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[Hyperspace Beacon: Outbreak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/hyperspace-beacon-outbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/hyperspace-beacon-outbreak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/hyperspace-beacon-outbreak/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: Outbreak
A year ago at PAX East, I spoke to Community Manager Stephen Reid about events in Star Wars: The Old Republic. He asked and answered a popular question at the time: "Will [SWTOR] have events where we randomly spawn NPCs for players to fight? No, but we will have events." He couldn't elaborate, but it did leave me wondering what that could possibly mean, especially when later at PAX East, Lead Writer Daniel Erickson said that SWTOR would not break the fourth wall by holding holiday-type events.

Earlier this year, Update 1.1: Rise of the Rakghouls brought us a new flashpoint called Kaon Under Siege. A ship crash landed in the heart of the Tion Hegemony, taking the Rakghoul virus off the planet Taris and spreading it to a new world. Both the Republic and the Empire sought to find the source of this outbreak. Like all flashpoints, Koan Under Siege is instanced and separate from the rest of the open world.

Relatedly, and quite surprisingly, BioWare started its first world event without announcing it on the official website or even letting anyone know that it was happening. On Sunday morning, everyone who was stopping by Carrick or Vaiken station could overhear an announcement that the planet Tatooine had been quarantined due to an outbreak of the Rakghoul virus.

So started my investigation...

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Outbreak

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Outbreak originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaniel-ericksoneaelectronic-artseventeventsfeaturedhyperspace-beaconin-game-eventlucasartsmini-gamesopinionoutbreakrakghoulRise-of-the-Rakghoulssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicStephen-Reidswtortatooinethe-old-republictorworld-eventTue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Does Vanguard's diplomacy system deserve another shot?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/the-daily-grind-does-vanguards-diplomacy-system-deserve-anothe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/the-daily-grind-does-vanguards-diplomacy-system-deserve-anothe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/the-daily-grind-does-vanguards-diplomacy-system-deserve-anothe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While I've never played Vanguard, I'll admit that I've always been fascinated by the game's diplomacy system. It was rather ambitious at the time it was first announced, as the devs boasted about how they were creating a whole new "sphere" of play by turning dialogues between you and NPCs into a deep, involved minigame.

Some people loved it -- and still do -- while others ignored it entirely. In any case, Vanguard's well-known struggles to stay afloat have kept the larger MMO community from experiencing the diplomacy system, which I feel is a shame. I've always hoped that other MMO devs would take this idea and run with it, creating a "next generation" version that would work well in contemporary games, sort of how Warhammer Online's public questing was picked up and revised for games that would follow (just as WAR picked it up from Ultima Online).

So my question to you today is, does Vanguard's diplomacy system deserve another shot? Should MMO devs take a closer look at the typically skimpy interactions between characters and NPCs to see if they can be improved? Or should this system best be left alone?

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 Vanguard's diplomacy system deserve another shot? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diplomacydiplomacy-systemmini-gamesminigamesopinionpublic-questssigilsigil-gamessoesony-online-entertainmenttdgthe-daily-grindUltima-Onlinevanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroeswarwarhammer-onlinewarhammer-online-age-of-reckoningThu, 12 May 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/hyperspace-beacon-luminous-beings-are-we-not-this-crude-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/hyperspace-beacon-luminous-beings-are-we-not-this-crude-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/hyperspace-beacon-luminous-beings-are-we-not-this-crude-matter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's interesting: When I'm intrenched in the news of Star Wars: The Old Republic, I tend to forget sometimes what people know and don't know. For instance, I love what I've seen of Guild Wars 2, but if you were to ask me, "Who is that tiny race with the big machines?" I would have to look it up. So it shouldn't have surprised me when I received an email a couple of days ago asking about non-combat activities in SWTOR. I know there has been talk of non-combat activities, but it's usually pushed to the side so that combat can take the forefront. I certainly don't blame anyone for that. Most players are interested in combat, and BioWare's marketing is, of course, going to focus on that.

This message I received from Isaiah was concerning his whole guild. He asked the following:
We are primarily interested in the RP aspects of the game. I theorized that the RP elements and player interactions on the RP servers will be community-regulated, meaning the players drive the RP as opposed to BioWare. BioWare briefly touched on crafting months ago, but nothing new has been revealed. What about mounts? Player housing and the ability to name our ships? What about non-armor clothing options and general RP immersion into the universe? I know it's a rather open-ended line of questioning, but do you have any insights or theories about non-combat activities in game?
Beyond the break, I will answer these questions, and since he asked me about my theories, I will do a bit of that, too. See you on the other side.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v1BioWaredancingdejarikEAElectronic-ArtsemoteemotesfeaturedHands-of-DarknessIsaiahjames-ohlenKandycaneLucasArtsmini-gamespazaakracingroleplayRolePlayingStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 19 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/05/eve-evolved-the-eve-online-that-could-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Each of us has a different idea of the perfect game, whether it's an existing game with a few tweaks or something completely new. Game designers work tirelessly to make their own vision of the perfect game a reality, but there's no telling what players will think of a feature until it's finished. In the process of transforming a feature from a gleam in the game designer's eye to a finished product, something is unfortunately often lost in translation. Limitations in the technology being used or the manpower available can render the ideal implementation infeasible.

As players, we don't really see that full development process. That doesn't stop us from painting our perfect vision of an upcoming or potential feature and how awesome it could be. In the coming years, the EVE Online developers will be going through the process of making some of their most incredible visions a reality. Ideas like walking in stations and integrating the upcoming MMOFPS Dust 514 with EVE's planetary interaction feature will be put through a potentially brutal development process. We can only hope that as little as possible of those visions we've heard from EVE's developers gets lost in translation.

In this speculative opinion piece, I look at a few areas in which EVE is sure to be expanded in the coming years and discuss what I'd consider to be the ideal way they could be implemented or handled.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The EVE Online that could be originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaccpccp-eveccp-gamesdominioneoheoh-pokereveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedincarnaiterationmini-gamesMinigamesopinionplanetplanetary-interactionpokersleepersovereigntyspreadsheets-in-spacestationstyranniswormholewormhole-explorationwormholesSun, 05 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fantastical Fraulein Mumor returns for a third event in Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/fantastical-fraulein-mumor-returns-for-a-third-event-in-final-fa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/fantastical-fraulein-mumor-returns-for-a-third-event-in-final-fa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/fantastical-fraulein-mumor-returns-for-a-third-event-in-final-fa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI's upcoming summer event, another installment in that Fantastical Fraulein Mumor stage show and part of the overarching Sunbreeze Festival, probably isn't going to make much sense to people not familiar with the game. Veteran players, of course, are familiar with the magical warrior Mumor and her struggles against the joy-killing efforts of demon king Ullegore. They're also most likely aware of the conflict from the year before, in which she faced off against the Archfiend Uka and befriended her. And while non-players are now scratching their heads, players are either rolling their eyes or looking forward to this year's installment.

Whichever camp you belong to, the stage show (in which Mumor and Uka face off against the new dance trio known as "Cream Puff") and the other games of the summer event will be rolling around on August 1st. Lasting through the 17th, the event will most likely be similar to last year's festivities, offering a wide variety of mini-games, cosmetic rewards, and of course the dance battle between Final Fantasy XI's resident magical girl and her opponents. Read the full rundown for more of the backstory, and look forward to the event itself in just under a week.

MassivelyFantastical Fraulein Mumor returns for a third event in Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebrationeventsfantastical-fraulein-mumorffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xihumorin-game-eventsmini-gamesmumorsquaresquare-enixsummer-eventsWed, 28 Jul 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO and Lua: Turbine gives the mod community a thumbs-up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/lotro-and-lua-turbine-gives-the-mod-community-a-thumbs-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/lotro-and-lua-turbine-gives-the-mod-community-a-thumbs-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/lotro-and-lua-turbine-gives-the-mod-community-a-thumbs-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The winds of change are blowing swiftly across the lands of Middle-earth, as we've just gotten word that Turbine is going to allow the use of Lua scripting for Lord of the Rings Online. A Casual Stroll to Mordor reports that Meghan Rodberg announced the change on a recent episode of The StunCast!.

On the podcast, Rodberg confirmed the upcoming implementation of Lua scripts: "We historically have not allowed any modding of the UI other than skinning it. Hope I'm not blowing anything here, but there is a Lua scripting project going on. I don't know if we've talked about it that much, but people will be able to do some mods. I'm not sure to what extent they'll be able to do it. It seemed like enough of our players were looking for this that we decided to do it."

Lua is a programming language that allows for the creation of add-ons and mods for MMOs, which has seen extensive use in titles like World of Warcraft. It allows for players to design useful (or not-so-useful) UI features, such as auction house enhancements, timing bars and even mini-games. While player response to this announcement is mixed, it hopefully will make many budding modders happy to hear.

[Update: Meghan clarifies: "It's not guaranteed for a launch with F2P - it may be in the testing stage for a while!"]

MassivelyLotRO and Lua: Turbine gives the mod community a thumbs-up originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordoradd-onsauction-houseblizzardbreakingdont-spit-into-the-winds-of-changelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolualua-programming-languagelua-scriptmeghan-rodbergmini-gamesmodmoddingmodding-communitymodspodcastskinningthe-stuncasttiming-barturbineuiuser-interfaceworld-of-warcraftWed, 14 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guilds to face new challenges in Runes of Magic Chapter III]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/guilds-to-face-new-challenges-in-runes-of-magic-chapter-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/guilds-to-face-new-challenges-in-runes-of-magic-chapter-iii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/guilds-to-face-new-challenges-in-runes-of-magic-chapter-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When it comes to learning how to work together as a guild, many MMOs have the same general method: read a strategy site, jump into a dungeon, and beat yourself against it until you figure it out. That's why we're intrigued to hear about the new guild additions coming to Runes of Magic in their upcoming Chapter III expansion.

While hailed as mini-games, these new areas will challenge guilds to work together in new and interesting ways. Players who join these three new guild drilling grounds will be asked to choose one of three stances: a sword for melee players; a shield for those who will need defensive boosts and resists; or a staff for those pew-pew crazy casters. From there, you'll be taken through one of the three new drilling ground scenarios.

Gallery: Runes of Magic Chapter 3

Continue reading Guilds to face new challenges in Runes of Magic Chapter III

MassivelyGuilds to face new challenges in Runes of Magic Chapter III originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chapter-iiidrilling-groundsf2pfree-to-playfrogster-interactiveguild-castleguildsmini-gamesromrom-chapter-iiirunes-of-magicrunewaker-entertainmentFri, 09 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms takes to the seas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/free-realms-takes-to-the-seas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/free-realms-takes-to-the-seas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/18/free-realms-takes-to-the-seas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pirates these days are, not to put too fine a point on it, considered head-explodingly awesome. They get their own day of the month, they've been the lynchpin of several films, and they're generally pop culture gold. The new producer on Sony's popular Free Realms, David Georgeson, has recently announced that the longstanding absence of pirates in the game will soon be addressed. After a few early leaks, it's now official that the game will be releasing the nautical "Pirate's Plunder" mini-game to let everyone enjoy sailing the high seas and keeping a parrot on your shoulder.

Continue reading Free Realms takes to the seas

MassivelyFree Realms takes to the seas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-georgesonfree-2-playfree-mmorpgfree-realmsfree-realms-soefree-realms-sonyfree-to-playmini-gamespiratespirates-plundersoesony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentupdatesThu, 18 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What happened to Gatheryn?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/rumor-the-steampunk-mmo-gatheryn-is-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/rumor-the-steampunk-mmo-gatheryn-is-dead/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/rumor-the-steampunk-mmo-gatheryn-is-dead/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

We've recently received a tip-off to a lack of communication from the developers of the social steampunk MMO, Gatheryn, in recent months, signaling what could be the collapse of the game.

The website is still up and running, but the closed beta signup page has vanished, the download game link is broken, and the game's servers are down for the count. Players are asking for assistance or information on what's going on with the game on the beta forums, but things are very, very silent.

The current forum rumor (must have forum access to read link) is that Mindfuse Games has run out of funding and is shutting down the game, but that rumor has been posted by a forum account that only has one post and does not possess a developer tag, making the rumor extremely unverified.

We have contacted Mindfuse Games for comment, but have yet to receive a response.

[Thanks for the tip, Torsten!]

MassivelyWhat happened to Gatheryn? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-forumsbreakingclosed-betaforumsgatherynisa-anne-stamosmindfuse-gamesmini-gamesno-communicationrumorserver-downtimesteampunksunsetThu, 07 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gatheryn casual games update brings minigame pavilion and location-based puzzles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/gatheryn-casual-games-update-brings-minigame-pavilion-and-locati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/gatheryn-casual-games-update-brings-minigame-pavilion-and-locati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/gatheryn-casual-games-update-brings-minigame-pavilion-and-locati/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The MMO industry seems to be stepping away from pure fantasy titles, and some new projects are taking a rather different approach to what we expect from massively multiplayer online games. Gatheryn from MindFuse is one such title, that blends steampunk and mini-games into an MMO that's a departure from the norm. Gatheryn is already a decidedly casual MMO, but that hasn't stopped the creators from identifying what works and running with it. In this case, they've opted to add more mini-games to Gatheryn's existing beta content.

Gatheryn's Casual Games Update, which went live today, brings two new features to the steampunk-themed MMO. The Minigame Pavilion is a carnival where players can try out Gatheryn's numerous minigames, right off the bat, and without needing to pay silver to try them out. MindFuse has also introduced Word Safari, which they describe as "a series of location-based puzzles where players find special objects and match words according to their specific role and location in Elymia." This sounds like fun, and in some respects is like an exploration game as players learn more about the various areas to be found in Gatheryn. If this seems like your type of game, you can register for the Gatheryn beta over on their signup page.

MassivelyGatheryn casual games update brings minigame pavilion and location-based puzzles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetascarnivalcasualcasual-gamescasual-games-updateelymiagatherynmindfusemini-gamesminigame-pavilionsteampunkword-safariTue, 07 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: New classes, prestige classes and more coming to Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-new-classes-prestige-classes-and-more-coming-to-free-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-new-classes-prestige-classes-and-more-coming-to-free-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-new-classes-prestige-classes-and-more-coming-to-free-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Are you one of the folks who has leveled your classes all the way to max in Free Realms and are kind of wondering what now? Well, if you're the type who loves progression and really building your character up to be better, you're in luck. The folks at SOE are planning to introduce Prestige classes (much like the aforementioned racing ones) that will allow players to level their jobs to 20, and improve them through further play.

Along with this interesting development, they are adding in some new jobs to the game, like the Pro Racing class - and perhaps a new class to go with the Soccer game (Soccer player? Footballer?) since SOE has let us know that they are finally bringing those fenced-off soccer fields into play. Added to these new tidbits will be further expansion on the backstory of Free Realms, which will explain a bit more about the lands and inhabitants of this crazy fun casual MMO, as well as opening up more story-driven quests for players. Sounds like a bunch of exciting news coming in the next few months! We can't wait.
Massively was on the ground in Los Angeles last week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.

MassivelyE3 2009: New classes, prestige classes and more coming to Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-storye3-2009frfree-realmsmini-gamesnew-jobsprestige-classessoccersoesony-online-entertainmentMon, 08 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you know of any player-created MMO mini-games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-know-of-any-player-created-mmo-mini-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-know-of-any-player-created-mmo-mini-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/30/the-daily-grind-do-you-know-of-any-player-created-mmo-mini-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Given all the recent excitement surrounding Aion, we've been paying a lot closer attention to NCsoft's new title lately. Today, we stumbled across an interesting developer blog post highlighting an in-game mini-game called Aion Spirit Soccer. This would probably be unremarkable if the developers had created it, but they didn't; the players did.

The rules for Spirit Soccer are pretty simple. Each team consists of four forwards and a goalie. The ball is actually a neutral player who completely gives up control of his avatar. Both teams try to score on each other by using non-combat "Fear" spells and "Trap" abilities to move the "ball" toward and through two defined goal posts. After the predetermined amount of time is up, the game is over.

You can watch a video of Aion Spirit Soccer after the cut. This is another great example of how player created content can enhance MMOs. Do you know of any other player created MMO mini-games?

Continue reading The Daily Grind: Do you know of any player-created MMO mini-games?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you know of any player-created MMO mini-games? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionmini-gamesncsoftplayer-created-contentquestionspirit-soccerthe-daily-grindSat, 30 May 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO pacifism: Expanding combat alternative systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/mmo-pacifism-expanding-combat-alternative-systems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/mmo-pacifism-expanding-combat-alternative-systems/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/28/mmo-pacifism-expanding-combat-alternative-systems/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Murder. Death. Kill. These words are synonymous with most MMORPGs (oh, and 1993's Demolition Man too, but let's not go there). There have been a number of systems introduced to the genre since its birth, but combat (PvE and PvP) has always been at the forefront. One blogger wants that to change.

Syp of BioBreak has been playing a lot of LOTRO lately and he's starting to feel like Turbine are a bunch of nature-haters forcing players into the roll of exterminator extraordinaire. "It's not just 'kill 10 rats,' it's 'kill 10 of every freakin' last thing that ever walked, crawled, slithered or flew over the earth, just because'." This got him wondering about what the alternatives were. If done well, what activities would he choose over combat?

He came up with a fairly extensive list of established features that could use some buffing up in his opinion, including: crafting, mini-games, puzzles, trading card games, vehicle action, achievements, and diplomacy/politics. Head on over to read his thoughts.

MassivelyMMO pacifism: Expanding combat alternative systems originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementscombatcraftingdiplomacymini-gamespoliticspuzzlestrading-card-gamevehicleThu, 28 May 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What game mechanic do you dislike?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/the-daily-grind-what-game-mechanic-do-you-dislike/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/the-daily-grind-what-game-mechanic-do-you-dislike/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/the-daily-grind-what-game-mechanic-do-you-dislike/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


No MMO is perfect, although some cut it pretty close (I'll leave it up to you to decide which). Regardless of which game you play, whether it's WoW, EVE, City of Heroes, AoC or even a fremium like Free Realms, there will always be something about the game that not everyone will like. For me it's mainly little things: the minigames in Free Realms, the vehicle interface in WoW. But sometimes, it's mechanics like this which can make or break a game and help a player decide whether they should continue past the 7/10/14-day trial and actually pay good money for a game.

For some it's an ability or a particular boss, for others it's something not in game that probably should be. I want to know what game mechanics -- which are in your game of choice -- you really don't like and why. Speak up, readers, and drop your thoughts in the box below.


MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What game mechanic do you dislike? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conancity-of-heroeseve-onlinefree-realmsgame-mechanicsmini-gamemini-gamesmountsthe-daily-grindworld-of-warcraftWed, 20 May 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms video preview focuses on character creation and gameplay]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/free-realms-video-preview-focuses-on-character-creation-and-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/free-realms-video-preview-focuses-on-character-creation-and-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/19/free-realms-video-preview-focuses-on-character-creation-and-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


There are so many massively multiplayer online titles on the horizon that it would be hard to pick a staff favorite among the Massively writers, but one game that consistently draws 'oohs' and 'aahs' from us is Free Realms from Sony Online Entertainment. We're not alone in wanting to know more about the game. Adam Sessler from G4's X-Play recently got some screen time with Free Realms associate art director Sebastian Strzalkowski.

Strzalkowski walks the viewer through character creation, which is done via the Free Realms website before the game itself actually launches. As the interview progresses, he mentions that a storyline runs through the game's quests, but players aren't locked into following along with it. A wide variety of mini-games will be on offer, as the accompanying footage shows off. SOE's hope is that the mix of various types of activities in the game (plus pets and social networking) will hold appeal for its younger target audience as well as the parents of those gamers. We've got the video embed of X-Play's Hands On: Free Realms Game Preview after the jump.

Continue reading Free Realms video preview focuses on character creation and gameplay

MassivelyFree Realms video preview focuses on character creation and gameplay originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Realms is one of those rare massively multiplayer online games that seems to hold appeal for both children and adults, despite its target group of teens and tweens. Sony Online Entertainment released a video blog from CES 2009 specifically about the game, with SOE President John Smedley and Creative Director Laralyn McWilliams. They explain a bit about what the game is, and some of what makes the title unique.

The video blog is interspersed with footage from Free Realms, highlighting its combat-optional design philosophy. This should provide gamers with a variety of options -- including pets and mini-games -- allowing them to play however they choose.

Continue reading Free Realms video blog hits on game's unique features

MassivelyFree Realms video blog hits on game's unique features originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Judging from the response we've seen from some our readers in the past, All Points Bulletin from Realtime Worlds is a hotly-anticipated MMO. And why wouldn't it be? APB may very well be a refreshing change from the tried-and-true marriage of fantasy and massively multiplayer games, and is one of the first urban crime MMOs we can see on the horizon.

The most recent All Points Bulletin newsletter addresses some of the input from APB's growing fan community on the types of weapons available, mini-games, and leisure activities they feel should be in the game. Realtime Worlds confirms that a few of the player-suggested features will, in fact, be present in the title.

Continue reading All Points Bulletin newsletter updates fans on game features

MassivelyAll Points Bulletin newsletter updates fans on game features originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbchris-collinscrimedeumdundeemini-gamesminigamesnewsletterrealtime-worldsscotlandurban-crimeMon, 10 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanfest details emerge on EVE's Walking in Stations expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/fanfest-details-emerge-on-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/fanfest-details-emerge-on-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/fanfest-details-emerge-on-eves-walking-in-stations-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In further news coming from EVE Fanfest 2008, CCP Games has given a press-only presentation detailing the upcoming Walking in Stations expansion for EVE Online. While this is an aspect of the game that's so far been a divisive issue among EVE players, the expansion will allow players to step out of their ships and interact as highly detailed avatars in ship station interiors and captain's quarters aboard their own ships (presumably while docked in a station hangar).

Walking in Stations is a project that's drawn on the talents of "special effects artists from the world of television and movies into the video game medium, a number of whom have been brought on to the team at CCP," writes Jon Wood of MMORPG.com, reporting from Reykjavik.

Continue reading Fanfest details emerge on EVE's Walking in Stations expansion

MassivelyFanfest details emerge on EVE's Walking in Stations expansion originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ambulation, or 'Walking in Stations' as it now seems to be known, is a hotly anticipated feature coming to EVE Online. It represents the first effort by CCP Games to add a more interactive dimension to the game, where players will finally be able to step out of their ships to socialize, play games, and ... modify one another's bodies? Apparently so.

While some information about Walking in Stations is already known, EVE Stratics recently turned up more details. Trish "Seridove" Bennon and Michael "Solace" Lutes recently got some face time at PAX 2008 with CCP Games devs Jeremy Albert (Associate Producer) and Noah Ward (Lead Game Designer, aka CCP Hammerhead) who talked about aspects of the expansion.

Continue reading New details surface about EVE's 'Walking in Stations' expansion

MassivelyNew details surface about EVE's 'Walking in Stations' expansion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let's face it ... sometimes MMOs have their 'slow moments'. Whether it's crafting, lengthy travel times, crafting materials gathering, crafting, endless grind sessions for rep or XP, waiting for guildies at an instance, or crafting, your average MMO player will experience a boring moment or two over the course of their gaming career. If you're anything like the bloggers around here, you'll have eventually realized that you can play two games at once if you put your mind to it. Casual games like the offerings of PopCap or PlayFirst can make the time go past oh-so-much faster. Some titles, like EverQuest, EverQuest 2, and soon Star Wars Galaxies, have their own TCG games embedded within the MMO itself.

So what do you play while you play? Are you a Bejeweled fan, maybe a Diner Dash aficionado? Give us your mini-game best shots in the comments!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What do you play while you play? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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During our visit to Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment's Arizona studio, we got to sit down with five of the top minds on the Stargate Worlds team -- studio head Dan Elggren, creative director Chris Klug, art director Howard Lyon, VP of technology Demetrius Comes, and senior marketing manager Kevin Balentine. This exclusive, in-depth, and conversational interview is overflowing with information about everything in the game, including TV series tie-ins and cameos, episodic content, combat, graphics, mini-games, and much, much more. This meaty interview is an essential read for any Stargate or MMO fan. We've split it up into four parts for easy reading. Enjoy!

Gallery: Massively visits Stargate Worlds

Continue reading Massively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview

MassivelyMassively visits Stargate Worlds: The interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeologistcasualcheyenne-mountaincheyenne-mountain-entertainmentchris-klugcmedan-elggrendemetrius-comesdiplomacyfeaturedfireskyhoward-lyoninterviewjoystiqfeatureskevin-balentinemini-gamesminigamesscientistsgwstargatestargate-worldsThu, 10 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hello Kitty Online to feature character creation and ... farms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/hello-kitty-online-to-feature-character-creation-and-farms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/hello-kitty-online-to-feature-character-creation-and-farms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/hello-kitty-online-to-feature-character-creation-and-farms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


I have to apologize in advance to any stalwart fans of the Hello Kitty franchise who are anxiously anticipating Hello Kitty Online with baited breath. Perhaps it is a sad commentary on the inherent cynicism and snarkiness of your modern blogger, but I have serious doubts about whether or not you will ever see a post about HKO here on Massively without some at least a touch of sarcasm or irony. Fault us for our taste if you will, but never doubt or honesty!

Having said that, this official trailer for Hello Kitty Online demonstrates such innovative new features as character creation, personalized avatars (which is different than character creation, in some way that eludes me), virtual community, farms, in-game items, houses, and mini-games including fan favorites like Rock-Paper-Scissor! In this respect, the game appears less interested in re-inventing the wheel, than in ensuring it is super cute and perhaps slightly creepy. As the game moves into beta in the near future, look for more impressions and news to surface.

[Via ZergWatch]

MassivelyHello Kitty Online to feature character creation and ... farms originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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