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[Champions Online: Long live the Resistance!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/champions-online-long-live-the-resistance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/champions-online-long-live-the-resistance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/champions-online-long-live-the-resistance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Despite the breaking news of Atari's divesting of Cryptic Studios, it is business as usual for the superhero MMO Champions Online. In fact, the studio has just launched its newest adventure pack, Resistance.

According to Resistance lore, the inventor James Harmon unveiled his latest invention: the Trans-dimensional Teleportal. With a name like that, nothing could go wrong (/sarcasm off)! This device will take our heroes to another dimension called Multifaria, where an evil Citizen Harmon rules over Millennium City with an iron fist. It is up to players level 11 to 40 to join the underground resistance of Multifaria and stop Harmon's reign of terror.

We have added Resistance screenshots to the Champions gallery and have the full Resistance launch trailer after the break. The adventure pack is available for purchase in the C-Store, and for added excitement, the GM team will run Resistance with you May 17th through the 19th starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT in Millennium City. Join the Millennium City chat and wait for GM Tiyshen's group invitation.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

Continue reading Champions Online: Long live the Resistance!

MassivelyChampions Online: Long live the Resistance! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packAtarichampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosgalleryGM-eventmillennium-citymultifariaresistancescreenshotstrailervideoTue, 17 May 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO cataclysms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-perfect-ten-mmo-cataclysms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Today sees the launch of World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, which represents a destructive "reboot" button on the world of Azeroth. The old has been made new by virtue of fiery explosions that have rent the very earth in twain, and WoW gamers will have to find their footing all over again. As you might imagine, it's made one big-ass mess, which is compounded by the fact that there are no janitor classes in the game to sweep it up (the next hero class, perhaps?).

However, the notion of an in-game cataclysm is hardly the sole domain of Activision-Blizzard; on the contrary, large-scale apocalypses pop up all the time in MMOs. After all, nothing grabs the attention like the end of the world (but hey, you still feel fine)!

In a list that in no way is meant to capitalize on any expansions that may or may not be on the market, we're going to strap on our Kevlar suits, slather our arms with 1000 SPF sunblock, and take a brief tour of 10 worlds that have dated cataclysms -- and lived to tell the tale.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO cataclysms

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO cataclysms originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Activision-Blizzardagent-smithapocalypsearenanetascalonazerothbanebig-bangblizzardc-storecataclysmchampionschampions-onlinechickenscity-of-heroescohcrypticcryptic-studioscrystal-warcrystal-war-revisiteddetroitelrondEverQuest-2everquest-iifacebookfallen-earthff11ffxifinal-fantasy-xigethguild-warsgwhumoricarus-studiosjack-emmertjohn-smedleykiller-virusklingonmaplestorymegatronmillennium-citymono-dohmonorailncsoftnew-game-enhancementsnew-jerseyngenorrathnuclear-warparagon-cityperfect-10perfect-tenpicardpost-apocalypticpost-searingquadavrex-the-sheepdogriktiromulansearingsoespace-invadersstar-trek-onlinestar-trek-the-next-generationstar-wars-galaxiesstarfleetstoswgtabula-rasathe-matrixthe-matrix-onlinethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenvwheres-waldo-in-tagsWorld-of-Warcraftworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmzombiesTue, 07 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions' State of the Game: Demons, high heels and super supergroups for all!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/champions-state-of-the-game-demons-high-heels-and-super-super/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/champions-state-of-the-game-demons-high-heels-and-super-super/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/21/champions-state-of-the-game-demons-high-heels-and-super-super/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While the summer days are hot and those hammocks in the shade are inviting, Cryptic Studios is choosing to spend the season gearing up for hefty content releases. In the latest State of the Game report, Champions Online's Executive Producer Shannon "Poz" Posniewski outlines a number of features, fixes and fluff that's going into the next patch and beyond.

For August, Champions Online plans to implement a number of quality-of-life improvements to the game. These include more supergroup features (such as a better UI and supergroup advertisements), overhauling pet powers, an improved C-Store, and giving Millennium City's Ren Center a much-needed visual update. They're also slipping in a few new costume options, so if you've been waiting for the latest in Champions high heel shoe fashion, then wait no longer!

Moving on to the fall, Posniewski is excited to announce a new adventure pack entitled "The Demonflame." The pack is based on a Champions pen-and-paper module, and involves bad people opening portals to places better left alone. Check out the full point-by-point Poz poetry at Champions Online's site!

MassivelyChampions' State of the Game: Demons, high heels and super supergroups for all! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-packc-storechampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosfluffhammock-huthigh-heelsmillennium-citypoint-by-point-poz-poetrypozren-centershannon-posniewskiState-of-the-gamesupergroupsthe-demonflameWed, 21 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Revealed: Champions Online's first update, Blood Moon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/revealed-champions-onlines-first-update-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/revealed-champions-onlines-first-update-blood-moon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/02/revealed-champions-onlines-first-update-blood-moon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Champions Online's Blood Moon update has finally been revealed, and wow does it sound pretty cool. Beginning in October, the update will add the Celestial powerset, which sounds like a versatile arrangement of powers allowing you to heal allies or harm enemies.

The actual in-game event itself looks to be exciting, as it involves fighting off a dark sorcerer known as Takofanes. We're decidedly excited about the 'Zombie Apocalypse' rising in Canada. Zombies in PVP? Yes please. And when a player falls in combat, they'll return as one of the undead, bound to fight in Takofanes' name. There will also be werewolves to fight, although what their dark bite does to a player isn't as clear just yet.

We really love is how the lore is being tied into the event. Millennium City was built on the smoldering crater where Detroit once stood. For the Blood Moon event, players will have the chance to fight against heroes who fought in the Battle of Detroit and free their souls from Takofanes' evil necromancy. It all ends in a big throw down with Takofanes himself. We'll hear more about the details in the coming weeks. Maybe we'll even get some additional info from Cryptic at PAX this weekend!

MassivelyRevealed: Champions Online's first update, Blood Moon originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariblood-mooncanadacelestialchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosin-game-eventmillennium-citytakofanesundeadupdatewerewolveszombiesWed, 02 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Hands-on: The first five levels of Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-the-first-five-levels-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-the-first-five-levels-of-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/04/massively-hands-on-the-first-five-levels-of-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


This last weekend, press had the opportunity to spend my time within the Champions Online beta. After playing more than I would safely recommend, I bring you my personal takeaway in an effort to get out as much crunchy information goodness on the upcoming MMO as possible.

It opens with a downwards view of Millennium City under siege by a fleet of alien ships. As the camera pans down towards the ground, you overhear two chattering voices of men on a radio discussing their dire situation. Alien invaders known as the Qularr are besieging the city by putting up force fields that are sectioning off much of the city.

With the cities' Champions are seemingly nowhere to be found, it's up to you and any other recently created newbies to help save the day -- and save it you will.

Continue reading Massively Hands-on: The first five levels of Champions Online

MassivelyMassively Hands-on: The first five levels of Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetachampionschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescrypticcryptic-studiosdoctor-destroyereaelectronic-artsfeaturedmillennium-citymythicncsoftparagon-studiostutorialwarwarhammer-onlineMon, 04 May 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swinging travel powers and expansive cities in Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/19/swinging-travel-powers-and-expansive-cities-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/19/swinging-travel-powers-and-expansive-cities-in-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/19/swinging-travel-powers-and-expansive-cities-in-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The ability to swing around has long been one of the most requested travel powers from many a caped player. And so it's with great joy that we announce this video showcasing the newest travel power in Champions Online, swinging! Now, ill themed adult-orientated jokes aside, this new video has really got us excited for the forthcoming launch of Cryptic's next game, because it give a brief glimpse of Millennium City's expansive scale.

Actually, we'd be lying if we told you that the expansiveness of the city in the video wasn't more astonishing than the characters monkeying it up with their hook guns. Although speaking of hook guns, it'd be a nice comicbook classics nod if players were able to attack bad guys with said devices -- even though they were never meant to be used like that.

Check out the entire video after the break.

Continue reading Swinging travel powers and expansive cities in Champions Online

MassivelySwinging travel powers and expansive cities in Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampionschampions-onlinecrpyticcryptic-studiosignmillennium-cityswingingtravel-powersvideoSun, 19 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Millennium City and Canada in latest Champions Online screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/millennium-city-and-canada-in-latest-champions-online-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/millennium-city-and-canada-in-latest-champions-online-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/millennium-city-and-canada-in-latest-champions-online-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Several new screens for Champions Online have been released and feature Millennium City, Canada and a Stronghold entrance. The cityscapes have a dizzying sense of scale that makes them quite stunning to look at, and the level of detail doesn't hurt at all either. Moreover, we're starting to see the visuals really come together lately.

Could that be pointing to a wider beta or release date announcement soon? We certainly hope so, although since there's been no word on any of that we're not going to assuming anything. If history has taught us one thing, it's that MMO release dates are never a certainty.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

MassivelyMillennium City and Canada in latest Champions Online screens originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetacanadachampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosmillennium-cityreleaseFri, 20 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Official Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/official-champions-devblog-design-director-bill-roper-on-stor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/official-champions-devblog-design-director-bill-roper-on-stor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/official-champions-devblog-design-director-bill-roper-on-stor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hello and welcome to issue number two of the Massively.com hosted official Champions Online developer blog! If you happened to miss the first one featuring Jack Emmert, you can find it right here. Remember, we should be seeing a developer post about twice a month between now and launch day. So if you're interested in following the insights straight from the team make sure to follow our very own Champions Developer blogger, who will be doing the honors of posting your bi-weekly dose of DevBlog goodness.

Today Bill Roper lays down some details on how Cryptic Studios is enabling a deeper sense of story in Champions Online. It's all pretty interesting stuff, and you can check it out after the cut!

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

Continue reading Official Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling

MassivelyOfficial Champions DevBlog: Design Director Bill Roper on Storytelling originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argentataribill-roperchampions-onlinecryptic-studiosdev-blogdoctor-destroyerfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmechanonmillennium-citynemesispsitakofanesteleiosviperWed, 04 Feb 2009 13:30:00 EST