranging from die-hard veterans of the original PlanetSide to first-time or non-FPS gamers (like yours truly). In fact, as Higby tells it, the number of folks flocking to the new free-to-play MMOFPS has exceeded Sony Online Entertainment's expectations.

Of course, this is only the beginning of PS2's life. With launch now under the developers' belts, the question becomes what's up their sleeves? I cornered Matt Higby to talk about the first week of live servers, how many soldiers have joined in the war, and what's next for the game.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Matt Higby reveals account-wide SC unlocks coming to PlanetSide 2

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Matt Higby reveals account-wide SC unlocks coming to PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Account-wide-unlockscustom-UIfeaturedfpsinterviewinterviewslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesMassively-exclusiveMassively-exclusive-interviewmatt-higbymatt-higby-interviewmmo-shootermmofpsnew-featurespersonalizationplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentUIFri, 30 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest Rain of Fear round up and launch-day video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/everquest-rain-of-fear-round-up-and-launch-day-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/everquest-rain-of-fear-round-up-and-launch-day-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/28/everquest-rain-of-fear-round-up-and-launch-day-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EverQuest Rain of Fear round up and launchday video
Grab your umbrellas, folks, because the Rain of Fear is finally here! Yes, EverQuest's 19th expansion is live on servers now, and all the Erudites, Dwarves, Frogloks, Iksar, Ogres, Humans, and 10 other races can dive in and sink their teeth into all the new content. With new zones, a new collection systems, offline selling, and more, there is bound to be something for everyone.

Have a question about one of these new features? Or maybe you are stuck in the real-life office grind and can't log in yet? Either way, you can get the scoop on the new expansion in the many opinion pieces, videos, hands-on experiences, and reveals after the break. And as an added bonus, watch the brand-spanking-new launch-day trailer! Then, if that still isn't enough, listen to the EQ soundtrack until you can get home and get in-game.

Continue reading EverQuest Rain of Fear round up and launch-day video

MassivelyEverQuest Rain of Fear round up and launch-day video originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq1everquestEverQuest IIexpansionexpansion-launchf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunch-daynew-zonesrain-of-fearroundupSci/Techsoesonysony-online-entertainmentWed, 28 Nov 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlanetSide 2's launch trailer is packed with firepower]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/planetside-2s-new-launch-trailer-is-packed-with-firepower/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/planetside-2s-new-launch-trailer-is-packed-with-firepower/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/20/planetside-2s-new-launch-trailer-is-packed-with-firepower/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2's new launch trailer is packed with firepower
You've prepared for this moment, PlanetSide 2 fans, and now the moment is here. From the ground and the air and in vehicles and on foot, battle is about to begin on a massive scale. Are you ready to jump in and fight for your faction's rightful control of the land? Or maybe just die a whole bunch? Oh, you're stuck at work like a regular person. Well then, how about a video?

In honor of its new MMOFPS title's launch, Sony Online Entertainment has released an action-packed new trailer, chock-full of combat and explosions. Experience all the firepower in the video ofter the break, and then, if you just can't get enough PlanetSide 2, check out our launch day roundup and watch Massively cover the game tonight via livestream at 6:00 p.m. EST on our Twitch channel.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

Continue reading PlanetSide 2's launch trailer is packed with firepower

MassivelyPlanetSide 2's launch trailer is packed with firepower originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raiderz launch day roundup
Sometimes, launch day seems like a mythical beast, taunting adventurers with promises of glory and treasure, but whose very existence is in doubt. Today, RaiderZ fans will face and slay that beast -- along with a slew of other fantastical bosses -- as the free-to-play fantasy game opens its doors to everyone.

Want to get a feel for the landscape and prepare for your battles ahead? Scout out the goblin village of Rengot, tour Hero's Lane and Mt. Eda, and learn valuable tricks and tip to assist you in your adventures with the many videos, galleries, and hands-on experiences after the break.

Continue reading RaiderZ launch day roundup

MassivelyRaiderZ launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweraiderzroundupTue, 20 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/free-for-all-arcane-legends-is-more-than-pocket-legends-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Arcane Legends screenshot
Spacetime Studios' newest title, Arcane Legends, which just launched officially yesterday, didn't quite excite me at first. This was before I had played the game or really caught a glimpse of any in-game artwork, but after three titles, I'd been wondering whether Spacetime could change its tune a bit. The last three titles have been basically the same game, albeit set in different genres and universes. First we were given Pocket Legends, a fantasy dungeon-crawler that surprised us with how much content and fun was to be had inside. Then we got Star Legends, a sci-fi version with a few tweaks. Next up came Dark Legends, a vampire-themed modern adventure that introduced us to action-based combat with a more "adult" tone.

It's not that all of the previous titles were no fun to play. Instead, each one offers a smooth experience that's easy to jump into and sometimes hard to put down. But each one felt a bit more like a variant on a previous model, a build-up to something more finalized and slick.

Is Arcane Legends that better product? Did it take three tries to finally get things right in the Legends line?

Gallery: Arcane Legends screenshots

Continue reading Free for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0

MassivelyFree for All: Arcane Legends is more than Pocket Legends 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatarcane-legendsbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddark-legendsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepocket-legendspremiumsmartphonespacetime-studiosstar-legendsvelvet-ropeWed, 14 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II: Chains of Eternity launch day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/everquest-ii-chains-of-eternity-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/everquest-ii-chains-of-eternity-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/everquest-ii-chains-of-eternity-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EverQuest II Chains of Eternity launch day roundup
EverQuest II's ninth expansion launches today (we know, it seems like there have been at least 127 expansions, but that's EverQuest). Chains of Eternity introduces several of what SOE is calling "must-have" features to its long-running fantasy sequel. Chief among these are new prestige abilities, a level-cap bump (to 95), and adornments that become more powerful alongside your character.

In terms of content, Chains of Eternity focuses on EQII's afterlife via the realm of Ethernere and expansive new zones like the Obol Plains and the Eidolon Jungle. The update also boasts nine new dungeons as well as the ability for players to skip part of the game's alternate advancement grind. SOE is gifting two of your level 90 characters with 280 free AA (which is the minimum threshold for beginning the journey to max level).

Head past the cut for a roundup of all our Chains of Eternity coverage.

Continue reading EverQuest II: Chains of Eternity launch day roundup

MassivelyEverQuest II: Chains of Eternity launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chains-of-eternityeq-2eq-iieq2eq2-expansioneqiieqii-expansioneverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionsf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesnorrathroundupsoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 13 Nov 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/rift-video-heralds-todays-storm-legion-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/rift-video-heralds-todays-storm-legion-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/13/rift-video-heralds-todays-storm-legion-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch
RIFT's long-anticipated Storm Legion expansion has officially launched, and Trion Worlds has also released a new trailer and screenshots to mark the occasion. The update brings with it a host of things for players to enjoy, from new continents to housing to an increased level cap (60). As Ascended prepare to dive into all the new content, Scott Hartsman, RIFT Executive Producer and Trion's Chief Creative Officer, took a moment to thank the players for their part in shaping the expansion. He stated:
"Storm Legion is a labor of love, and we dedicate it to our incredibly amazing players. Their feedback and critique throughout the expansion's development really pushed it over the top, making it a truly special experience. Thanks to them, Storm Legion is huge, dynamic, and incredibly fun to play."
For even more on Storm Legion, head to Massively's launch day guide. Then check out the new screenshots in the gallery below and watch the trailer after the break.

[Source: Trion Worlds press release]

Gallery: RIFT: Storm Legion

Continue reading RIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch

MassivelyRIFT video heralds today's Storm Legion launch originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestexpansionfantasygalleryhousinglaunchlaunch-daynew-continentspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrscott-hartsmanscreenshotsstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptrailertriontrion-worldsvideoTue, 13 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle for the high skies: Hands-on with Pirate101]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/battle-for-the-high-skies-hands-on-with-pirate101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/battle-for-the-high-skies-hands-on-with-pirate101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/battle-for-the-high-skies-hands-on-with-pirate101/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pirate101 Header
Her name is Reckless Roslyn Ramsey, and she is a pirate. She sails a ship, loots treasure, hangs out in seedy bars, and fights anyone who stands between her and the fame and fortune she so rightly deserves. You wouldn't be lying to say that young Ms. Ramsey has swashed a fair few buckles in her time, and the pink and white, panda and crossbones flag under which she and her crew sail is feared the world over.

Such is life in Pirate101, a family-oriented MMO created by KingsIsle Entertainment and due to launch today. Placing you in the role of a young pirate at the beginning of his or her quest for glory, Pirate101 asks you to carve your own path, gather cunning crewmembers, and discover the hidden mysteries of The Spiral (a fantasy world the game shares with smash hit Wizard101).

I hopped in on the Pirate101 head-start over the weekend to get an idea of what this colorful MMO has to offer and to see whether its kid-friendly design hinders its ability to be fun for those of us jaded gamers who expect a little blood with our sword slashes. What I found was an accessible game with a clear slant toward younger players as well as a robust and fun MMO with plenty to offer grown-ups seeking to step away from the grim, dark worlds of more traditional fare.

Continue reading Battle for the high skies: Hands-on with Pirate101

MassivelyBattle for the high skies: Hands-on with Pirate101 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfamilyfamily-friendlyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumhands-onhead-startimpressionskid-friendlykidskids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspiratepirate-shipPirate101piratespremiumpreviewpreviewsskull-islandTurn-basedwizard101yarrMon, 15 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Riders of Rohan pre-launch guide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-road-to-mordor-riders-of-rohan-pre-launch-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-road-to-mordor-riders-of-rohan-pre-launch-guide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-road-to-mordor-riders-of-rohan-pre-launch-guide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Road to Mordor Riders of Rohan prelaunch guide
The other night in kin chat, I said how I'm just not mentally ready for Lord of the Rings Online: Riders of Rohan. My Captain may be prepared to saddle up and venture forth, but the notion that we're on the verge of one of the most significant expansions this game has ever seen is taking me a little while to absorb. Fortunately, many of my friends assured me that I wasn't alone in this.

With just two days to go until players can head into Rohan, we're running out of time to prepare, and I'm not just talking about pre-purchasing the game (although that too). Riders of Rohan contains a host of content and changes, not the least of which is the new mounted combat system. I don't know about you, but I hate heading into expansions completely blind, so I decided to spend this week putting together a big roundup of everything you need to know about LotRO's fourth expansion.

Read well, my friends, but get your rest as well. You may not get it this coming week.

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Riders of Rohan pre-launch guide

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Riders of Rohan pre-launch guide originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguideguideslaunchlaunch-daylaunch-guidelaunch-rounduplauncheslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionriders-of-rohanroad-to-mordorrorround-uproundupthe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-entertainmentSat, 13 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirate101 head start begins on October 8th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/pirate101-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/pirate101-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/pirate101-soft-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Pirate101 Interview
If you're a fan of family-friendly MMO Wizard101 and can't wait to get a taste of KingsIsle's next project, then this is your lucky week because Pirate101 is set to begin its head start on October 8th. While the game doesn't officially hit digital shelves until October 15th, you can hop in and get to pirating beginning on the 8th by picking up specific membership types or snagging a pre-launch game bundle (beta participants are also invited). Additionally, Pirate101 game cards will be available in retail stores as of October 8th.

Pirate101 is in many ways the spiritual successor to Wizard101 and marks an ambitious undertaking by KingsIsle to build another engaging and successful MMO that is also family friendly and safe. We talked to producer Jay Gordon and associate producer Mike Stone to get an idea of the challenges the team faced and what may lie in store for those looking to loot and plunder.

Continue reading Pirate101 head start begins on October 8th

MassivelyPirate101 head start begins on October 8th originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingEntertainmentf2pfamily-friendlyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewinterviewsjay-gordonkid-friendlykidskingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsmike-stonepirate101piratespremiumtestingWizardwizard101Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[London cafe giving away goodies for Mists of Pandaria launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/london-cafe-giving-away-goodies-for-mists-of-pandaria-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/london-cafe-giving-away-goodies-for-mists-of-pandaria-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/london-cafe-giving-away-goodies-for-mists-of-pandaria-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

London cafe giving away goodies for Mists of Panderia launch
The wait for the launch of World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria is almost over; eager players will be lining up at stores and taking part in various launch celebrations awaiting tonight's midnight release in stores. One location, Cafe de Paris in London, is sponsoring a Pandaria-themed loot giveaway through PC Gamer to help celebrate the release with players.

The goodies include a Steel Series World of Warcraft Wireless MMO mouse, Deathwing's Stormwind Assault Mega Blocks, a strategy guide, t-shirts, posters, and a Mists of Pandaria Collector's Edition. For a chance at obtaining some of these collectables, check out the giveaway page for complete instructions. But you have to hurry -- the promotion ends tomorrow.

MassivelyLondon cafe giving away goodies for Mists of Pandaria launch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentexpansionfantasygiveawayslaunch-daylaunch-day-giveawaymistsmists-of-pandariamoppandariapandaswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 24 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet's Regina Buenaobra on Guild Wars 2, Reddit, and community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/arenanets-regina-buenaobra-on-guild-wars-2-reddit-and-communi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/arenanets-regina-buenaobra-on-guild-wars-2-reddit-and-communi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/04/arenanets-regina-buenaobra-on-guild-wars-2-reddit-and-communi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet has, understandably, been receiving a whole lot of publicity in the days following the launch of Guild Wars 2, due in large part to notable events such as the "ask why you're banned" thread on the r/GW2 subreddit. Not everyone, however, is thrilled with the idea that ArenaNet is conducting so much of its customer support and community interaction on Reddit and social media sites such as Facebook rather than on official forums or a well-established community site.

If you're someone who has been wondering exactly why ArenaNet focuses so much effort on Reddit and social media, then we're here to shed some light on the issue. We reached out to Guild Wars 2's North American Community Team Lead, Regina Buenaobra, to get the official point-of-view. If you'd like to know about ArenaNet's community and customer support teams (and the differences between the two), click on past the cut for the Q&A.

Continue reading ArenaNet's Regina Buenaobra on Guild Wars 2, Reddit, and community

MassivelyArenaNet's Regina Buenaobra on Guild Wars 2, Reddit, and community originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbugscommunitycustomer-supportfantasyfeaturedguild-wars-2gw2interviewinterviewslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesncsoftredditregina-buenaobrasupportTue, 04 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's launch guide to Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/massivelys-launch-guide-to-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/massivelys-launch-guide-to-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/massivelys-launch-guide-to-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively's launch guide to Guild Wars 2
Oh, 2007: Those heady days when Guild Wars 2 was set to feature a beta in... 2008! It took a few more years than initially expected, but the wait was worth it because now, it's ready -- Guild Wars 2 officially launches tonight at midnight PDT!

But how ready are you? Jump past the break (jumping joke!), where we've organized Massively's many years of GW2 coverage to help catch you up on the game, its systems and features, its races and classes, and its lore.

Excelsior!

Gallery: Guild Wars 2: It's pretty pretty

Continue reading Massively's launch guide to Guild Wars 2

MassivelyMassively's launch guide to Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingfantasyfeaturedgalleriesgalleryguideguidesguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-betaguild-wars-2-guidegwgw2launchlaunch-daylaunch-day-round-uplaunch-day-rounduplaunch-rounduplaunchdaylaunchesncsoftroundupscreenshotscreenshotsMon, 27 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How will you spend this GW2 pre-purchase headstart weekend?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/the-daily-grind-how-will-you-spend-this-gw2-pre-purchase-headst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/the-daily-grind-how-will-you-spend-this-gw2-pre-purchase-headst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/24/the-daily-grind-how-will-you-spend-this-gw2-pre-purchase-headst/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
Despite the fact that we like to cover the bejeezus out of MMO launch days, not everyone is feeling Guild Wars 2. And that's fair -- we're all different people with different preferences.

Regardless of your opinion of the ArenaNet game, Guild Wars 2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated MMO launches in years. We have over five years of build-up to thank for that, including plenty of hands-on time during beta weekends, stress testing, trailers, guides, etc.

But we want to hear from you, the Massively readers. One of the top reasons we love you so much is that you're such a diverse crowd. Some of you love obscure indie MMOs, some of you love the next big-budget triple-A MMO, and most of you like everything in between.

So how will you spend this headstart weekend for the (arguably) most anticipated MMO of the year? Have you pre-purchased, and you have a little notebook sitting by your keyboard with manic scribbles detailing the races, classes, genders, and names of each character (not that we know anyone like that...)? Will you be starting one day early, as part of the pre-order? Or will it be just another weekend where you'll be playing your favorite MMO without a worry in the world about anything containing the initials G and W? Speak up and let your voices be heard!

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: How will you spend this GW2 pre-purchase headstart weekend? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbreakingdaily-grindguild-wars-2gw2launch-dayopinionpre-orderpre-purchasetdgthe-daily-grindFri, 24 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Will you be playing Guild Wars 2?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/the-daily-grind-will-you-be-playing-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/the-daily-grind-will-you-be-playing-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/29/the-daily-grind-will-you-be-playing-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Will you be playing Guild Wars 2
By now I'm sure you've heard the announcement that Guild Wars 2 will launch on August 28th, 2012. With pre-purchase incentives already in place, many of the franchise's most hardcore fans have been participating in the beta weekends and are anxiously awaiting the headstart that will begin on August 25th.

But not every MMO fan is 100% convinced that this will be the second coming. We've heard from several of you who will be either skipping the game entirely or simply waiting a few months until the newness wears off and the bugs are squashed.

So how about you? Will you be playing Guild Wars 2 from day one? From the pre-purchase headstart? Maybe four months later? Let us know in the comments!

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: Will you be playing Guild Wars 2? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenanetdaily-grindearly-adopterguild-wars-2launch-dayopinionpre-purchasetdgthe-daily-grindFri, 29 Jun 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five top tips for your first few days of Diablo III]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/five-top-tips-for-your-first-few-days-of-diablo-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Diablo III title image
Diablo III officially launched at midnight last night, opening the floodgates on what is possibly the most pre-ordered PC game in history. It's been almost 12 years since the previous game in the series launched, and it's still going to this day. Whether you've played previous games, have taken part in the Diablo III beta or are taking your first steps into Sanctuary today, everyone starts with a clean slate. In this article, I give my top five tips for spending your first few days wisely in Diablo III.

#5 - Spend most of your time on one character

It seems like a bit of a no-brainer to initially focus on one character, but in Diablo III's case, there's a special reason to do it. You'll likely finish normal mode around level 20-30, and until then, you'll get a new skill almost every level. It's only when you've completed normal mode and moved on to nightmare that the challenge really starts and you will have picked out an effective set of skills. Your last active skill unlocks at level 30, and from then on you'll gain a combination of two to three runes or passive skills every level until you hit the level cap at 60.

Read on for four more tips you should keep in mind as you start playing Diablo III.

Continue reading Five top tips for your first few days of Diablo III

MassivelyFive top tips for your first few days of Diablo III originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgauction-housebarrelsbattlenetblacksmithblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchartd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfeaturedgothic-fantasygraphguideguideslaunch-daylevellevel-chartlevelinglevelsmultiplayeronline-multiplayerpartypassivesphysicsrpgrunessanctuaryskill-chartskillstipstop-fivetop-tipsweaponsTue, 15 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III launch day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-iii-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-iii-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/diablo-iii-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Diablo III title image
It's been a decade in the making, but today Diablo III finally arrived. The past few months have been filled with Diablo III news and more data than you can imagine, from speculation on the release date to details of gameplay and the different difficulty modes available. We've seen five epic class reveals on the Darkness Falls, Heroes Rise launch site and a series of unlocks that ended with the awesome animated Wrath of Angels short.

In this launch article, we pull together some of the top Diablo III news from the past few months. If you're playing the game today (or not!), be sure to check out our top five tips for making the most of your first few days in Diablo III.

Continue reading Diablo III launch day roundup

MassivelyDiablo III launch day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasyfeaturedgothic-fantasylaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-round-uplaunch-day-roundupmultiplayernewsonline-multiplayerrpgtrailervideowrath-of-the-lich-kingTue, 15 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you take time off work to play games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-daily-grind-do-you-take-time-off-work-to-play-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-daily-grind-do-you-take-time-off-work-to-play-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-daily-grind-do-you-take-time-off-work-to-play-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - Zombies incoming
Holy shitaki mushrooms! There are a lot of cool MMOs coming out this year! If 2011 was kind of a downer for new AAA titles, 2012 is more than making up for it with the likes of Guild Wars 2, The Secret World, and TERA (at least two of which will release within a month of one another).

The only problem is finding enough time in the day to play all these gems (not to mention making time to keep up with old favorites). Heck, I'm even contemplating a brief vacation of sorts, the better to have some uninterrupted sessions with all these new games.

What about you, dear readers? Have you ever taken time off from work for an MMO?

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 take time off work to play games? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindfeaturedgame-discussiongamer-discussionguild-wars-2launch-daylaunchesmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-launchesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsopinionsecret-worldterathe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldThu, 23 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare stages SWTOR freeze mob event in New York City's Times Square]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-stages-swtor-freeze-mob-event-in-new-york-citys-times-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-stages-swtor-freeze-mob-event-in-new-york-citys-times-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/bioware-stages-swtor-freeze-mob-event-in-new-york-citys-times-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Darth Malgus vs. Jedi cosplay
If you happened to be walking around Times Square on the night of December 20th, you may have witnessed one of the more unique MMO launch day promotions in recent memory. BioWare enlisted the help of Darth Malgus and a cadre of heavily armored Jedi (or at least, their cosplay equivalents) to stage a Star Wars: The Old Republic freeze mob event complete with lightsabers and bewildered onlookers.

What's a freeze mob? Well, it's just what it sounds like, and fortunately for those of you who didn't get to see it live, there's a video of the shenanigans after the cut.

Continue reading BioWare stages SWTOR freeze mob event in New York City's Times Square

MassivelyBioWare stages SWTOR freeze mob event in New York City's Times Square originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecosplaydarth-malgusea-biowareelectronic-artseventsfreeze-mobjedilaunchlaunch-dayreal-world-eventssci-fistar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorvideoFri, 23 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Top five SWTOR launch day secrets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/hyperspace-beacon-top-five-launch-day-secrets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/hyperspace-beacon-top-five-launch-day-secrets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/hyperspace-beacon-top-five-launch-day-secrets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hyperspce Beacon: Top 5 launch day secrets
It's official: The year's most highly anticipated MMO is no longer anticipated. As of today, Star Wars: The Old Republic has officially launched in both North America and Europe (and our Australian friends have had it shipped from the US). Despite some earlier issues about the time of delivery, everyone who pre-ordered can play on launch day thanks to the 48-hour grace period and the adjusted shipping date for most retailers. I guess that'll teach BioWare not to release so close to Christmas.

Now that you have the game in your hands, what do you do? Of course, you enter in the code to your SWTOR account, but I mean, what do you do once you get into the game? First, if you have absolutely no clue which direction to go, you should read a couple of the class introductions in Massively's giant SWTOR pre-launch guide. Once you've decided on a class, hop past the break as I give you my top five things you must watch out for very early on in the game -- things that will make your launch day experience just a bit more interesting.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Top five SWTOR launch day secrets

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Top five SWTOR launch day secrets originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AurebeshAverage-brown-wookieeBastila-ShanBioWarecodexDatacronsEAElectronic-Artsfeaturedgalactic-basichungry-eyesJaesa-WillsaamJedi-ExilejukeboxKnights-of-the-Old-RepublicLaunchlaunch-dayloreLucasArtsRevanRevanitessatele-shansith-warriorStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORthe-old-republicTORTue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare documents the beginning of your SWTOR saga]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/bioware-documents-the-beginning-of-your-swtor-saga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/bioware-documents-the-beginning-of-your-swtor-saga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/20/bioware-documents-the-beginning-of-your-swtor-saga/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
The launch day of Star Wars: The Old Republic is upon us, and while most any interested parties are fully immersed in BioWare's mega-MMO, there are always those who are still on the fence about the game or haven't heard about it yet. To give a proper nudge in the right direction, BioWare's released an eight-minute documentary titled Your Saga Begins to give a broad overview of SWTOR's strengths and direction.

The team spends the time making a case for not only why the game is special but how it should appeal to the Star Wars fan in all of us. Covering the bases of story, voiceovers, companions, exploration, graphical style, and more, the developers hit on all of the selling points of the game while giving first-time viewers a good reason to give this title a shot.

Even if you're a veteran of the Mandalorian War, there should be a tidbit or two in this documentary that's new to you, whether it be absorbing the behind-the-scenes voice recordings or seeing just how big and bushy some of the devs' beards have become. You can watch the full documentary after the jump -- and don't forget to check out our comprehensive guide to launch and beyond!

Continue reading BioWare documents the beginning of your SWTOR saga

MassivelyBioWare documents the beginning of your SWTOR saga originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beardbeardsbiowaredocdocumentaryea-biowarelaunchlaunch-daysagastar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorvideovoiceoveryour-saga-beginsTue, 20 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rosh Online launches, gifts players with lots of presents]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/rosh-online-launches-gifts-players-with-lots-of-presents/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/rosh-online-launches-gifts-players-with-lots-of-presents/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/07/rosh-online-launches-gifts-players-with-lots-of-presents/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Rosh Online - siege battle
Launch day for Rosh Online is here, and the new free-to-play title is now officially live. Ignited Games has also added a few extra features that were absent from the recent beta test. Players can now take part in siege war and mining war PvP, and a wide variety of new pets and weapon enchantment stones are available for purchase in the cash shop.

Ignited is also running a couple of special launch events. First up is the Nobody is a Rookie promotion, which includes a gift box full of items to ease the newbie transition. That's not all, as players will also receive another gift box containing level 19 gear. There's also the Blue Box Red Box promotion, and it entails holiday gift boxes filled with rare items.

Rosh Online: The Return of Karos is a fantasy title set in the world of Asmara, which features a traditional XP-based leveling system, a PvP morality system, and large-scale guild and castle sieges.

[Source: Ignited press release]

MassivelyRosh Online launches, gifts players with lots of presents originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyfree-to-playgift-boxesignited-gameslaunch-daylaunchespromotionsroshrosh-onlinerosh-online-the-return-of-karosWed, 07 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Is your glass half empty or half full?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/the-daily-grind-is-your-glass-half-empty-or-half-full/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/the-daily-grind-is-your-glass-half-empty-or-half-full/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/the-daily-grind-is-your-glass-half-empty-or-half-full/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mortal Online had an awesome launch
Sometimes we're willing to overlook release-day problems in light of other features that we love in a new MMO. When Fallen Earth launched, I loved the premise so much, I turned a blind eye to the rubber-banding mobs and other severe lag issues. What? It's a teleporting prairie chicken. It could happen in the wasteland! Let me hit it with the business end of a street sign! It'll stop moving!

Fallen Earth is only one example (and not even close to the worst), but especially at launch, our favorite MMOs are rarely problem-free. Some players are willing to skip over those problems to enjoy the new shiny, while others won't tolerate these games unless all problems are fixed immediately.

Of course, the issue of fixing problems in our MMOs is important, but we're curious about your typical reaction to launch-day problems. Do you give the devs the benefit of the doubt and a certain grace period, or do you head straight for the forums on day one with a list of demands. Let us know!

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: Is your glass half empty or half full? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>half-emptyhalf-fulllaunch-dayopinionoptimismpessimismreleasetdgthe-daily-grindFri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR launch day questions answered]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/swtor-launch-day-questions-answered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/swtor-launch-day-questions-answered/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/swtor-launch-day-questions-answered/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR: The wait is just about over
The community team at BioWare told us that we would know when the train was coming, but it came crashing through our house when half of us were still sleeping. As we reported earlier, Star Wars: The Old Republic set its launch day for December 20th for North America and December 22nd for Europe. All the fans exhaled in relief, then promptly started asking more questions.

First off, the Australian and New Zealand launch dates have not been set, and BioWare cannot commit to a launch day yet for that region. However, back in August, Senior Community Manager Stephen Reid posted on the official forums that "There are no plans to 'region lock' or 'IP block' players from the game. You may experience some latency issues if you're not playing in a launch territory." This still holds true today.

To prevent signup issues on launch day, log-ins will be throttled. However, pre-order customers will still gain early access to the game. Senior Community Coordinator Allison Berryman reported on the official forum: "The beginning of Early Game Access will depend on a number of factors, including results from our Game Testing Program and Pre-Orders, but there will be multiple days of access."

Lastly, in case you missed it earlier, BioWare did announce the subscription costs. It comes as no surprise to most MMO gamers that the first month is free with the purchase of the game. After that it's $14.99 per month (£8.99 or €12.99), $41.97 for 3 months (£25.17 or €35.97), or $77.94 for six months (£46.14 or €65.94). There have been no lifetime subscription announcements as of yet, but we will let you know if we hear anything.

MassivelySWTOR launch day questions answered originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Allison-BerrymanaustraliaBioWareEAearly-accessElectronic-Artsip-blockslaunchlaunch-datelaunch-dayLucasArtsnew-zealandregion-lockedStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicStephen-Reidsubscriptionsubscription-modelswtorthe-old-republicthrottledtorSat, 24 Sep 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Troy Online launching tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/troy-online-launching-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/troy-online-launching-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/troy-online-launching-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Troy Online - launch date
ALT1Games has just issued a press release regarding Troy Online's official release date (it's tomorrow, August 19th, if you're curious). The free-to-play fantasy MMO has been in open beta testing since August 12th, and aside from a little login server switcheroo, players will be getting the same game experience when they join at release.

The devs have simplified the registration process in an attempt to make the game accessible to more users, and you can now connect and play without signing up for a full membership. All it takes is your registration on the Troy Online homepage and you'll be free to enjoy the wholesale fantasy bloodletting on display as well as the title's traditional MMO classes and mythology-inspired setting.

ALT1Games is also running a few "final test events," and more information on these -- as well as how to sign up and download the game -- is available at the official Troy Online website.

MassivelyTroy Online launching tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alt1-gamesalt1gamesbetaf2pfree-to-playlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesmythologyopen-betatroytroy-onlineThu, 18 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy North American launch day round-up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-north-american-launch-day-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-north-american-launch-day-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/13/black-prophecy-north-american-launch-day-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It's launch day for Black Prophecy, and while the impending blast-off probably won't generate as much publicity as last week's final space shuttle mission, it's nonetheless a day long remembered for fans of spaceships, sci-fi, and Reakktor's free-to-play followup to Neocron.

But wait a minute, didn't Black Prophecy launch last March? Why yes, yes it did... in Europe. Today marks the official North American street date, and Massively's got you covered in terms of all the Black Prophecy news that's fit to print.

Join us after the cut for recaps of the European launch, the North American closed beta phase, and a bunch of other blurbs to tide you over until you're able to strap into your very own internet spaceship.

Continue reading Black Prophecy North American launch day round-up

MassivelyBlack Prophecy North American launch day round-up originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-launchblack-prophecyf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgamigogamigo-aginternet-spaceshipslaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-rounduplaunch-rounduplaunchesreakktorreakktor-mediaReakktor-Media-GmbHrecaproundupshooterspace-shooterWed, 13 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gods-and-heroes-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gods-and-heroes-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gods-and-heroes-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's Tuesday, and that means that somewhere in the wild hinterlands of the internet, an MMORPG is probably gearing up to officially open its doors to the public. Today's starlet is Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, and the long-in-development title from Heatwave Interactive is finally ready for its close-up.

Whether you're into Roman mythology, you yearn for traditional class- and quest-based combat, or you're curious about the title's ancestral estate system (that's player housing, if you're wondering), you'll want to partake of our launch-day roundup that recaps our best and most current Gods & Heroes coverage.

We've got screenshot galleries, hands-on impressions, dev chats, and videos galore, not to mention info about the game's payment plans and pre-order details. What are you waiting for? Hop past the cut for details.

Continue reading Gods & Heroes launches today

MassivelyGods & Heroes launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancestral-estatefantasyfeaturedgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivelaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-roundupLaunch-Roundupmythologyplayer-housingrome-risingroundupTue, 21 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elsword Online launch day is here]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/elsword-online-launch-day-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/elsword-online-launch-day-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/elsword-online-launch-day-is-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What's better than launch day for Elsword Online? Well, free beer for everyone springs to mind, but since we can't afford the latter, you'll have to settle for the former. Kill3rCombo's action manga is the next best thing for fans of anime-themed MMOs, though. The free-to-play title sports a highly stylized look resulting in an original side-scroller that feels as much like a comic book as it does a video game.

Elsword boasts three customizable player characters and fighting styles that evolve based on job class upgrades and a variety of skills and combos. Gameplay includes solo content and cooperative missions, and there's a bit of PvP for the competitive crowd as well.

"By keeping with the original manga aesthetic and animation, we hope to give players easily accessible gameplay while also staying true to the game's Asian roots," says Ben Colayco, CEO of Kill3rCombo. Head to the game's official website to download the client and get started.

MassivelyElsword Online launch day is here originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animeben-colaycoelswordelsword-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playkill3r-combokill3rcombolaunchlaunch-daylaunchesstylizedThu, 05 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Launch day for Allods Online is finally here]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/launch-day-for-allods-online-is-finally-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/launch-day-for-allods-online-is-finally-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/launch-day-for-allods-online-is-finally-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The long-awaited launch day for Allods Online is finally here. Yep, the free-to-play fantasy title from gPotato and Astrum Nival is finally making it official after nearly 15 months of beta testing. A lot has happened over the last year, from expansions and huge content drops to controversial cash shop decisions and revisited death penalties.

While you're stuck at work -- or otherwise unable to log in -- have a look through our launch-day roundup and catch up on all the Allods news that you may have missed. We've got impressions, interviews, and more just after the cut. Also be sure and have a look at our Allods gallery below, and visit the game's official website for more info.

Gallery: Allods Online

Continue reading Launch day for Allods Online is finally here

MassivelyLaunch day for Allods Online is finally here originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineastrum-nivalf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgalleriesgallerygpotatolaunchlaunch-daylaunch-rounduplaunchesmmo-industryreleaserelease-dayroundupscreenshotscreenshotsTue, 26 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST