Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Diablo III's Wizard rebels against the system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/diablo-iiis-wizard-rebels-against-the-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/diablo-iiis-wizard-rebels-against-the-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/02/diablo-iiis-wizard-rebels-against-the-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Diablo III
The cracking you hear is the sound of thousands of index fingers flexing and twitching in anticipation for Diablo III's release. It's... kind of disturbing to behold, actually. To take our mind off the wait (or perhaps to exacerbate it), Blizzard has released the final class spotlight, this time featuring the Wizard.

Diablo III's Wizards are described as "brilliant practitioners of the arcane arts who deftly wield the energies of fire, ice, lightning, and even time itself in the pursuit of their enigmatic goals." These Wizards are part of an underground rebellion that is seeking great power, and they are scorned by the mages in charge, yet they may be the only ones to save the world from the great new threat that's arisen.

Check out the fire-and-brimstone action of the Wizard after the jump!

Continue reading Diablo III's Wizard rebels against the system

MassivelyDiablo III's Wizard rebels against the system originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbattlenetbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopclass-spotlightd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiifantasygothic-fantasylasersmagemagicmultiplayeronline-multiplayerpew-pewroguelikerpgvideowizardWed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall believes in magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/darkfall-believes-in-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

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

[Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldffantasygame-mechanicsmagicmechanicsnewsopen-pvppvpsandboxupdatesThu, 15 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall specializes magic schools, replaces death with limbo system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/10/darkfall-specializes-magic-schools-replaces-death-with-limbo-sy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Darkfall
Aventurine continues its trek toward Darkfall's game revamp, aka Darkfall 2.0, and in a new producer letter, Tasos Flambouras drops a few interesting info nuggets to tide loyal players over until the job is done.

He states that the team is retuning each of the game's eight schools of magic so that each one feels more unique and focused. For example, air magic will be specialized to do more damage in close quarters against fewer targets, while fire magic will excel at long-distance AoE attacks.

The team also thinks it has figured out this pesky "death" problem by coming up with a more interesting limbo system. The way it works is that when players are taken down, they have a choice between either respawning back at a bind stone or waiting for a timer to count down to zero and initiate a respawn on the spot. If players opt to endure the limbo period, they can re-equip their characters from their bank boxes.

Aventurine continues to hire on new team members for the project, including a designer who will facilitate communication between devs and the community.

MassivelyDarkfall specializes magic schools, replaces death with limbo system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinebankbank-boxesdarkfalldarkfall-2.0death-penaltydeath-systemdev-diarylimbolimbo-systemmagicmagic-schoolsproducer-letterproducers-letterrespawnschools-of-magicTasos-FlambourasFri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Magic vs. melee]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/leaderboard-magic-vs-melee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/leaderboard-magic-vs-melee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/10/leaderboard-magic-vs-melee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard
Magic and melee: the yin and yang of the fantasy world. It's hard to imagine one existing without the other, the spell-slinging wizard without the mace-wielding hedge knight, the Gandalf without the Conan. Do they exist in a strange symbiosis of mysticism and steel, or is one the clear superior of the other?

On one side, magicians have all the power of the elements at their disposal, able to do supernatural feats of wonder with a snap of their fingertips. Of course, this comes at a cost: namely, a terry cloth bathrobe dress code and approximately six-and-a-half hit points.

On the other side, melee fighters spend their lives honing their bodies to physical perfection, becoming the Olympic athletes of the fantasy world, if the Olympics had 50-meter Beheading as a category. Then again, fighters tend to have the intellect of a dull brick and try to solve every problem, including PTA meetings, by headbutting it.

Who will be crowned the victor today: the wizard or the warrior? Cast your vote -- and the fate of humankind -- after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Magic vs. melee

MassivelyLeaderboard: Magic vs. melee originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>50-meter-beheadingbathrobeconanfantasyfeaturedfightergandalfheadbuttingleaderboardmagemagicmagicianmeleepollpollsptapta-meetingswarriorwizardyangyinyin-yangMon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2011: WildStar reveals first three races and classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/gamescom-2011-wildstar-reveals-first-three-races-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/gamescom-2011-wildstar-reveals-first-three-races-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/18/gamescom-2011-wildstar-reveals-first-three-races-and-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wildstar class and race
After yesterday's unveiling of Carbine Studio's colorful entry into the MMO races, we've been understandably curious about this WildStar and could have s'more, please? Fortunately, a fan site has dug out some details about three of the game's races and classes, all of which can be seen in the hilarious trailer that Carbine released.

On the racial side, players have the Granok, Human and Aurin to choose from. The Granok are hulking, cigar-chomping slabs of rage, the Humans are exiles looking for a new home, and the Aurin are cute bunny-people who must go through Q-tips like mad.

As for classes, players who prefer to get up close and personal with their enemies would do well to choose the Warrior, who boasts a number of strong tech and melee attacks, which are powered by fuel cells and adrenaline, respectively. Spellslingers use a pair of special pistols to stay on top of ranged damage, relying on a balanced rotation of magic and gunplay to keep up with DPS. And finally there's the Esper, your standard Mage class, who uses psychic spells like Telekenetic Strike to do massive damage to helpless enemies.

There are reportedly more classes and races than just these, and we'll keep our eyes on Carbine as more details pour out about this promising title.

MassivelyGamescom 2011: WildStar reveals first three races and classes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aruinbunny-boobscarbinecarbine-studiosclassesespergamescom-2011granokhumanmagicmeleenexusracesrangedspellslingertelekenetic-strikewarriorwildstarThu, 18 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragonica expansion bringing new race, class, and mountable pets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/dragonica-expansion-bringing-new-race-class-and-mountable-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/dragonica-expansion-bringing-new-race-class-and-mountable-pets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/08/dragonica-expansion-bringing-new-race-class-and-mountable-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

There's a new Dragonica expansion in the works, and gPotato and Gala Networks Europe have issued a new press release outlining a few details from the upcoming New Origin patch. The expansion launches this September, and looks to be the largest content update in Dragonica's history.

What's the big deal?

For starters, the patch will bring about a new playable race and mountable pets. Strangely, today's press release doesn't mention the new race by name, and instead says that it will "arrive with an entirely new player class" that uses summoning magic in some form, and "differ[s] significantly from [the] classes currently available." As for the new mount system, gPotato says that players may use their existing pets and may also deploy the mounts during battle. The expansion will include new pets as well, and we'll bring you more on all the New Origin content in the near future.

MassivelyDragonica expansion bringing new race, class, and mountable pets originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragonicaexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalagala-networksgala-networks-europegpotatomagicmountable-petsmountsnew-classesnew-originnew-origin-expansionnew-racepetspress-releasesummonersummoning-magicMon, 08 Aug 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Climax's Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-climaxs-warhammer-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-climaxs-warhammer-onli/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-climaxs-warhammer-onli/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Let's begin with a little personal history. Back in 2008, I decided to get into the blogging scene by jumping on board the latest MMO hotness -- in this case, Warhammer Online. As I was growing increasingly tired of World of Warcraft, WAR seemed to offer a refreshing alternative: a darker world full of brutal PvP and awesome new ideas. So I joined the elite ranks of bloggers (hey, stop laughing so hard) and spent the better part of two years jawing about Mythic's latest fantasy project.

And while Warhammer Online was, in my opinion, a solid product, it certainly failed to live up to the extremely high expectations held by both the development team and the players. No matter how it turned out, I really enjoyed talking about WAR, especially in the days leading up to its launch.

One of the first articles I ever wrote for my blog WAAAGH! dealt with the first attempt to bring Warhammer Online into the MMO genre (as a fun aside, it was one of the first times I got my name on Massively!). It's a "what if?" tale that's tantalizing to consider -- an entirely different studio, Climax Online, creating a much darker version of Warhammer than we've ever seen online. The tale of the game's rise and fall (and subsequent rise and fall again) captivated me, and I wanted to expand my old article as part of our recent series into exploring MMOs canceled before their launch.

So what if Climax had brought Warhammer Online to bear? Would it have eclipsed Mythic's vision or been its own animal? Hit the jump and let's dive into the pages of ancient history!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Climax's Warhammer Online

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Climax's Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicadventureraltdorfcharacter-designclassclassesclimaxclimax-groupclimax-onlineDavid-Nicholsondwarvese3e3-2003e3-2004ea-mythicelvesfeaturedgames-workshopgamezonehalflingsKarl-Jefferylive-eventsmagicmaster-assassinmicrosoftmythicmythic-entertainmentogresoverlordpaul-barnettplaystationpvpreiklandrobin-dewsrogueseasonssegasilent-hillskill-basedsunglassessypwaaghwarwar-is-everywherewarhammerwarhammer-fantasywarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-age-of-reckoningwarriorweatherweather-eventsTue, 12 Jul 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 to hit 20 million user mark this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/wizard101-to-hit-20-million-user-mark-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/wizard101-to-hit-20-million-user-mark-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/wizard101-to-hit-20-million-user-mark-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's a magical occasion for KingsIsle Entertainment, as it announces that its popular MMORPG Wizard101 will reach 20 million registered users this week. The press release is careful to note that the 20 million does not include the European editions of the game.

Wizard101, for the uninitiated, is a family-focused MMORPG that puts players in the robes and hats of elemental wizards. Players then engage in tactical combat using decks of magic spells while working together to find loot, complete quests, and learn more magic. If you wanna see what all of the fuss is about, head on over to Wizard101's official site.

MassivelyWizard101 to hit 20 million user mark this week originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-millionf2pfamilyfree-to-playkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmagicmilestoneuserswizard101Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does MMO magic need a revolution?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/the-daily-grind-does-mmo-magic-need-a-revolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/the-daily-grind-does-mmo-magic-need-a-revolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/the-daily-grind-does-mmo-magic-need-a-revolution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While the concept of magic in a fantasy setting (or something like nanos in a sci-fi setting) seems to offer unlimited potential and possibilities, MMO magic systems are almost depressingly routine. Ooh, I'm a fire mage, I cast... fireball! Ooh, I will suck out some of your life and inject it into my bloodstream and then star in a popular RomVamp series! Ooh, I will now summon something from the heavens to cave your skull in if you'd be so kind as to stop hitting me for the next five seconds!

Honestly, is it time that MMOs see a revolution in the magic department? Where's the danger of magic, the elaborate preparations, the imaginative systems that we read about in the fantasy series but never see in games? If I never have to see someone's hands light up all glowy-like before he thrusts them out and a ball of liquid hate spews forth, I wouldn't complain.

So what do you think? Are developers too complacent with how magic's been portrayed in MMOs? Do we need new systems to make magic come alive, or is it fine as is?

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: Does MMO magic need a revolution? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fire-magefireballmagicmagic-systemsnanonanosopinionrevolutionromvamptdgthe-daily-grindtwilightvampireSun, 22 May 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-perfect-ten-why-a-harry-potter-mmo-makes-sense/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The idea of a Harry Potter MMO is hardly a new one at this point -- we've even speculated on it around Massively for years now. Rumors and wishful thinking have brought up this hypothetical MMO time and again, and for good reason: It simply makes sense.

In fact, the more you think about it, the more surprising it is that we haven't heard official word of a Harry Potter MMO by now. After doing some poking around, the most likely suspects to take on this project would either be Warner Bros. (which owns the rights to the franchise) or Electronic Arts (which purchased a license from WB to make the movie video games). Both companies have MMO studios at their command -- Turbine, BioWare, Mythic -- and both have the resources to make it happen.

So why does Harry Potter make perfect sense for MMO-adaptation? Hit the jump and I'll run you down the top 10 reasons! And if you post a positive comment after this column, I'll add five points to the house of your choice (go Hufflepuff!).

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Why a Harry Potter MMO makes sense originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareclassesdeathly-hallowsdefense-against-the-dark-artseaea-biowareea-mythicelectronic-artsfactionsfantasyfeaturedgolden-goosegoose-that-lays-golden-eggsharry-potterharry-potter-mmoherbologyhogwartsholy-trinityhouseshufflepuffipj-k-rowlingjk-rowlingkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlevelinglevelslord-of-the-ringsmagicmythicnarniapotionsquidditchrowlingspeculationturbinetwilightUniversal-Orlando-Resortwarner-broswarner-bros-interactiveWarner-Bros-Interactive-Entertainmentwizardwizard101wizardsworld-buildingThu, 05 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Mask: The pursuit of magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/behind-the-mask-the-pursuit-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/behind-the-mask-the-pursuit-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/behind-the-mask-the-pursuit-of-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When it comes to roleplaying, I'm a huge fan of wizards and spell casters, and it has nothing to do with gameplay roles. Magic is generally unlimited in its potential; it has the power to do anything the imagination can perceive, and the freedom to choose different roles for my characters is very attractive.

In the Champions universe, arcane practice is very different than its typical portrayals elsewhere. In most universes with a fantasy element, magic involves some chanting and spending some magic points or some other consumable resource (or possibly forgetting the spell in question) before the magic effect wills itself into existence.

For roleplayers, this magical difference is very important. Magical spells and creatures don't follow the same rules as those present in other fiction. Champions mystics follow real-life mythology and lore -- and strangely, this makes them unique among mages in other roleplaying settings.

Continue reading Behind the Mask: The pursuit of magic

MassivelyBehind the Mask: The pursuit of magic originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-maskchampions-onlinechampions-universecocrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhadoukenhero-gamesjesus-was-a-wizardmagemagicmystic-worldpriestroleplayingwizardThu, 31 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One life in the New World: Salem MMO to feature permadeath]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/one-life-in-the-new-world-salem-mmo-to-feature-permadeath/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/one-life-in-the-new-world-salem-mmo-to-feature-permadeath/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/one-life-in-the-new-world-salem-mmo-to-feature-permadeath/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Permadeath is a topic that's brought up on a regular basis in MMO discussion circles, usually featuring a cast of characters that span the full spectrum of the debate. Is there a burning desire for the risk and finality of a permadeath system in MMOs? Would players flock to or flee from such a game? And how would it work in such a way to retain players instead of alienating them?

Game Designer Bjorn Johannessen is working hard on the answers for those questions in his new MMORPG, with the working title of Salem. Developed by Paradox Interactive, this free-to-play title is set in New England during the early period of North American colonization and features players stepping off the boats from Europe to make their way in uncharted wilderness. Like Wurm Online and Minecraft, Salem will focus heavily on crafting as players forge the tools, buildings and weapons they need to survive. For Salem's aesthetics, Johannessen named H.P. Lovecraft and Tim Burton's gothic horror as sources of inspiration, and the MMO will include magic and witchcraft as potential paths.

Over all of this is the specter of permanent death: "When your character dies, he stays dead," Johannessen said matter-of-factly. This is made even harsher by the fact that Salem will allow free-for-all PvP, which means that anyone can attack you without provocation. Player buildings can be razed and their corpses looted, but Johannessen hopes that the players will band together to protect each other and mete out justice.

You can watch Bjorn Johannessen's introduction to the game after the jump.

Continue reading One life in the New World: Salem MMO to feature permadeath

MassivelyOne life in the New World: Salem MMO to feature permadeath originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bjorn-Johannessencolonistscolonizationcraftingffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpgothic-horrorhp-lovecraftmagicnew-englandnew-worldparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathpermanent-deathpvpsalemsandboxtim-burtonwitchcraftFri, 21 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: We hope this never makes it into SWTOR, but knowing our luck, it probably will, again]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/hyperspace-beacon-we-hope-this-never-makes-it-into-swtor-but-k/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/hyperspace-beacon-we-hope-this-never-makes-it-into-swtor-but-k/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/hyperspace-beacon-we-hope-this-never-makes-it-into-swtor-but-k/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Like a kowakian monkey-lizard in heat, Larry Everett is back again with another edition of your guide to EA-BioWare's yet-to-be-released game Star Wars: The Old Republic. Welcome to the Hyperspace Beacon.

Every once in awhile, the Star Wars universe produces the strangest plot devices or game items. Some of these concoctions should never see the light of day, but unfortunately, they do. I like to highlight these malformed ideas in a segment of the Hyperspace Beacon called "We hope this never makes it into SWTOR, but, knowing our luck, it probably will" or WHTNMIISWTORBKOLIPW, for short.

This week's column revolves around the prequels. Although there are many, many, many things wrong with the prequels, I would like to take a look at some of the highlights. To help those who may not know what is being discussed, I will give you a brief explanation of what each item is, then explain what is wrong with it, and follow that with a humorous explanation of how BioWare will ruin SWTOR by implementing it in our beloved game. Let's see what creative blunders we have in store this week.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: We hope this never makes it into SWTOR, but knowing our luck, it probably will, again

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: We hope this never makes it into SWTOR, but knowing our luck, it probably will, again originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmidalaARCBioWareclone-warsClone-Wars-AdventurescloneseaElectronic-Artsfacepalmfeaturedgeneral-grievousgunganJar-jar-binksJedi-starfighterkatarn-armorKohlsLucasArtsmagicmidi-chlorian-countmidi-chloriansmitochondriaMortqui-gon-jinnrage-of-the-wookieesscienceStar-Warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicstereotypesswtorthe-forcethe-old-republictorTrials-of-Obi-wanWHTNMIISWTORBKOLIPWTue, 24 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall balances game in preparation for October expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/darkfall-balances-game-in-preparation-for-october-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/darkfall-balances-game-in-preparation-for-october-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/darkfall-balances-game-in-preparation-for-october-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The most recent patch deployed earlier this week in Darkfall lays the foundation for the PvP-centric MMO's October expansion. Darkfall's developer Aventurine has revamped the game's magic spells, with faster advancement in spell schools, reduced mana and ingredient costs, but reduced area of effect damage done with magic.

They didn't stop there though. There's a shopping list of changes made to crafting, AI, and the user interface. The patch introduced a number of new weapons to the game, chiefly one-handed clubs and elemental bows. But the patch also sets the stage for Aventurine's future plans with naval combat. The changes seem aimed at making ships more vulnerable to damage while also making (most of) them cheaper to produce.

Have a look at Darkfall's September 2nd patch notes for more on the changes Aventurine has made to the game.

MassivelyDarkfall balances game in preparation for October expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aventurinedarkfallfantasymagicnaval-combatpatch-notespatchesFri, 04 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you play the same class in every MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-the-same-class-in-every-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-the-same-class-in-every-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-the-same-class-in-every-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

They might sometimes have different names, but most MMOs share traits recognised as specific classes. Warriors, for example, are hardcore tanks able to take and deal a lot of damage. Priests are healers who can bring back the dead while Mages are squishy but able to devastate if you don't get in and down them fast. So, readers, I want to know if you stick to a certain class across many MMOs? If you don't, why not? Tell us in the usual way by dropping a comment in the box.

Personally I usually play casters like Druids and Mages simply because my visual disability means I like to stand and pew pew to my heart's content rather than tanking or chasing mobs. Plus I really like the light show that goes with a really good incantation. However, during the last Aion Closed Beta Test, I rolled a Warrior just to see what it was like and had a heck of a lot of fun not dying for a change. I still prefer casters though, what about you?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you play the same class in every MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-betaaion-the-tower-of-eternityaion-tower-of-eternitycastersclasseselementalsmagesmagicmanapetsthe-daily-grindwarriorsFri, 17 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Starting out in Vana'diel: See no evil, hear no evil, smell... no evil?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/starting-out-in-vanadiel-see-no-evil-hear-no-evil-smell-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/starting-out-in-vanadiel-see-no-evil-hear-no-evil-smell-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/starting-out-in-vanadiel-see-no-evil-hear-no-evil-smell-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Hola mi amigos! Hoy es la dia de Vana'diel! *clears throat* Ahem, sorry about that. Hello adventurers, and welcome to another edition of Starting out in Vana'diel! Today's topic is actually one that I find quite cool about Final Fantasy XI, especially when you compare it to other MMOs. It's the mechanic that puts the fear of Promathia into every adventurer's step.

Today's column is all about the different monster aggro types -- yes, there are different types. You want to find out more? Come, follow me, and let's find out more!

Continue reading Starting out in Vana'diel: See no evil, hear no evil, smell... no evil?

MassivelyStarting out in Vana'diel: See no evil, hear no evil, smell... no evil? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggressiveaggrodamagefeaturedffxifinal-fantasy-xiguidehatehealershealsjoystiqfeatureskupomagicscentsightsoundspellssquare-enixstarting-out-in-vanadieltankthreatwhite-mageTue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A little more about Wizard101]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/a-little-more-about-wizard101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/a-little-more-about-wizard101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/a-little-more-about-wizard101/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There have been quite a few releases for magic-themed game Wizard101 of late as well as the preview of the first expansion. Enough so that WhatTheyPlay has posted an overview aimed at parents to explain the basis of the game and what they can expect if their kids play it.

In a nutshell, Wizard101 is a world where players are students of magic. Combat relies on a trading card system and is turn-based. No one ever "dies" in the game. It's free to play in much the same way that Runescape is - meaning that many areas and quests are only available to paid accounts. The options are numerous in terms of membership levels depending upon what the players (or their parents) want to be able to do. For those parents worried about the community, they do discuss the limitations on communication and the average age of players (about 12). Then again, with family plan pricing available, parents could join their kids in the game and find out for themselves what it's all about.

MassivelyA little more about Wizard101 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kidsmagicrunescapetcgtrading-card-gamewhat-they-playwizard101Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 launches!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/wizard101-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/wizard101-launches/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/wizard101-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After a summer-long beta period the graphically beautiful Wizard101 is now live! This kid-oriented free-to-play title is now available for any interested parties, and KingsIsle has announced a number of interesting tidbits to go along with the game's launch. While the title is technically free to play, the company is offering a substantial package of benefits for a $9.95/month fee. In fact, it might be better to think of the 'free to play' component of the game as more of a trial than anything else. Large parts of the game world are unavailable for non-subscribers, and the ability to chat with other players is disabled for free players. More details on the game's business model are available in a post from Tipa at West Karana.

Interested subscribers can actually get a steal of a deal if they want to pay a bit upfront; KingsIsle is offering a year-long subscription for just $60, allowing you a full year of the cards-and-kids magic title. For full details on the game, be sure to check out our previous features on the title:
Read on below the cut for the full press release, and enjoy the world of Ravenwood Academy!

Gallery: Wizard101


Gallery: Wizard101 mini-games

Mini-game: Hot ShotsMini-game: Hot ShotsMini-game: Hot ShotsMini-game: Sorcery StonesMini-game: Sorcery Stones

Continue reading Wizard101 launches!

MassivelyWizard101 launches! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingfree-to-playkidskingsisle-entertainmentlaunchmagicnew-titleswizard-101wizardryTue, 02 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-interviewing-champion-onlines-writer-john-layman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-interviewing-champion-onlines-writer-john-layman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-interviewing-champion-onlines-writer-john-layman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Amidst the rather large -- but also surprisingly polite -- crowd surrounding the Cryptic Studios booth, we were able to talk with the writer for Champions Online, John Layman. Discussions revolved around the breadth and depth of content within the game's zones and the possibilities of space-based zones lying in wait for higher level characters. Two words to get you excited: interplanetary threats. We also learned about John's fondness for sprinkling lots of homages throughout the game. Overall, it was a fun trip into the mind of a man who really loves zombies, pajamas and nerdy in-jokes that future players of Champions Online will be able to find some humor from.

Gallery: PAX 2008 General Gallery

Continue reading PAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman

MassivelyPAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecrusoecrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedgreen-lanternhank-crusoejack-emmertjohn-laymanjoystiqfeaturesmagicmutantspax-2008technologicalMon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New AoC spellcaster screenshots impress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/new-aoc-spellcaster-screenshots-impress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/new-aoc-spellcaster-screenshots-impress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/05/new-aoc-spellcaster-screenshots-impress/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In the past few months, Funcom has released a ton of screenshots for the upcoming Age of Conan. However, these screens always seem to have one very important thing missing from them; magic classes. This apparently wasn't going unnoticed by the community and so Funcom has delivered to everyone some pretty awesome screenshots of what we can expect from the mages in AoC.

We're particularly fond of the giant, menacing snake in the image above -- which makes us wonder what class is casting such an awesome looking spell. Although there is also another amazing image of what we're guessing is a Herald of Xolti, as the character has transformed into a vicious, evil looking demon. Yeah, we're pretty psyched to try out a class that lets you transform into the menacing image of the demon Xolti -- but who wouldn't be?

Gallery: Age of Conan Gallery

MassivelyNew AoC spellcaster screenshots impress originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocaoc-feedback-fridayfuncomherald-of-xoltimagesmagicSat, 05 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New magic and job abilities in today's Final Fantasy XI update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/new-magic-and-job-abilities-in-new-final-fantasy-xi-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/new-magic-and-job-abilities-in-new-final-fantasy-xi-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/new-magic-and-job-abilities-in-new-final-fantasy-xi-update/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Brand new toys for the Jobs (classes) of Final Fantasy XI headline the newest update to this still extremely popular title. New spells are available for White and Black Mages, Summoners have a new ability that lets them siphon mana from their creature, and even the steadfast Warrior class gets a 'retaliation' ability.

The newest classes added in Wings of the Goddess are getting a number of tweaks, too. Dancers will see abilities usable more often, and Scholars are subject to a host of changes aimed at making it more viable across the board. These changes include: tweaks to the max number of charges for the "Stratagems" ability, adjustment to the time required to regain a charge, new abilities, new job traits, increased access to both White and Black magic, major overhauls to the "-storm" variety of spells, a reduction in the mana cost for spells cast while using "Accession" or "Manifestation", and even new status icons for Scholar abilities.

The official patch notes are well worth checking out, as a host of other updates have been made to the game. Crafting changes, new emotes, updates to events like Campaign Ops and the Chocobo circuit, new quests in WotG areas, and even further improvements to the Fellowship system - one of the coolest things about modern FFXI.

MassivelyNew magic and job abilities in today's Final Fantasy XI update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxifinal-fantasy-xijob-abilitiesjobsmagicsquare-enixupdateMon, 10 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST