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[EVE Insider gets into the nitty gritty of the new ally system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/eve-insider-gets-into-the-nitty-gritty-of-the-new-ally-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/eve-insider-gets-into-the-nitty-gritty-of-the-new-ally-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/eve-insider-gets-into-the-nitty-gritty-of-the-new-ally-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Evil Pair of Ducks v. Pair of Ducks: FIGHT
In a never-ending effort to facilitate the spread of war and destruction, the good folks at CCP have cooked up an Ally System for EVE Online's upcoming Inferno expansion -- a system that will enable players to put their services on hire or find a buddy to join them in a war. In a dev diary update today, the system was brought out into the light and displayed in detail.

Wars you're engaged in will show up in the Our Wars tab (under the Wars tab, under the Corporation tab in your Neocom), as will any wars that you're an ally in. If you're a CEO or Director, you can list yourself as Open For Allies and decide whether or not to accept offers for help -- which you should expect, naturally, to come at a price. Negotiation of prices can be carried out through normal communication channels, as the current UI allows you only to accept or decline the offer.

If trouble hasn't found you and you want to spice things up, the All Wars tab is the place for you: It's a list of, well, all active wars, with information like who's asking for an ally and wars with one or more allies. By default, the list shows the 50 most recent wars, but it's also searchable by corporation/alliance. There's an "Assitance requests only" box that you can check to speed up the sword-selling process. Once you've made an offer, possibly done some negotiating, and been accepted, you'll be counted as an ally, although you'll have to wait 24 hours to start fighting.

The purpose of this system is to give more options to defenders, introduce some risk for attackers, and provide ways for mercenaries to support themselves. There's a whole list of extra rules and explanation over on the blog proper, so be sure to check it out.

MassivelyEVE Insider gets into the nitty gritty of the new ally system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allyally-systemccpccp-gamesceos-and-directors-have-all-the-fundefenderseveeve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsmercenaryour-warssandboxsci-fisophisticated-war-systemsspreadsheets-onlinewarFri, 18 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR devs attempt to balance the Force through nerfs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/swtor-devs-attempt-to-balance-the-force-through-nerfs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/swtor-devs-attempt-to-balance-the-force-through-nerfs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/swtor-devs-attempt-to-balance-the-force-through-nerfs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SWTOR
It's Friday, Friday, and even Jedi got to get down with Friday... which also means a new community Q&A sent across the holonet to players eager for a glimpse of Star Wars: The Old Republic's future. However, the devs have asked that questions focus more on current features in the game, as in many cases they cannot give firm details about what's coming up in SWTOR.

Today's topics begin with a discussion about why some advanced classes, such as Commandos and Mercenaries, lack an interrupt. This wasn't an oversight, the devs revealed, but "a purposefully designed weakness in their ability arsenal" to keep them balanced in the game -- especially in PvP.

"Balance" was an answer to another issue as well, specifically the nerfs to some of the healing specs. Lead Combat Designer Georg Zoeller realized that folks were going to rail against it, but the team thought it was necessary: "I know trying to 'sell' a downwards adjustment (AKA nerf) to anyone affected is like selling the need for a tax increase to people. When you are on the receiving end of it, you're not going to be happy about it."

Other questions revolved around rage timers, looping the game's music, cross-faction communication within the same guild, and legacy system specifics.

MassivelySWTOR devs attempt to balance the Force through nerfs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecommandocommunity-q-and-aeaelectronic-artsGeorg-Zoellerlegacy-systemlucasartsmercenarynerfnerfspvpq-and-asci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorFri, 23 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Inferno expansion launches May 22nd, precursor patch April 24th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/eves-inferno-expansion-launches-may-22nd-precursor-patch-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/eves-inferno-expansion-launches-may-22nd-precursor-patch-april/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/eves-inferno-expansion-launches-may-22nd-precursor-patch-april/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online aims to revamp PvP in its upcoming Inferno expansion. In addition to continuing the good work that started with Crucible, Inferno will revamp the wardec system, iterate on faction warfare, and introduce new ships and modules for players to smash to pieces. It sounds like the perfect PvP expansion, and today at the EVE Fanfest, CCP revealed some firm details of exactly what the wardec and faction warfare revamps will entail.

A new wardec interface will make wars easier to follow; loopholes like the wardec shield used by EVE University will be closed; and a new mercenary marketplace will be introduced. Faction warfare system ownership will be given more consequences, such as making it impossible for enemy militias to dock in the system. During the EVE Keynote speech today, CCP announced that Inferno will be hitting on May 22nd and that it will be CCP's first ever expansion preceded by a precursor patch. CCP intends to introduce new content with the patch that will prepare the way for the main expansion, but exactly what form that preparation will take has been kept a secret.

MassivelyEVE's Inferno expansion launches May 22nd, precursor patch April 24th originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescrucibleeveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-onlineeventsexpansionfanfestfanfest-2012gameplayinfernomercenariesmercenarypvpsandboxsci-fiwardecFri, 23 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II dev tour video details Beastlord, new Freeport, Mercs and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/everquest-ii-dev-tour-video-details-beastlord-new-freeport-mer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/everquest-ii-dev-tour-video-details-beastlord-new-freeport-mer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/everquest-ii-dev-tour-video-details-beastlord-new-freeport-mer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- EverQuest II: Age of Discovery
Sony Online Entertainment is getting the EverQuest II: Age of Discovery hype train up to full speed today with a new dev tour of the upcoming content. Emily Taylor, the game's Executive Producer, takes viewers through the new features that players can expect from the upcoming expansion. To start things off, she gives players a look at the new Beastlord class, which can tame creatures to utilize as Warders in order to alter its playstyle.

We then get a look at the new and improved city of Freeport, which has been completely revamped. The city's four zones have been consolidated into one single zone, the visuals have been updated, and new questlines and content has been added. Finally, the tour stops off at the Seafarer's Roost Inn, where the new mercenaries can be hired -- for the right price, of course. So for the full video, click on past the cut and take a look.

[Source: Sony Online Entertainment press release]

Continue reading EverQuest II dev tour video details Beastlord, new Freeport, Mercs and more

MassivelyEverQuest II dev tour video details Beastlord, new Freeport, Mercs and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryaodbeastlorddev-touremily-tayloreq-iieq2everquest-2everquest-iif2pfree-to-playfreeportmercenariesmercenarysoesony-online-entertainmentvideovideoswardersMon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II invites you backstage with a pair of Age of Discovery videos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/everquest-ii-invites-you-backstage-with-a-pair-of-age-of-discove/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/everquest-ii-invites-you-backstage-with-a-pair-of-age-of-discove/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/03/everquest-ii-invites-you-backstage-with-a-pair-of-age-of-discove/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EverQuest II
Ignore the man behind the curtain! Bow before the great and powerful Smokejumper! Oh... what? It's OK if they see behind the curtain? Come on in, folks -- SOE's totally fine with you seeing what's going on backstage during the development of EverQuest II's Age of Discovery and has a couple videos to prove it.

The first video is narrated by EQII Lead Game Designer Akil Hooper, who takes us on a lightning tour of the new Beastlords and their animal Warders. Hooper shows off the new additions to the UI that make viewing, customizing, and switching between the Warders possible.

Flipping over to Age of Discovery's mercenaries feature, Game Designer Carlos Mora demonstrates how the system works. Players can hire one of 10 mercenary NPCs to form a temporary party, and Mercenaries have both a hiring fee and a salary that is withdrawn from your account every 30 minutes. Mora says that a couple of the mercs are more difficult to find -- and more unique -- but are worth the search.

You can watch both of the behind-the-scenes videos after the jump!

Continue reading EverQuest II invites you backstage with a pair of Age of Discovery videos

MassivelyEverQuest II invites you backstage with a pair of Age of Discovery videos originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryakil-hooperbeastlordbeastlordsbehind-the-scenescarlos-moradev-diaryeqiieverquest-iiexpansionmercenariesmercenarymercssoesony-online-entertainmentwardenwardensSat, 03 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New video showcases EverQuest II: Age of Discovery's mercenary system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/new-video-showcases-everquest-ii-age-of-discoverys-mercenary-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/new-video-showcases-everquest-ii-age-of-discoverys-mercenary-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/28/new-video-showcases-everquest-ii-age-of-discoverys-mercenary-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

HE LOOKS LIKE A BABY
In the new promotional trailer for EverQuest II's Age of Discovery expansion, poor Gnoob the gnaked Gnome just can't win. Maybe if he were smart enough to spell his name properly, he might not get mauled by the same wolf over and over.

After learning that maybe a naked Gnome isn't quite suited to square off against a hungry wolf, Gnoob takes it upon himself to hire an Ogre mercenary (though you'd think if he could afford a mercenary, he could afford some clothes), but even that doesn't go quite right. It just goes to show you that the mercenary system, coming to EverQuest II with Age of Discovery, should be used with discretion. For the full video, follow on past the cut.

Continue reading New video showcases EverQuest II: Age of Discovery's mercenary system

MassivelyNew video showcases EverQuest II: Age of Discovery's mercenary system originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-discoveryaodeq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfree-to-playgnoobgnoob-the-gnaked-gnomemercenariesmercenarymercenary-systemsoesony-online-entertainmenttrailervideovideosFri, 28 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic reintroduces the Bounty Hunter progression]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/star-wars-the-old-republic-reintroduces-the-bounty-hunter-progr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/star-wars-the-old-republic-reintroduces-the-bounty-hunter-progr/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/star-wars-the-old-republic-reintroduces-the-bounty-hunter-progr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Those wondering whether Mandalorians would be involved the in the Bounty Hunter storyline need look no further than the latest progression video released for Star Wars: The Old Republic. In it, the BioWare community team displays the class armor progression but also shows us parts of the Bounty Hunter story. Based on the image above with the Mythosaur-like skull, it could easily be said that Mandalorians throw some sort of tournament for your character to participate in. You can decide whether this is a class story you are interested in by watching the character progression video after the break.

Also, as with all the progression videos TOR as released thus far, we see five possible looks for the character beyond the initial set of armor. Most importantly, we bear witness to many of the powerful gadgets in the Bounty Hunter arsenal. Powertechs appear to specialize in short-ranged AoEs like the carbonite blast and flamethrower, whereas the Mercenary is clearly about ranged power with his dual pistols and wrist-rockets.

The full progression video follows after the break, and to read more about the Bounty Hunter, be sure to visit the official Star Wars: The Old Republic website.

Continue reading Star Wars: The Old Republic reintroduces the Bounty Hunter progression

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic reintroduces the Bounty Hunter progression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarebounty-hunterEAElectronic-ArtsLucasArtsmandalorianmercenarypowertechprogression-videoStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictortrailervideoFri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Predictions for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/eve-evolved-predictions-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/eve-evolved-predictions-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/12/eve-evolved-predictions-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

When CCP first announced development on its upcoming free-to-play PlayStation 3 MMOFPS DUST 514, speculation ran wild as we thought of exactly how the game could be integrated with EVE Online. The plan to link the two games through EVE's sovereignty system seemed almost too ambitious, but the gaming world waited for more information with a quiet optimism. Most of us cautiously imagined the most basic of interactions between the two games, almost afraid to get our hopes up or express optimism for the project; after all, this is something that has never been done before.

I think most EVE players imagined a vague web-based communication between EVE pilots and DUST mercenaries and little or no control over the outcome of a fight. We justly worried that our system sovereignty would be decided by the outcome of random matchmaking-style FPS battles or that DUST would only affect worthless planet-based industrial networks. At this year's E3, even our most optimistic expectations were completely blown away. DUST will be fully integrated into the EVE servers, with DUST players able to join EVE corporations and EVE players able to supply ground troops with equipment. We'll deliver decisive air strikes in realtime from ships in orbit, and DUST players will even be able to fire back.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I re-examine the link between EVE Online and DUST 514 in light of the new information from E3 to make some predictions about what the battle for a planet might be like.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Predictions for DUST 514

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Predictions for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514e3e3-2011eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfpsground-combatholy-crap-they-can-fire-backmercenariesmercenarymmo-industrymmofpsnuke-them-from-orbitone-universe-one-warplaystationplaystation-3Playstation3predictionspreviewpreviewsps3pvpSonySun, 12 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: DUST 514's realtime integration with EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dust-514s-realtime-integration-with-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dust-514s-realtime-integration-with-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/09/e3-2011-dust-514s-realtime-integration-with-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

During Monday's Sony conference, EVE Online developer CCP Games made an appearance to announce that the company's upcoming MMOFPS DUST 514 will be exclusive to the PlayStation 3. The ambitious title aims to link the world of ground troops fighting over planets to EVE Online's universe of spaceborne conflict. EVE players will be able to hire DUST mercenaries as part of an ongoing territorial war, the concept for which we got a glimpse of in both the E3 DUST 514 trailer and the previous A Future Vision trailer in March.

When DUST 514 is released in spring 2012, PC-based ship pilots will be fighting for control of industrial infrastructure, planets, star systems, and whole regions of space alongside console-based ground troops. CCP's future vision for the virtual universe of New Eden is slowly starting to become a reality, and we can only hope that both games live up to their sizable potential. We caught up with CCP at E3 to find out the details on DUST 514's gameplay and how the DUST-EVE link will work.

Skip past the cut for the incredibly juicy details on DUST 514's gameplay and how DUST mercenaries will interact with the EVE universe. Before reading on, be warned that a change of underwear may be required!

Continue reading E3 2011: DUST 514's realtime integration with EVE Online

MassivelyE3 2011: DUST 514's realtime integration with EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the run-up to E3, CCP Games hinted repeatedly that news about its upcoming MMOFPS DUST 514 was forthcoming. A big announcement was expected at E3, but few people expected it to be part of today's Sony conference. CCP CEO Hilmar Pétursson made an appearance at the conference to reveal that the console-only MMOFPS would be a PS3 exclusive. The Sony presenter then confirmed that the game is set for a spring 2012 release, with beta starting at the end of this year.

Hilmar ended the announcement with the showing of a new trailer for the game, highlighting the various character and battlefield upgrades available and their prices in ISK. This may indicate that EVE Online players will be able to purchase supplies for DUST marines as part of a mercenary contract. The video ended with a structure in DUST 514 launching what appeared to be a doomsday blast at an EVE player's dreadnought in orbit. Bearing a similarity to a previous trailer in which EVE dreadnoughts delivered artillery support for ground troops, this may give some clues as to how CCP wants to have the two games interact.

[Update: CCP has released a new devblog all about DUST 514's PS3 exclusivity with links to more information and the E3 trailer.]

Massively's on the ground in Los Angeles during the week of June 6-9, bringing you all the best news from E3 2011. Whether you're dying to know more about Star Wars: The Old Republic, RIFT, or any MMO in between, you can bet we'll have it covered!

MassivelyE3 2011: DUST 514 is a PS3 exclusive, to be released spring 2012 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpccp-gamesdustdust-514e3e3-2011eveeve-onlinemercenarymmofpsnewsplaystationplaystation-3ps3ps3-exclusivesonyvideoMon, 06 Jun 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/eve-online-fanfest-2011-roundup-day-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Once per year, EVE Online developer CCP Games throws a colossal party in its home country of Iceland. EVE players from around the world fly to Iceland to meet up with other players, talk about internet spaceships and usually get completely drunk. CCP hosts a series of events, round-table discussions and presentations all about EVE, showing what the team has been up to over the past year and revealing plans for the game's ongoing development. Fanfest has typically catered to EVE's most dedicated fans, or at least those motivated enough at the prospect of an EVE convention to brace the Icelandic weather. This year, the focus is much wider, with over 3,000 players in attendance and a huge contingent of press.

Day one of the EVE Fanfest has come to a close, and the event is now in full swing. Read on for a roundup of what happened today, along with detailed explanations of a few personal highlights from today's festivities.

Continue reading EVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 1

MassivelyEVE Online Fanfest 2011 roundup: Day 1 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-leaderccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-soundwavedirt-nap-squadeveeve-ccpeve-fanfesteve-mmorpgeve-onlineeventsfanfestfanfest-2011featuredgoonswarmhighlightsincursionmercenarynoirnoir-mercenary-corpopinionsystematic-chaosThu, 24 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Spotlight: Mercenary Coalition's Seleene]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/eve-spotlight-mercenary-coalitions-seleene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/eve-spotlight-mercenary-coalitions-seleene/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/eve-spotlight-mercenary-coalitions-seleene/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Spotlight is a new bi-weekly feature in which we interview prominent members of EVE Online's player community or development team. Every two weeks, we'll be shining the spotlight on a player or developer who has a significant impact on EVE to highlight the efforts of EVE's most influential people.

It's said that PvP is the force that drives EVE Online, forging demand in the markets through destruction of assets and adding much of the unique political conflict that lies at the heart of EVE's gameplay. If war is EVE's driving force, then mercenaries are its swiftest vehicles. Contract killers by profession, mercenary corporations will take up arms against anyone for the right price. No mercenary group in EVE has ever been as feared and admired as Mercenary Coalition. Famed for being perhaps the single most destructive influence in EVE, MC has turned the tides of wars and shattered entire regions and alliances through brute force. At the alliance's highest point, the mere mention of its name was often enough to postpone war.

The group officially disbanded in 2008 following a drawn-out war with Band of Brothers alliance in Delve. Late last year, Mercenary Coalition made a comeback with the announcement by founder Seleene that the group was looking for new members and contracts. Although the future now seems less than certain for the infamous alliance, MC's founder Seleene has certainly had a long and colourful history in the game -- first as a player and then later as a developer for CCP Games. Under the name CCP Abathur, Seleene worked on EVE for over three years before eventually leaving the company on good terms. Having been both an EVE developer and an avid EVE player, he now has a rare perspective on the game and its development.

In this EVE Spotlight, I talk to Seleene about his career as the head of EVE's biggest mercenary outfit and his career as an EVE game designer.

Continue reading EVE Spotlight: Mercenary Coalition's Seleene

MassivelyEVE Spotlight: Mercenary Coalition's Seleene originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bdciccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineeve-spotlightfeaturedinterviewmcmercenariesmercenarymercenary-coalitionnullsecpvpseleeneterritorial-controltortugavideowarfareThu, 10 Feb 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An early look into CardMon Hero]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/an-early-look-into-cardmon-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/an-early-look-into-cardmon-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/an-early-look-into-cardmon-hero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For those who have ever enjoyed collectible card games, the idea of an MMO that features collectible and playable cards might be intriguing. Well, if you're in the market for a new game, Redbana, T3fun and Hanbitsoft have a treat for you. Their newest free-to-play game, CardMon Hero, offers a system that is heavily based on building up certain cards and playing them in the world against mobs and other players. Not only will players get cards for skills, but adventuring through the world will net special monster cards known as mercenary cards, which are picked up via questing, crafting, and drops. As of this evening, the game is entering closed beta as well.

We had a chance to take a look at CardMon Hero with Redbana's Project Manager, Damien Moreno, who gave us an early peek at some of the things players can expect within the game. Many of the systems present will be fairly familiar to veteran MMO players. Movement is handled through either click-to-move or WASD. Also present are familiar UI options like action bars, maps, a quest journal, character sheet (with a cosmetic pane) and the like. Eventually, a cash shop will also be implemented, although Moreno informed us that it is being worked on to provide a plethora of cosmetic and helpful options, as opposed to gear or weapons that will create game-breaking imbalances between paid players and free-to-play gamers -- a very important thing to many Western gamers.

For more on this free-to-play game, join me after the break, or check out the gallery of concept art and in-game screenshots below!

Gallery: CardMon Hero

Continue reading An early look into CardMon Hero

MassivelyAn early look into CardMon Hero originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camon-herocardcardmon-herocardsclosed-betacollectible-card-systemdamien-morenoearly-lookf2pfree-to-playhanbitsoftmercenarymmopreviewredbanaredbana-usat3funWed, 10 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda getting new mercenary PvP maps, high level PvE content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/global-agenda-getting-new-mercenary-pvp-maps-high-level-pve-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/global-agenda-getting-new-mercenary-pvp-maps-high-level-pve-con/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/10/global-agenda-getting-new-mercenary-pvp-maps-high-level-pve-con/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If you're concerned that Hi-Rez Studios might abandon its Global Agenda MMO in favor of the recently-announced Tribes Universe, you can rest easy. In an interview with Lorehound, Hi-Rez executive producer Todd Harris announced several exciting additions coming to Global Agenda over the next few months.

First up is the 1.39 patch, which will bring several new mercenary PvP maps to the team-based shooter. After that, the game will be getting its first shot of downloadable content which will focus primarily on high-level PvE content. "It will contain some PvE open zone content, new themed weapons, a new PvE defense mission, and our first 10-person PvE offensive aid. A 10-person team will be able to infiltrate a hive colony node and fight new Recursive Colony bots and bosses," Harris said.

He goes on to state that Hi-Rez will be releasing similar DLC expansions every four to five months going forward. Check out the good news over at Lorehound.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda getting new mercenary PvP maps, high level PvE content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezhi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-studiosHigh-level-contentinterviewlorehoundmercenarymercenary-mapsnew-pvp-mapspatchpvepvptodd-harrisWed, 10 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlantica Online unveils new vampire countess mercenary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/atlantica-online-unveils-new-vampire-countess-mercenary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/atlantica-online-unveils-new-vampire-countess-mercenary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/atlantica-online-unveils-new-vampire-countess-mercenary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Ndoors Interactive recently introduced a new mercenary to Atlantica Online and, just in time for Halloween, the latest addition is a sultry vampire countess named Carmilla. Players can make use of Carmilla's tactical advantages as well as spells that can be used in multiple ways. These include Dark Harmony (a healing spell), Dusk Elegy (which deals AoE damage), and Vampiric Thirst (which deals damage and leeches health).

Ndoors has also updated the in-game store to feature an array of Carmilla-centric items including skill books, a coffin, a summoning rose, and a jewel box. Atlantica's newest mercenary is also noteworthy for being fan-created. Symban from the Macedon server was the winner of the Mercenary Madness Contest that resulted in Carmilla's design and inclusion in the live game.

MassivelyAtlantica Online unveils new vampire countess mercenary originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticaatlantica-onlinecarmillacontest-winnerf2pfree-to-playmercenariesmercenarymercenary-madnessndoorsndoors-interactivenew-mercenaryvampire-countessFri, 29 Oct 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlantica Online unveils Sheriff Christine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/atlantica-online-unveils-sheriff-christine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/atlantica-online-unveils-sheriff-christine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/15/atlantica-online-unveils-sheriff-christine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Atlantica Online has given us a rather appealing bit of information -- a new mercenary is moseying into town tomorrow. And true to form, she's promising to bring some interesting new wrinkles to the gameplay for anyone interested in laying down the law. Sheriff Christine is the latest addition to the game, offering players a variety of abilities to help control the flow of battle and interactions with the enemy party, using stuns and control-like abilities to turn the tide.

Among her arsenal of stuns and control abilities is her new Arrest ability, which freezes an enemy unit for two turns. She also brings area damage into play with her Revolver Rush skill, or single-target damage with her self-buffing skill Steady Stance. We've also been given a few exclusive screenshots of Christine in action, so check them out in our small gallery, and keep your eyes open for Christine's full launch in Atlantica Online tomorrow.

Gallery: Atlantica Online's Sherriff Christine

MassivelyAtlantica Online unveils Sheriff Christine originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>.aoeabilitiesarea-damagearea-of-effectatlanticaatlantica-onlinechristinecontroldamage-flavorsdamage-typesgalleriesgallerygame-updatesmercenariesmercenaryndoorsndoors-interactivenew-characterspatchespreviewpreview-gallerypreviewsscreenshotssheriff-christineskillsstunsupdatesWed, 15 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamescom 2010: BioWare reveals 10 new advanced classes for TOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/gamescom-2010-bioware-reveals-10-new-advance-classes-for-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/gamescom-2010-bioware-reveals-10-new-advance-classes-for-tor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/18/gamescom-2010-bioware-reveals-10-new-advance-classes-for-tor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We've known for a while now that Star Wars: The Old Republic is planning to offer players two different specializations for each class, but up until now we've only heard of a couple of them. Today at Gamescom, however, BioWare unloaded the names and loose descriptions of ten advanced classes. The best part? No Bothans died for this information.

Darth Hater reports that imperial agent characters will have the choice between specializing as snipers (long-range DPS) or operatives (who use stealth and short-range weapons to get up close and personal). If a bounty hunter is more to your liking, then the choice between a powertech and a mercenary should get your imagination racing. Over on the Republic side, troopers will sign up for either commando or vanguard training. Commandos are the tanking line, although we don't know much about vanguards yet. SWTOR-Station spied a Zabrak trooper at the BioWare booth, indicating another possible race for the class.

Force-users are also in store for powerful upgrades. The villainous Sith inquisitors choose their path between a more Force-happy sorcerer or the twin lightsaber-using assassin. Their counterpart, the Jedi consular, has a similar decision to make: that of a shadow, who can use double-bladed lightsabers, or a wizard, who uses a single lightsaber but can heal. Are Star Wars fans ready for wizards and sorcerers in their MMO? Somehow, we think so.

MassivelyGamescom 2010: BioWare reveals 10 new advanced classes for TOR originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-classesassassinbiowarebioware-mythicbothansbounty-hunterclassescommandocounsulardarth-haterea-biowaregamescomgamescom-2010i-find-your-lack-of-specialization-disturbingimperial-agentmercenaryoperativepowertechshadowsith-inquisitorsnipersorcererstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-old-republictortroopervanguardwizardWed, 18 Aug 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Outlaws of EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-evolved-outlaws-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-evolved-outlaws-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/08/eve-evolved-outlaws-of-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online's Community Manager CCP Wrangler once said that "EVE isn't designed to just look like a cold, dark and harsh world; it's designed to be a cold, dark and harsh world." That sentiment sums up the core philosophy behind the game, which permits such nefarious gameplay styles as thief, smuggler, scam-artist, pirate and market manipulator. Underhanded deals go on every day in EVE, with bounty hunters hired to ruin someone's day and spies tearing corporations apart from within. Many are drawn to EVE because it's one of the few MMOs that allows players to embrace their darker side. The opportunity to be a real villain in a sandbox universe can be intoxicating.

Perhaps more intoxicating is the notion that the presence of tangible villains affords players a rare opportunity to play the role of hero. For every pirate gang lurking at a stargate in low security space, there's an anti-pirate squad somewhere planning an attack. For every thief ready to empty their corporation's hangers, there's a security specialist weeding out spies. The true outlaws of EVE are people who have earned their infamy through acts of ruthlessness in their chosen field.

Over the years, we've interviewed and examined some of EVE's most notorious outlaws. In this article, I look back at four of EVE's most wanted, how they earned their infamy, and what they're doing today.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Outlaws of EVE

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Outlaws of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamescriminalcsmeveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedghscguiding-hand-social-clubheisthellcatsinfiltrationistvaanistvaan-shogastsuIstvaanShogaatsumercenariesmercenarymiz-cenuijmynxeeoutlawoutlawspiracypirateprofessionssandboxscamscam-artistscammerspiestheftthiefunderworldveronevetoveto-academyveto-corpvillainsSun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How well do you know your game buddies?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/the-daily-grind-how-well-do-you-know-your-game-buddies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/the-daily-grind-how-well-do-you-know-your-game-buddies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/the-daily-grind-how-well-do-you-know-your-game-buddies/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While it's increasingly possible to play an MMO without being forced to interact with others, it's a bit like renting a tuxedo for a trip to McDonald's. Connections get formed (however mercenary they may be at the start) and you find yourself with a circle of friends you play with. Of course, while it's helpful to know who these people are, it's not absolutely necessary to know much aside from their character names and their roles in a group.

Some people are content to leave their knowledge of cohorts there; others prefer to go the extra mile and find out the players and personalities behind the avatars. And it can help the play experience to know that Swizzle the Thief is actually a CPA in Gary, Indiana who's thinking about marrying his girlfriend. It's not going to help the group in the strictest sense, though, and getting too attached can lead to some major drama. What about you? Do you tend to know a lot about the people you game with, or would you generally prefer not to know?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How well do you know your game buddies? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chumscompanionsdramafriendsgatheringsgroupsmercenarysocialsocial-groupstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 27 May 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlantica adds Empress Himiko, teleportation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/atlantica-adds-empress-himiko-teleportation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/atlantica-adds-empress-himiko-teleportation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/atlantica-adds-empress-himiko-teleportation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Free-to-play fantasy MMORPG maker Ndoors has just announced a new patch for Atlantica Online. The update brings a wide range of new features including a new Mercenary (Himiko), new Mercenary-only fashion accessories, and the ability to trade in unwanted mounts, decor, and clothing in exchange for AT Points.

Ndoors has also added the Decoration Book, in addition to the pre-existing Mount and Clothing Books, which will allow players to store their decorations as well as earn further Collection Points. Also, players can now earn new magic skill books by trading their elements to the Jules de Goncourt NPC.

Equipment repair has also been streamlined in the new update via changes to the Atlas Ore system. Atlas Ore fragments are now all that is necessary to repair equipment, and they can now be obtained by dismantling full Ores. Finally, the folks at Ndoors have given players a map save location, enabling teleports anywhere on the map.

Check out the patch notes for full details.

MassivelyAtlantica adds Empress Himiko, teleportation originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-pointsatlanticaatlantica-onlineatlas-oregame-updatehimikojules-de-goncourtmercenaryndoorspatchWed, 31 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlantica Online introduces new mercenary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/atlantica-online-introduces-new-mercenary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/atlantica-online-introduces-new-mercenary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/atlantica-online-introduces-new-mercenary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Atlantica Online fans will be happy to see some new content in the form of "Empress Recruitment", a brand new quest that offers up a new Class B mercenary at the end.

Empress Himiko is a valuable ally in battle, offering blessings for friends and curses to enemies as well as a damage buff to bow-wielding players. Empress' Blessing will protect allies from all magic cast by an opponent, and its counterpart Empress' Curse prevents enemies from using any magic for a certain period of time. Players using a bow will find that they do more damage to ranged enemies in PvP.

The Atlantica Online team is looking forward to seeing how players take to this new addition to the game: "Empress Himiko is a formidable recruit for any Atlantica Online player looking to dominate," said Peter Kang, CEO, Ndoors Interactive. "We are excited to introduce her to the community and wait with bated breath to see the havoc she will wreak on her enemies with her powerful magic."

To recruit Empress Himiko, visit Sumi in the Haunted Tatami Room to begin the quest.

MassivelyAtlantica Online introduces new mercenary originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantica-onlineempress-himikof2pfree-to-playmercenaryndoorsWed, 24 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlantica Online adds a new mercenary to the mix along with optimization fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/atlantica-online-adds-a-new-mercenary-to-the-mix-along-with-opti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/atlantica-online-adds-a-new-mercenary-to-the-mix-along-with-opti/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/20/atlantica-online-adds-a-new-mercenary-to-the-mix-along-with-opti/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Hwarang. No, please, don't ask us how to pronounce it. We tried looking it up and not even Google wanted to tell us exactly how to say it. But, this new unpronounceable mercenary is the latest addition to Atlantica Online.

Hwarangs are taken straight from the history books, like most of Atlantica's mercenaries, as they were an elite military unit from 10th century Silla (an ancient Korean kingdom.) In the game they will be represented as potent archers with a high offensive capability but low defense. Hwarang units also have the option of sacrificing themselves in battle to buff the rest of the mercenaries under your command.

Hwarangs aren't the only thing coming with this patch, however, as the Atlantica team has made the difficult decision to increase the minimum system requirements in order to cut down on load times and increase client optimization. This move has been made in order to make sure the client can perform in areas with high population counts, as that has been a hang up of the game in the past. Only a small minority of users should be affected by this change, but it will be a wealth of benefits to all other users operating in high population areas.

The full patch notes are available on Atlantica's website, if you wish to delve into the many changes and fixes.

MassivelyAtlantica Online adds a new mercenary to the mix along with optimization fixes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticaatlantica-onlinehwarangijji.commercenaryminimum-requirementsndoors-interactiveoptimizationpatchThu, 20 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency declassifies intel for revamped game site]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the-agency-declassifies-intel-for-revamped-game-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the-agency-declassifies-intel-for-revamped-game-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the-agency-declassifies-intel-for-revamped-game-site/#commentsFiled under: ,


One of the new titles on the way from Sony Online Entertainment is The Agency which promises to bring espionage into the world of MMOs. There were no announcements for The Agency at today's Sony press event at the E3 Expo, but we've noticed that there's new content to be found on the game's official site.

A quick search of The Agency site reveals some new screenshots and wallpapers, concept art, info about both playable factions -- U.N.I.T.E. (spies) and Paragon (mercenaries) -- and a tongue-in-cheek 'evaluation quiz' for recruitment to each faction. In addition to the new art assets, they've also got their latest trailer up on the site as well. If you've been looking forward to some spies-and-mercenaries gameplay in an MMO, check out what's new on The Agency's revamped site.

MassivelyThe Agency declassifies intel for revamped game site originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espionagemercenariesmercenaryparagonsoesony-online-entertainmentspiesspythe-agencyu.n.i.t.e.uniteTue, 02 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency still has a pulse, fact sheet confirms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/the-agency-still-has-a-pulse-fact-sheet-confirms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/the-agency-still-has-a-pulse-fact-sheet-confirms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/the-agency-still-has-a-pulse-fact-sheet-confirms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sony Online Entertainment could have a PC and console hit on their hands if their spies and mercenaries MMO The Agency lives up to expectations. The Agency has fallen off of the media radar of late, but development is moving ahead on the title.The last word we've received on when we'll be able to get our hands on the game is that The Agency will be released in 2010. Massively has some previous coverage of The Agency but we're always looking out for more info, and that's what we found today.

While we've touched upon some of this information in the past, SOE has released a brief fact sheet that explains the concepts behind The Agency and its "modern setting of bullets, bomb blasts, and betrayal." We're still hoping that there will be more info announced about the game at the E3 Expo in June, but until SOE declassifies their intel, you can check out The Agency fact sheet below the cut:

Continue reading The Agency still has a pulse, fact sheet confirms

MassivelyThe Agency still has a pulse, fact sheet confirms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleespionagemercenariesmercenarysoesony-online-entertainmentspiesspythe-agencyWed, 13 May 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Mercenaries, the hired goons of EVE]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/eve-evolved-mercenaries-the-hired-goons-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/eve-evolved-mercenaries-the-hired-goons-of-eve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/16/eve-evolved-mercenaries-the-hired-goons-of-eve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


In the harsh, hyper-capitalistic world of EVE Online, everything is for sale and everyone has a price. If you've had the misfortune of making some enemies with deep pockets that really like to hold a grudge, you might find yourself staring down the gun barrel of one of EVE's oldest professionals - The mercenary. In this article, I examine some of the main types of mercenary contracts and take a talk about the two most impressive mercenary groups to date.

What is a mercenary in EVE?
The mercenary is another of those professions in EVE that just plain wouldn't work in other MMOs. In a society where everything has a price, you can always pay someone else to do your dirty work and execute your evil plans. Good mercenaries are more than just guns for hire, they're a tight-knit unit of professionals with the skills and experience required to achieve literally any objective.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Mercenaries, the hired goons of EVE

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Mercenaries, the hired goons of EVE originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceassassinationbdciccpccp-gamescorporationeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfrickghscguiding-hand-social-clubharassmentjoystiqfeaturesmercmercenarymercenary-coalitionprofessionpvpvetowarMon, 16 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirate underdogs victorious in first round of EVE Alliance PvP Tournament]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/pirate-underdogs-victorious-in-first-round-of-eve-alliance-pvp-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/pirate-underdogs-victorious-in-first-round-of-eve-alliance-pvp-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/pirate-underdogs-victorious-in-first-round-of-eve-alliance-pvp-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


You killed KIA. You bastards!

The EVE Online Alliance PvP Tournament returned this past weekend, guns blazing. The first qualifying round is now finished, huge bets in ISK were won and lost, and the competitors are preparing themselves for next weekend's face-offs. There were some good fights, and some surprises as well. When the relatively new pirate alliance "The Bastards" went toe to toe against KIA Alliance -- a formidable mercenary alliance in EVE Online comprised of seasoned combat pilots, many players assumed KIA would win. Those assumptions were wrong -- The Bastards scored a decisive victory against their opponents, no doubt to the chagrin of many players who bet against the pirates.

One combatant from The Bastards, a career pirate (in EVE) named "Flashfresh", wrote about the experience of preparing to face some heavy competition from KIA Alliance and how their time spent in training paid off. Flashfresh wrote: "This afternoon, the team was announced, moved to a staging area and the Ventrilo server became a cacophony of mad noise. The rest (including me) cheered ourselves hoarse. There was no worry or fear amongst the Bastards team; no talk about the opposition only on how we were going to do. The entire corp had volunteered time and resources to train and train and train. We were ready."

Continue reading Pirate underdogs victorious in first round of EVE Alliance PvP Tournament

MassivelyPirate underdogs victorious in first round of EVE Alliance PvP Tournament originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-tournamentalliance-tournament-viccpccp-gameseveeve-alliance-tournamenteve-onlineflashfreshiskkiakia-alliancemercenariesmercenarypiracypiratepvppvp-tournamentsci-fithe-bastardsunderdogunderdogsTue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at hiring mercenaries in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/a-look-at-hiring-mercenaries-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/a-look-at-hiring-mercenaries-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/a-look-at-hiring-mercenaries-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The galactic setting of EVE Online is always buzzing with conflict, somewhere. The game is very PvP-centric, although not all players have an interest in the violent side of EVE. That's all fine and good, even those who concentrate on industry (EVE's take on the crafting system) have a powerful weapon at their disposal to fend off, or spark, hostilities from other players -- their in-game currrency. The power of the Inter Stellar Kredit (ISK) makes many things possible in EVE, and there are a number of mercenary corporations active in the game that are willing to kill or die for you, for the right price.

While many players are aware that mercs can be contracted for industrial warfare, to force retractions of war declarations from aggressors, to secure territory, and complete a wide range of objectives for their clients, the protocols involved with making this happen are less transparent. That's where the Guide to Hiring Mercenaries comes in, written by Alekseyev Karrde, founder and CEO of the mercenary corp Noir.

Continue reading A look at hiring mercenaries in EVE Online

MassivelyA look at hiring mercenaries in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicealekseyev-karrdecombateveeve-onlineguidesiskmercmercenariesmercenarynoirpvpsci-fiwar-declarationwardecMon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercs and their role in EVE's industrial warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/mercs-and-their-role-in-eves-industrial-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/mercs-and-their-role-in-eves-industrial-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/mercs-and-their-role-in-eves-industrial-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Much of what's written about EVE Online focuses on the darker aspects of the game. It's not surprising, as those topics are often the ones most interesting to players and non-players alike, but EVE has a very deep industrial side to it as well. It's a side that gets much less fanfare; R&D (invention), manufacturing, trading, and investment are all possible within the game and occur in tandem with EVE's more violent pursuits. Most every ship, after all, has been manufactured and sold (or re-sold) by another player. Those who engage in EVE's industry on a serious level often come into conflict with rival corporations and alliances in wars played out on the market, which sometimes spill into formal war declarations and combat. But if you're not interested in or inept at PvP, what are EVE's industrialists to do?

While an industrialist may not be well-versed in the art of war, he or she can play to their own strength: financial influence. EVE has a number of merc corps who are willing to solve problems, be it through armed escorts in hostile space or simply obliterating your opposition... assuming you can meet their price. Benilopax, of Warp Drive Active: Industry podcast fame and an E-ON contributor, relates his experience with contracting mercenaries to solve such problems, in what he refers to as 'the dark side of industrialism'. "There is a growing use of mercenaries by industrial entities to either take out the competition or keep them from easily making a profit," Benilopax writes for EVE Tribune. If you're interested in knowing a bit more about this side of the game, start with Benilopax's article (and A-Team reference) to see what it's like to deal with mercenaries in EVE Online.

MassivelyMercs and their role in EVE's industrial warfare originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-teamalliancesbenilopaxccpccp-gamescorporationse-oneveeve-onlineeve-tribunefinanceindustrial-warfareindustrialistindustrymarketmarket-pvpmarket-warfaremercmercenaryprofitresearch-and-developmentthe-a-teamwarwardecwarp-drive-activewdawda-industryThu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hello Kitty Online: gazing into horror]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/hello-kitty-online-gazing-into-horror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/hello-kitty-online-gazing-into-horror/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/05/hello-kitty-online-gazing-into-horror/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We write about Chaos Chosen freaks wreaking havoc on the RvR battlefield. We've been known to write about interstellar mercenaries and anarchists publicly executing enemies of freedom. Things like these make the job fun.

But this... is seriously over the top. Three videos, all lined up below the cut. You may be able to handle one. Some of you may be able to take two. But three -- we don't think you can do it. In fact we know you can't. These clips are NSFW. Be advised.

Continue reading Hello Kitty Online: gazing into horror

MassivelyHello Kitty Online: gazing into horror originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchistsanarchycasualchildreneveeve-onlinefreedomhello-kittyhello-kitty-onlinehkokidsmercenariesmercenarynew-titlesnsfwpreviewssanriovideosFri, 05 Sep 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: A closer look at The Agency's factions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/22/e308-a-closer-look-at-the-agencys-factions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Espionage. Spies. High-tech weaponry. All of it sounds great to us, but what's the deal with the two factions in the upcoming Sony Online Entertainment title The Agency? We got a chance to talk to Matt Wilson at E3, who gave us all the news on how the two factions, ParaGON and UNITE are progressing through the alpha. We also asked about how these agencies will shake out in terms of cooperative (and not-so-cooperative) play.

So tell us a bit about the two sides for those who are unfamiliar with The Agency.

We have ParaGON and UNITE, red and blue -- well, orangish red -- and the idea behind it is kind of uptown versus downtown. It's Jack Daniels versus Grey Goose. It's the coolest gadgets versus duct-tape and bailing wire. It's the attitude you choose as a player when you come into the game.

ParaGON is more the mercenary for hire. They will work for anyone who can afford to pay them. UNITE is all about staying within a code of conduct, and working with the global authority. Eventually, they will wind up working together. We're hoping that the cross-faction game will bring in an interesting dynamic into play. We want to create areas where both factions really have to work together to solve problems.

Gallery: The Agency

Continue reading E308: A closer look at The Agency's factions

MassivelyE308: A closer look at The Agency's factions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308governmentmatt-wilsonmercenaryparagonsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyuniteTue, 22 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise organizations revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/earthrise-organizations-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/earthrise-organizations-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/04/earthrise-organizations-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Masthead Studios has released information about the factions that will populate the post-apocalyptic setting of Earthrise. These groups are referred to as 'organizations' rather than factions; players will work with them to gain access to 'design technology'. This acquired technology can be applied to items, 'creating unique, powerful, and highly sought-after creations.'

The details released thus far on these four organizations in Earthrise suggest that the game will have high science/technomagic and psionics, as well as 'light' peacekeepers and 'dark' mercenaries. The organization descriptions also give some clues as to how they will relate to one another in the game's Enterra Island locale.

Continue reading Earthrise organizations revealed

MassivelyEarthrise organizations revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpha-sisterhoodbackstorycommunityconsular-guardearthriseenforcersenterra-islandfactionfictionforumsmasthead-studiosmercenaryorganizationpeacekeeperpsionicsracessci-fiscienceseeyentechnomagicWed, 04 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST