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[The Daily Grind: What's one great thing from every MMO you've played?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/the-daily-grind-whats-one-great-thing-from-every-mmo-youve-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/the-daily-grind-whats-one-great-thing-from-every-mmo-youve-pl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/29/the-daily-grind-whats-one-great-thing-from-every-mmo-youve-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind List one great thing from every MMO you've played
In my experience, most projects have at least one redeeming factor to it. Maybe it's not enough to carry the rest of the project's bloated corpse of fail, but it's still there. It can be an idea, a character, a story twist, a name, a setting, or something else.

Similarly, with MMOs, I believe that there's at least one great thing in each game. Whether you hated it on sight, fell in love with it, grew to dislike it, or have regularly bashed it in your favorite MMO site's comment sections, if you're honest, you should be able to pinpoint that one thing.

Today, I propose an interesting exercise. List all of the MMOs that you have played to any decent length (i.e., more than a one-hour trial), and then share with us one great thing from that game. Was it the graphics, the community, a cool gameplay feature, or another aspect entirely? If you're honest -- and push down that sarcasm that's threatening to bubble up -- I bet you can fill out this list completely. Get to 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's one great thing from every MMO you've played? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindlistlistsone-good-thingopinionpositivepositive-thinkingpositivityredeemredeemabletdgthe-daily-grindWed, 29 Aug 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's on your character's to do list?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-daily-grind-whats-on-your-characters-to-do-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-daily-grind-whats-on-your-characters-to-do-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-daily-grind-whats-on-your-characters-to-do-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To Do List
There's always something to be doing to advance your character in MMOs, whether it's as grand as epic raiding or as mundane as getting that Litter Bug achievement for cleaning up the in-game park. While some folks simply log in and do whatever their whims dictate, I have a feeling that many of us have elaborate to-do lists that guide our actions.

I love doing this with MMOs because it makes me feel like a multitasking genius. Working toward six or seven goals at once generates a tsunami of accomplishment in my soul, and there is nothing quite as satisfying as crossing off tasks from my own list.

So what's on your character's to do list today? What goals are you working toward, and how long do you expect them to take? Unleash your inner accountant and show us the details!

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 on your character's to do list? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindlistlistsopiniontaskstdgthe-daily-grindto-do-listWed, 16 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/the-perfect-ten-clever-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
I'm a sucker for a good, clever idea. You know the type: the ideas that make you slap yourself on the forehead and shout, "Why didn't I think of that first?" Or for the less humble of us out there, "Why, I did think of that first! But I got lost on the way to the patent office and I'm pretty sure that someone stole my dream journal to pilfer my genius notions!"

While critics point their fingers at the MMO industry and proclaim it a barren wasteland of innovation, there are quite a few awesome -- if small -- ideas that bubble up in MMO and move the genre forward. Maybe they're teeny-tiny baby steps; maybe they're giant hopscotch leaps over the six-spot with the rock in the middle. But these ideas can and have had the power to change how these games are made and played.

So this week I'm saluting 10 clever ideas, both large and diminutive, as a reward for a job well done!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Clever ideas

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Clever ideas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoe-lootaoe-lootingarea-of-effect-lootingcity-of-heroesclever-ideascohdiplomacydiplomacy-systemdoffdoodlingdungeon-finderduty-officer-systementertainereveeve-onlineexamplarexemplaringfeaturedglitchguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2listlistsminimapoverflow-serverperfect-10perfect-tenriftsidekicksidekick-systemsidekickingstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswgswtorterathe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentome-of-knowledgevanguardwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on, continued]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/wings-over-atreia-the-top-19-ways-to-get-your-dungeon-crawl-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/wings-over-atreia-the-top-19-ways-to-get-your-dungeon-crawl-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/wings-over-atreia-the-top-19-ways-to-get-your-dungeon-crawl-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia header
Ahhh. There's nothing like the feeling of facing down a formidable foe, beating it into submission, then finally conquering it and pulling from its lifeless corpse some rare and valuable treasure to hold above your head as a trophy of your victory. Of course, this feeling cannot be found in the PvP portion of Aion's PvPvE formula; sadly, neither Asmodians nor Elyos drop loot of any kind upon defeat, rare or otherwise (though I have to say adding in the ability to pluck a feather from your vanquished foe would be cool). So that leaves only one way to experience this rush, and that's through the PvE side of the game, and not just any PvE at that: While there is a possibility of valuable drops out in the world, your best chances lie within the instanced dungeons.

Dungeons are a great way to get away from the masses and all the accompanying interruptions that come with sharing the world with others, such as KSing, unwanted PvP ambushes, and mob trains pulled by some idiot next to you. Think of it as an Atreian vacation! And Aion has 19 PvE instanced dungeons ready to whisk you away for a brief respite from the world while simultaneously giving you the chance at some great loot and XP.

Last week we covered dungeons available to Daevas under level 40 as well as solo instances. Of course, in most cases, Daevas don't remain under 40 forever (or even for long if whole months of double-XP weekends crop up!), so there is a need for more places to scratch that dungeon crawl itch. This time around, Wings Over Atreia focuses on the gamut of choices for those advancing in their levels.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on, continued

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on, continued originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdmaAdma-Strongholdaionaion-crucibleaion-gamealquimiaAlquimia-Research-CenterBeshbeshmundir-templedungeondungeon-crawldungeon-crawlingdungeonsempyrean-cruciblefeaturedHigh-level-contentindratuIndratu-Fortressinstanceinstanceslistlistslower-udasnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionpadmarashkapadmarashkas-cavepveSRSteel-Raket-labstheobomos-labsudasudas-templeupper-udasWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 13 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO prisons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-perfect-ten-mmo-prisons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-perfect-ten-mmo-prisons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/the-perfect-ten-mmo-prisons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten Prisons
Chillin' in the clink. Spending time in stoney lonesome. Thrown into the slammer. Checking in to the big house. Doing (perfect) 10 to life in the hole. Learning the ropes in juvie.

Prison: The only fun thing about it is the slang that people have come up to describe it. And while you may never actually want to spend any time in the crowbar hotel in real life, chances are you've already done so in MMOs. Jails are an ever-popular locale in online gaming, and they almost always deal with an epidemic of escaped -- yet still milling around casually -- prisoners.

So in today's Perfect Ten, we talked to the warden and got you a special glimpse into pixelated pokeys, if only to scare you straight. No more exploits and bots for you, young man or woman!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO prisons

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO prisons originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocarkhamarkham-asylumbelsavisbrickstownchampions-onlinecity-of-heroesclinkcocohconanconan-the-barbariandc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeverquestfallen-earthfeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xigm-jailgm-prisoniron-towerjailkingman-prisonlistlistsmmo-prisonsperfect-10perfect-tenprisonprisonsstar-wars-the-old-republicstockadesstronghold-prisonswtorthe-iron-towerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenultima-onlineuoworld-of-warcraftwowzigzigguratThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/wings-over-atreia-the-top-19-ways-to-get-your-dungeon-crawl-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/wings-over-atreia-the-top-19-ways-to-get-your-dungeon-crawl-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/06/wings-over-atreia-the-top-19-ways-to-get-your-dungeon-crawl-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia header
You know 'em -- those places shrouded away from the everyday grind of the world where you can chill-out without being interrupted (excepting spouse aggro), a private nook where you know there is a definite beginning and end to your adventure, one that offers the best possible loot. They are areas often steeped in lore.

They are... the instanced dungeons.

There are actually 19 separate PvE dungeons currently in Aion where Daevas can get their dungeon crawl on. If you include the Fortress instances, you can add another 10 dungeons to this list. Adding PvP instances raises the number even higher. However, since fort instances are seriously lacking in lore and fort ownership is required (so availability is not assured), we will forego including them. We'll also omit the Dredgions and PvP arenas to keep the list PvE focused -- after all, there are times you really may not want to bother with fighting the enemy!

This week, Wings Over Atreia explores the first half of the dungeon list for the benefit of both young whippersnappers and old-timer Daevas alike. Why would veterans need it? Because dungeons aren't just for certain levels anymore. For a change of pace or to break out of a rut, grab yourself some lowbies, mentor down, and check out one instance a day -- you'll pass two weeks before ever repeating. You might even have fun, meet new friends, and renew your enthusiasm for Aion.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: The top 19 ways to get your dungeon crawl on originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-LabsAetherogenetics-Labaionaion-gameAzoturan-FortressBeluslancrucible-challengeDraupnir-Cavedungeondungeon-crawldungeon-crawlerdungeon-crawlingdungeonsEltnenfeaturedfire-templeguideguidesHaramelHeironinstancesKromedes-Triallistlistsmorheimnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnochanta-training-campntcsolo-instancesolo-instancestalocs-hollowWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 06 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-game-archaeologist-seals-up-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
You know what I love about the end of each year? The lists. Man, but I'm a sucker for lists, especially when they come in "best of" varieties. In the lull between Christmas and New Year's, there typically isn't a lot happening in the world of entertainment, so it's a good time to look back before we head forward.

And so it is for The Game Archaeologist. 2011 marks the second year I've been doing this column, and it's been one of my personal favorite series to write. Every week I'm learning more and more about the history of the MMO genre, and I'm encouraged to see just how much passion and interest there are for the titles that started it all and got us to where we are today.

So before we head into 2012, let's take one last glimpse back at the road we've traveled. If you've missed out on any of these columns or want to revisit your favorite classic MMO, I've compiled a huge list of everything I talked about this year, from histories to interviews to player stories. There's also a special request for you (yes, you) at the end of this column, so do me a favor and hit that jump!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist seals up 2011

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist seals up 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011a-tale-in-the-desertac2Andrew-Tepperasherons-callasherons-call-2Ben-Chamberlainbrian-greenclimaxdark-age-of-cameloteaearth-and-beyondeqEric-Heimburgeverquestfeaturedimperator-onlineJosef-HalllineagelistlistsMeridian-59Middle-earth-Onlinemudmulti-user-dungeonmxomythicaplanetsidepsychochildRade-StojsavljevicrarebitRichard-Bartleround-uproundupshadow-of-yserbiusshadowbaneStuart-Zissuteppytgathe-game-archaeologistthe-matrix-onlinethe-shadow-of-yserbiusThom-TerrazasTodd-ColemanTrue-Fantasy-Live-OnlineUltima-Worlds-Online-OriginUltima-X-OdysseyWarhammer-Onlineworld-of-warcraftyear-in-reviewTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/the-perfect-ten-most-significant-mmo-stories-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
2011 was an odd duck of a year for MMO news. A huge chunk of the year felt devoid of significant releases, but that was mitigated somewhat by the major launches of RIFT and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Titles got shoved back to 2012 or beyond, MMOs that we thought never would go free-to-play did, and the industry continually surprised us with revelations, ideas, and controversy.

So in my last Perfect Ten of 2011, I put together the 10 most significant MMO stories of the year. Ten seems like an awfully small number for such a great big field, so I had the rest of the staff members chime in with their nominations just to make sure I wasn't too off-base with any of these.

It was a whopper of a year, and Massively was there for all of it -- the ups, the downs, the queues, and the QQs. It's time to wrap it up with a pretty bow and dedicate it to the history museum!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Most significant MMO stories of 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112012aionataribiowareccpccp-gameschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdc-universe-onlinedcuoeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-iif2pfallen-earthfeaturedfree-to-playglobal-agendajagexkung-fu-pandaleague-of-legendslistlistslucasartsmists-of-pandariamonoclegatemythicpandaperfect-tenperfect-worldriftrunescapesoesonysony-hacksony-online-entertainmentstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-agencythe-perfect-tentriontrion-worldswarhammer-onlineworld-of-darknessworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-heroesThu, 29 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Ways to prepare for the coming of SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-perfect-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-coming-of-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-perfect-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-coming-of-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/24/the-perfect-ten-ways-to-prepare-for-the-coming-of-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
Welcome to a very special edition of The Perfect Ten, the column that my two toddlers contribute to with their awe-inspiring counting abilities! With last week's dropping of Star Wars: The Old Republic's NDA, the internet has exploded with information, testimonials, and poorly spelled flamewars between the camps of believers and non-believers alike. It's a good time to be alive, eh?

In the spirit of the NDA drop and the upcoming December 20th launch -- less than a month! -- I've put together a list of 10 excellent ways that a SWTOR fan can prepare him or herself for the coming MMOcalypse. I totally understand that it can be frustrating to be waiting for an anticipated game launch, feeling impotent with your inability to speed up time. However, taking action in other ways can help with the wait and make us feel like we're being productive. That's what I'm here for today.

It's OK, there's no need to thank me. I get Light Side points for this.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Ways to prepare for the coming of SWTOR

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Ways to prepare for the coming of SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-new-hopebetabiowarecomic-bookcomic-booksfeaturedguildknights-of-the-old-republicKnights-of-the-Old-Republic-2kotorlight-sidelistlistsmoviesndanovelizationsnovelsperfect-tenpre-orderreturn-of-the-jedistar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtorthe-art-and-making-of-the-old-republicthe-empire-strikes-backthe-perfect-tenThu, 24 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: First impression turn-offs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/the-perfect-ten-first-impression-turn-offs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/the-perfect-ten-first-impression-turn-offs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/the-perfect-ten-first-impression-turn-offs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Perfect Ten
A year ago our very own Shawn "The Mittani" Schuster wrote a memorable Soapbox column around the idea that MMOs had an hour to grab his attention or else he was out the door. No, don't go read it now. You're reading this! Stay! Good reader.

I concur with his point that while MMOs may ask us to experience them for the long haul, first impressions still count. And if those impressions aren't favorable right out the gate, it's not likely that we will be around for hour two, no matter how good it is.

I know what you're thinking right now: "What is this itching, burning sensation between my toes?" It's Athlete's Foot, and you need to get on that ASAP. You're also thinking, "But Justin, whose opinions I respect, admire, and use to teach my children, what drives you away from MMOs when you give them a try?" Again, it's an itching, burning sensation between my toes.

No, not really. It's more complicated than that -- so complicated, in fact, that it requires a 10-point presentation on what turns me off when an MMO is making a first impression. Imagine that!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: First impression turn-offs

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: First impression turn-offs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athletes-footbad-impressionseqeverquestfallen-earthfeaturedfirst-impressionsgold-sellergold-sellinggold-spamlistlistsperfect-10perfect-tenplaystationpopupsstar-wars-galaxiesswgtabula-rasathe-mittanithe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentutorialtutorialsvomitworld-of-warcraftwowxbox-liveThu, 17 Nov 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten
While 1982's Tron explored what virtual life might be like inside a massive video game, it wasn't until fairly recently that real MMOs have crossed the divide between niche and mainstream to be referenced in television and films. Depending on how you see it, this mainstream acceptance of geek culture can be a thing to be either celebrated or shunned. What's for certain, however, is that we've only started to see the beginning of such mentions.

In today's Perfect Ten, I cobbled together a list of the first 10 MMO references that I know of from movies and TV shows. Some might be nothing more than a background detail or a throwaway line, while others are completely centered around the advertisement, er, massively multiplayer online roleplaying game. I tried hard not to use "cheats" such as fake MMOs featured in shows like The Guild, so this list is all about real-world titles with no sugar substitutes.

Ready? Insert quarter and hit player one!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccity-of-heroescohcsicsi-nyeqeverquestfeaturedgary-sinesegrandmas-boyhow-i-met-your-motherlistlistslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncisopinionperfect-10perfect-tenphilly-jimriftsecond-lifesgwsouth-parkstargate-universestargate-worldsthe-big-bang-theorythe-fellows-hipthe-new-guythe-officethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentronturbineworld-of-warcraftwowzombielandThu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/the-perfect-ten-mmo-mascots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Everyone knows that a good mascot can make a difference between a video game's death and rabid popularity. Mario, Master Chief, Duke Nuke 'Em, Pac-Man, Samus Aran, Pyramid Head -- each one of these mascots isn't merely an aspect of the game, they are the virtual spokesperson (or spokesthing) which represents the game itself.

Yet when you think about it, MMOs have had a tougher time producing mascots than other video game genres, partially because unlike other games, you don't play as the mascots, and partially because when you have a cast of thousands of NPCs, picking out one to elevate above the rest is a difficult job.

Difficult, that is, but not impossible. Today we're going to look at ten MMO mascots (MMOscots?) that studios have tried to promote as the face of these games, to varying degrees of success.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO mascots

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO mascots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>13371337-speakanarchy-onlineanetangelaoapril-foolsarenanetarthasbatmanbe-the-broccoliblizzardbroccolicharrchatdycity-of-heroescohddodevildungeons-and-dragons-onlineea-mythicelfy-mcnoclotheseqeverquesteye-of-the-northf2pfaxion-onlinefeaturedfree-realmsfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-eye-of-the-northgwgwenjack-emmertleetleet-speakleetslich-kinglistlistsmascotmascotsmythicmythic-entertainmentperfect-10perfect-tenplayboyprince-arthasretconretconningsarah-morrisonsoesquigsquigsstatesmantabula-rasathe-jokerthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenturbinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowWrath-of-the-Lich-KingThu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Asheron Recall: The highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-asheron-recall-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-asheron-recall-the-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/05/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-asheron-recall-the-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's hard being the youngest child -- you get the hand-me-downs, suffer through swirlies by older siblings, and eventually develop such a neurosis that it requires seven different brands of horse tranquilizers to make it through the day. Not that I would actually know, being an oldest child and all. But I suppose it would be a hard-knock life.

In a couple ways, Asheron's Call was the youngest of the three MMO siblings that comprised the first major MMO generation. Ultima Online, the big brother, had prestige and legacy behind it, and middle child EverQuest quickly became the most popular at school. And then there was Asheron's Call, poking its head on the scene in late 1999 as a cooperative project between developer Turbine and publisher Microsoft. AC never got the recognition of Ultima Online nor the numbers of EverQuest, but this scrappy title became a fan favorite and endured even to this day -- beyond its own sequel, believe it or not.

Instead of plowing through a stale history report of Asheron's Call today, I thought it'd be fun to come up with a list of the eight most unique aspects of this fairly innovative 11-year-old MMO. Ah lists, how I adore thee -- let me count the ways. Eight ways, to be precise!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Asheron Recall: The highlights

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Asheron Recall: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2allegiance-systemasherons-callasherons-call-2asherons-call-for-dinnerasherons-whisper-of-sweet-nothingsasherons-yodelcrypticderethdnddungeons-and-dragonseqeventseverquestfealty-systemfeaturedfiunlistslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromicrosoftmosswartolthoiracial-skillsseamless-worldskill-basedstar-trek-onlinestostory-arcthe-game-archaeologisttolkienturbineultima-onlineundeaduoworld-of-warcraftzombiesTue, 05 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What do you want play more: The Agency or Warhammer Online?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/what-do-you-want-play-more-the-agency-or-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/what-do-you-want-play-more-the-agency-or-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/08/what-do-you-want-play-more-the-agency-or-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ken Smith, writer for MSNBC's gaming section sure does crank out a bunch of Top 5 lists, some are ridiculously bad. In a more serious effort, The Agency is the only MMOG to rank on his "Top 5 Most Anticipated Games of 2008" list. Who cares, right? Tons do, well enough to say "your list sucks." Skimming through two hundred plus comments Warhammer Online received more votes than any other MMOG due to launch sometime this year. (Who knew MSNBC's gaming site was that popular?)

Tapping into Massively's metrics I can tell you that Warhammer Online easily beats out The Agency in the war for eyeballs, but you know what other MMOG beats it? If you guessed World of Warcraft, you're wrong. Second Life currently holds the top spot. Don't worry, we'll be posting more and more about Warhammer Online and The Agency, more so after both games launch.

As for the video above, if you've been keeping tabs on The Agency there isn't much new footage. Matt Wilson, the dev shown peddling the goods, claimed the team is still undecided on whether or not PS3 gamers will play with their PC counterparts on the same servers. John Smedley, SOE President, reiterated last month that it was unlikely given that it would give PC players an unfair advantage. Given the conflicting statements, I guess it's still up in the air, although, I'd go with Smed on this one. Smedley also reassured player accounts will be universal and not tied to a specific platform. As noted in the video, the game is still in alpha.

MassivelyWhat do you want play more: The Agency or Warhammer Online? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eamythicjohn-smedleylistsmatt-wilsonplaystationps3soesonythe-agencyvideowarhammer-onlineSat, 08 Mar 2008 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/ign-snubs-mmos-in-top-100-games-of-all-time-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/ign-snubs-mmos-in-top-100-games-of-all-time-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/02/ign-snubs-mmos-in-top-100-games-of-all-time-list/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


What is it with lists? I recently harped on a G4 writer's most Epic Gaming Failures list; at numero uno the writer picked every MMOG since WoW. IGN's list is also another huge disappointment. The only MMORPG that made the cut was of course, World of Warcraft -- it ranks 83. Forget any of the pioneer MMOs that made it all possible, not even Ultima Online is found, nor is EverQuest recognized, which was the first graphical Diku-based MMOG to hit 500k subscriptions. Even great non-MMOGs like Morrowind and Oblivion weren't invited to the party. At least Mario Kart made it, which is personally one of my all time favs...

With so many games to choose from picking the cream of the crop is going to stir up some controversy. But from what I gather from the list, very few editors at IGN even play MMOs beyond WoW, which is their loss. What I really guffaw at are the trolls, the haters, the dolts who truly accost MMOs as seen in this Digg thread. News flash: MMOGs aren't the only "waste-of-time." Anything entertainment based, or any hobby that isn't saving the real world from lava penguins (lolz) is considered as such, and can be a huge time sink if taken serious. Nick Yee, the research mastermind, has built-up quite a bit of empirical evidence that the average MMOG player spends 20 hours a week and the national average for television watching is 28 hours a week. Our hobbies are merely switched around and invested elsewhere.

Continue reading IGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list

MassivelyIGN snubs MMOs in top 100 games of all time list originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-gamingdikueverquestignlistsmario-kartmmo-industrymorrowindoblivionultima-onlineworld-of-warcraftxboxSun, 02 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[G4 writer: Every MMOG since WoW is an epic failure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/g4-writer-every-mmog-since-wow-is-an-epic-failure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/g4-writer-every-mmog-since-wow-is-an-epic-failure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/g4-writer-every-mmog-since-wow-is-an-epic-failure/#commentsFiled under: ,

Insert "I pick whatever," and that list can be found on every webbed nook and seedy cranny. But this is the best list ever. Says Who? Anyone with a blog! Normally these lists are the opinions of one person, but the overall outlook is held to the site they scribble on. I don't remember taking a vote for "Massively's" Top 5 Sci-Fi MMOs," (although EVE would be my top pick) but it's possible other Massively writers voted. (You wouldn't believe how much we spam each other.) Well, this list by G4's Sjohnson entitled "Epic Fail: Gaming Failures" is turning a few heads. At the top of the heap, the writer boldly chooses the #1 failure as being: "Every North American MMO Since World of Warcraft."

What? It gets better. To solidify their opinion Johnson uses the all-to-familiar Star Wars Galaxies debacle ("Don't NGE me bro!") and points to the mega flopped Sims Online. Both power-players with established franchises, and their own built-in fanbases that should have thawed out the Frozen Moses and blew the genre to smithereens. What about actual MMOGs that were released after World of Warcraft? Johnson failed to list one. Maybe his list would have been better titled, "Every MMO ever released except World of Warcraft."

Lastly, World of Warcraft's 9 million total sub count is cool and all, but it doesn't mean a MMOG with 200k subs isn't successful in its own right. If you want to make a list about MMOG failures and base it on subs alone, it's only fair to include all those grindtastic ones based in Asia that have millions of subscriptions too. I wouldn't touch those MMOGs even if you imprisoned me on a gold farm with a thousand Natalie Portman cylons. (Wait a minute...) Still, I think these lists are fun and it leaves room for great debate. I want to know what you guys think. Has every single MMOG since World of Warcraft failed? Should LotRO have over a million subscriptions by now? What about the trouble regarding countless MMOG cancellations and delays over this past year-- is World of Warcraft to blame? Let us know in the comments.

[via, Random Battle]

MassivelyG4 writer: Every MMOG since WoW is an epic failure originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gods-and-heroeslistslotrommog-subscriptionsnumberssubscriptionsswgwowWed, 28 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[30 free MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/30-free-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/30-free-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/30-free-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do you love you the MMOs but don't have the cash for the subscriptions? Can't even afford to purchase the games themselves? Well, you're in luck, because Mashable just posted about 30 MMOs that won't cost you a dime, unless of course you count the electricity it costs to run your computer in order to play the games. Oh, is nothing free anymore?

Most of these games I've heard of, a handful of them I even have accounts to, and one in particular is demanding more and more of my time. But there are a couple on this list I haven't encountered as of yet, so I might take some time over the next few weeks and see if I can introduce myself to them. Hello, how are you, will you be the next game to take over my life?

Massively30 free MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercasualfree-to-playlistsMon, 29 Oct 2007 08:16:00 EST