Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Roguelikes inspire EVE Online's revamped hacking minigame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/roguelikes-inspire-eve-onlines-revamped-hacking-minigame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/roguelikes-inspire-eve-onlines-revamped-hacking-minigame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/roguelikes-inspire-eve-onlines-revamped-hacking-minigame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online hacking screen
June 4th is coming up fast, and with it EVE Online's new Odyssey expansion. The content drop will feature improved explorer pursuits, with particular emphasis on removing the "'sit and wait' aspect of exploration gameplay" in favor of "something interesting to do."

In the case of today's dev blog, the interesting thing to do is hacking, and CCP says that it drew inspiration from roguelikes for the new minigame's "procedurally generated levels, turn-based combat, and permadeath." You can read all about it on the official EVE Online website.

MassivelyRoguelikes inspire EVE Online's revamped hacking minigame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdev-blogeveeve-expansioneve-hackingeve-onlineeve-online-odysseyexpansiongame-mechanicshackinginternet-spaceshipsminigamesodysseysandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineMon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Asian-themed browser-based MMO Yitien hits open beta tomorrow]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/asian-themed-browser-based-mmo-yitien-hits-open-beta-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/asian-themed-browser-based-mmo-yitien-hits-open-beta-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/asian-themed-browser-based-mmo-yitien-hits-open-beta-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yitien
Sometimes, one has a particular sort of gaming itch in need of scratching. If your recent itch happens to have been a Chinese-themed high fantasy browser-based game, you are so, so lucky. Yitien, a new title from R2Games, happens to fill that niche ever so nicely, and it's launching into open beta on April 9th.

Yitien is about mastering two legendary weapons, going on quests, slaughterfying other players, mastering the subtleties of Yeti disguises, and minigames. The game already boasts a marriage system, which "provides awesome stat bonuses." So there's... there's that.

[Source: R2Games press release]

MassivelyAsian-themed browser-based MMO Yitien hits open beta tomorrow originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmochinachinese-mmof2pfree-to-playftpisometricminigamesopen-betar2gamesreality-squared-gamesyitienMon, 08 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vendetta Online releases iPad launch date and trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/vendetta-online-releases-ipad-launch-date-and-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/vendetta-online-releases-ipad-launch-date-and-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/vendetta-online-releases-ipad-launch-date-and-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Vendetta Online releases iPad launch date and trailer
At GDC we learned that Vendetta Online for the iPad will be available this spring. Well, guess what? It's spring! Guild Software has announced that iOS system is launching in less than two weeks; come April 17th, iPad users will be able to explore all 30 star systems in the game and participate in twitch-based space combat with all other denizens of the vast universe. On top of that, players on the iOS have access to a single player "free play" mode where they can practice flying and play various minigames even while offline.

Vendetta Online will be available on the iPad App Store for just 99 cents, which includes one month of free play. After that, the monthly subscription is $1.00.

Wondering how the game looks from the mobile device? Check out the trailer after the break. And for more impressions, check out Massively's hands-on experience.

[Source: Guild Software Press release]

Continue reading Vendetta Online releases iPad launch date and trailer

MassivelyVendetta Online releases iPad launch date and trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Guild-SoftwareiOSiOS-versioniPadiPad-launchlaunchminigamesoflfine-single-player-modesandboxsingler-player-modeVendetta-OnlineFri, 05 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese browser MMO Yitien launches alpha on March 29th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/chinese-browser-mmo-yitien-launches-alpha-on-march-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/chinese-browser-mmo-yitien-launches-alpha-on-march-29th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/chinese-browser-mmo-yitien-launches-alpha-on-march-29th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Yitien alpha artwork
R2Games will be bringing Yitien, a Chinese-themed MMORPG, to browsers starting on March 29th. The developers promise a variety of play, from turn-based battles and multi-player arenas to PvP events and a version of the ever-familiar rock, paper, scissors. In one event, players can sign up at a certain time and enter a zone that transforms every player into a yeti. There will be no way to distinguish players from NPC yetis, but points and treasure are earned as NPCs are defeated and player attacks are successfully repelled. Attacking other players, however, will award you no points.

Players will also participate in a simple board game, rolling dice and moving a number of spaces. The first player to reach a certain location on the board wins the game. Players landing on the same square will battle, while players who run into mysterious warriors will have to fight using rock, paper, scissors for the chance to win lucrative trinkets.

Already available in China, Yitien has accrued 20 million total registered players with an average of 500,000 users logged on at one time. (How many bots are involved with those numbers, we'll never know.) You can sign up now on the official site.

[Source: R2Games press release]

Gallery: Yitien screenshots

MassivelyChinese browser MMO Yitien launches alpha on March 29th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testalpha-testingbetabeta-testbeta-testingboardgamesbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-mmochinachinese-mmof2pfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryisometricminigamesr2gamesscreenshotscreenshotstestingyitienThu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Creative MMO minigames
Few people are without opinions on minigames in MMOs. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, and some just ignore 'em. Some even despise that I won't type "th." Takes all types, really. Personally, I'm all for including new types of enjoyable systems that can be repeated, particularly if it benefits my character in some way.

There's also this perception that minigames are just for kids. It's true that more kid-centric titles like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures thrive on minigames like you thrive on deep-fried butter balls, but these little diversions exist all over the place in "grownup" titles too. Holidays are a favorite time to trot them out, although there are plenty that exist year-round.

Today we're going to look at 10 creative minigames that have tickled my fancy over the year. Yes, I used the word "fancy." Whatcha gonna do about it?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbuy-to-playcrypticcryptic-studioseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfallen-earthfantasyfefeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveg1gameforgegameforge-berlingamersfirstguild-wars-2gw2humorlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominigamesncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpost-apocpost-apocalypticpuzzlepuzzle-piratespweromrounduprunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisegasoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinesteamstotaboreatelonthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-ringsthree-rings-designtop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listturbineturbine-entertainmentvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftwastelandsworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Land and Hand: Crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/land-and-hand-crafting-and-gathering-in-final-fantasy-xivs-rel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/land-and-hand-crafting-and-gathering-in-final-fantasy-xivs-rel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/land-and-hand-crafting-and-gathering-in-final-fantasy-xivs-rel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Work that armor. Work it good.
When I was playing Final Fantasy XIV's pre-launch beta, it was gathering that made me realize I was in real trouble with this game. Normally I consider gathering to be a necessary evil, a part of the game that exists and only occasionally overlaps with what I like to do. But the first time I started chopping away as a Botanist, I knew that something special was going on here.

Of course, gathering and crafting also needed an overhaul. The former was a frequently luck-based minigame that could be intensely frustrating to decipher with few skills that seemed to do much, and the latter was obtuse even if you ignore the fact that you didn't have a recipe book. So the relaunch had the unenviable task of reworking both systems while at the same time retaining what made them such a breath of fresh air.

If you liked Final Fantasy XIV's crafting or gathering before, I'm happy to say you still will -- and odds are good you'll like both even more because the new systems in place are solid improvements of what came before.

Continue reading Land and Hand: Crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch

MassivelyLand and Hand: Crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolescraftingcrafting-mechanicsdisciples-of-the-handdisciples-of-the-landfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgatheringgathering-mechanicshands-onminigamesnew-systemspreviewpreviewssquaresquare-enixThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare to celebrate the Canthan New Year in Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/prepare-to-celebrate-the-canthan-new-year-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/prepare-to-celebrate-the-canthan-new-year-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/prepare-to-celebrate-the-canthan-new-year-in-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Celebration means putting a dragon mask on a lion statue, because party.
It's time to celebrate the new year! What, why are you rolling your eyes and saying that happened weeks ago? This is the Canthan New Year we're talking about in Guild Wars, a chance for Canthan citizens and less-fortunate Tyrian adventurers to take part in games and festivities while hoping to please the celestial animals for a fortunate new year. And this time around, there are more than a few surprises waiting in the wings even for veteran players.

This year's festival starts at 3:00 p.m. EST on January 31st and runs through February 7th, the start of a new policy for the game that will keep all events running for at least a week on fixed dates every year. Players will be able to aid in the preparation of the celestial animal feast, have their fortunes read, and play games on the Shing Jea Boardwalk. There will also be racing events in the Rollerbeetle Racing Arena and combat events in the Dragon Arena if you prefer. And there are special minipets to unlock as well as the promise of a mystery reward if the Celestial Animals are pleased with their meal. So even if you thought you were done with celebrating another year, you might want to pop back into Guild Wars and get back to the celebration.

MassivelyPrepare to celebrate the Canthan New Year in Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcanthan-new-yearevent-rewardsfantasyguild-warsgwin-game-eventin-game-eventslimited-time-eventloreminigamesncsoftnew-year-celebrationspecial-eventFri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape doubles rewards in minigames this Winter Weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/runescape-doubles-rewards-in-minigames-this-winter-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/runescape-doubles-rewards-in-minigames-this-winter-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/runescape-doubles-rewards-in-minigames-this-winter-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RuneScape doubles rewards in minigames this Winter Weekend
Wondering what to do this weekend? If you play RuneScape, you can take advantage of the special Winter Weekend running from 7 p.m. EST (midnight GMT) tonight through the same time on Sunday night. As part of an ongoing series of winter celebrations, this weekend's festivities will offer double the rewards in the following seven minigames: Castle Wars; Soul Wars; Trawler; Pest Control; Big Chinchompa; Evil Tree; and Shooting Star.

As an added bonus, anyone who is a member during the month of December also gets a special additional 50 percent XP boost for 30 minutes each day with Festive Aura. So jump on in and take advantage of these holiday specials before they disappear!

[Source Jagex press release]

MassivelyRuneScape doubles rewards in minigames this Winter Weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmodouble-rewardsf2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiominigamesrsrunescapesandboxWinter-WeekendXP-bonusFri, 07 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Piling up prizes with EQII's Gigglegibber minigames]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/the-tattered-notebook-piling-up-prizes-with-eqiis-gigglegibber/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/the-tattered-notebook-piling-up-prizes-with-eqiis-gigglegibber/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/01/the-tattered-notebook-piling-up-prizes-with-eqiis-gigglegibber/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Tattered Notebook Piling up prizes with EQII's Gigglegibber minigames
The EverQuest II team has been regularly checking off game changes from the summer update announcement, and the most recent additions to the world of Norrath are new Gigglegibber minigames. If you've had your eye on a certain armor crate, a particular mount, or a handy consumable, but you haven't wanted to spend a lot of Station Cash to buy it, you can try your luck at winning it through one of three minigames. For 100 SC, you can buy a ticket, play a game, and get a random reward at the end.

If you're curious about what the games are like and what the possible prizes are, then you're in luck! In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll hang out with the Gigglegibbers and explore the new minigames.

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Piling up prizes with EQII's Gigglegibber minigames

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Piling up prizes with EQII's Gigglegibber minigames originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playmarketplaceminigameminigamesopinionsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 01 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: We do not play games for a living edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ask-massively-we-do-not-play-games-for-a-living-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ask-massively-we-do-not-play-games-for-a-living-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/ask-massively-we-do-not-play-games-for-a-living-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Total paycheck for this bit of roleplaying: $0.00.
One of the most persistent misconceptions about what we do here at Massively is this idea that we play games for a living. Allow me to be perfectly clear in this: What you're seeing right now? This article? The one I wrote? Writing this is what I do for a living. I write about games, and I enjoy games, but if I decided to not write any of my columns for a month and just play Star Wars: The Old Republic, I would be fired. That is not my job.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, it's time for another installment of Ask Massively, this time featuring questions about gambling and the latest City of Heroes cash shop offering. If you've got a question you'd like to see in a future installment of the column, mail it to ask@massively.com or leave it in the comments below. Questions may be edited for brevity and/or clarity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: We do not play games for a living edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: We do not play games for a living edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-massivelycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncolumnscovcoxfeaturedgamblinggambling-minigamesminigamesopinionThu, 09 Feb 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape spices up minigames with better rewards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/runescape-spices-up-minigames-with-better-rewards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/runescape-spices-up-minigames-with-better-rewards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/runescape-spices-up-minigames-with-better-rewards/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RuneScape
RuneScape, the under-the-radar MMO that keeps drawing in the crowds in mind-boggling numbers, wants everyone to enjoy the title's many minigames. While they're fun for their own sake, we're not going to sneeze at the prospect of getting a shiny trinket or two while we play -- and RuneScape has quite a few new shinies on tap for dedicated minigamers.

Jagex has added a "veritable bounty" of top-notch rewards for minigames, although these are only attainable by high-level players. These include five new sets of gear that can help boost one's skill focus (such as Runecrafting or Thieving), a cute and not-so-cuddly TzRek-Jad pet, new lunar spells, gear customization items, and more. For an infernal doggy, there's very little we wouldn't do, so we'll bet these rewards will be popular motivators.

RuneScape boasts an impressive 10 minigames, including Castle Wars, Pest Control, and the TzHaar Fight Pits.

MassivelyRuneScape spices up minigames with better rewards originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castle-warsf2pfree-to-playgearjagexlunar-magiclunar-spellsminigameminigamespatchpest-controlpetrewardsrunecraftingrunescapethievingTzHaar-Fight-PitsTzRek-JadFri, 26 Aug 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/14/rise-and-shiny-recap-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Free Realms screenshot
This week I decided to revisit a game that has been covered and played by me (and this site) quite a bit before. In hindsight, Free Realms was a bit of a big deal when it was released. I have to admit that I thought it was going to be something different than it was, but I was pleasantly surprised at how it played and looked. It wasn't so long ago, but my, how things have changed in the game.

Critics have said that Sony Online Entertainment ruined certain systems while loyal fans have collected pets, decorated their houses, and had a pretty darn good time. Where do I fall along the spectrum? Well, I simply have not made as much time for the game as I would have liked lately, so I couldn't tell you. Early on, I was obsessed enough over the game to host a brief podcast about it and to level up several jobs. Fastforward to now, when I decided to take a week and revisit the game.

Click past the cut and I'll let you know what I found.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Free Realms

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Free Realms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopchildrensf2pfeaturedfrfree-realmsfree-to-playkidsLiveStreammark-tuttleMicrotransactionsminigamesSOESony-Online-EntertainmentvideoSun, 14 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Nival announces Facebook-integrated MMO Prime World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-nival-announces-facebook-integrated-mmo-prime-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-nival-announces-facebook-integrated-mmo-prime-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/e3-2011-nival-announces-facebook-integrated-mmo-prime-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Nival may be a new player in the MMOsphere, but Prime World, its first big push into the fray, is looking to turn a few heads. Developed in the Unity 3D engine and promising an intense PvP experience inspired by Defense of the Ancients, Prime World hopes to break from other, similar games by integrating itself into Facebook. While elements of the social game can be played in a web browser, the PvP combat will require a downloadable client.

Players will be able to construct castles and enjoy other social gaming features, and these elements will bleed into the PvP portions of the game and vice-versa. Well-designed castles will provide "meaningful benefits" to the PvP action scenes, and social networks can be exploited, helping players gain strategic advantages. Likewise, the spoils gained from successful PvP victories and other minigames can be used to customize your castle or be gifted to friends.

Nival is expecting Prime World to enter closed beta late this year, but it released a teaser trailer to whet our appetites until then. Check it out after the break!

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!


Gallery: Prime World

Continue reading E3 2011: Nival announces Facebook-integrated MMO Prime World

MassivelyE3 2011: Nival announces Facebook-integrated MMO Prime World originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dota-inspirede3e3-2011galleryminigamesmmortsnew-titlesnivalpreviewprime-worldsocial-gamesstrategyvideoTue, 07 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Is Age of Conan a PvP-focused game?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/the-anvil-of-crom-is-age-of-conan-a-pvp-focused-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/the-anvil-of-crom-is-age-of-conan-a-pvp-focused-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/the-anvil-of-crom-is-age-of-conan-a-pvp-focused-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One of the great things about Massively is the deluge of MMO information and opinion that is spread across the site on a daily basis. Since I'm so closely tied to our Age of Conan coverage, it's interesting to read other writers' perspectives on Hyboria, particularly when they don't match my own.

Take one of our recent early-morning conversation starters in which Funcom's title is described as a PvP-focused game. Despite being a throw-away reference, the wording here struck a strange chord. Age of Conan does feature both open world and instanced PvP, but said PvP is -- in my experience -- a red-headed step-child in terms of content updates, system tweaks, and player preference.

The key here is "in my experience," and it's amazing how a simple turn of phrase like "PvP-focused game" can send the mind drifting on all manner of perceptual tangents. Analytically, though, is Age of Conan a PvP-focused game as of May 2011? Head past the cut to find out.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Is Age of Conan a PvP-focused game?

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Is Age of Conan a PvP-focused game? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananvil-of-cromaocboricall-of-jhebbal-sagcraig-morrisonfantasyfeaturedfuncomgame-mechanicsminigamesopen-world-pvpopinionpvepve-vs-pvppvppvp-vs-pveshrines-of-borithe-anvil-of-cromSun, 15 May 2011 12:00:00 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[Two years of Free Realms: A retrospective]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/two-years-of-free-realms-a-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/two-years-of-free-realms-a-retrospective/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/two-years-of-free-realms-a-retrospective/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

"It's your world."

Those three words sum up Free Realms, and it's no coincidence that it's the title song for the game. It's hard to believe that the game is only two years old -- much has changed since launch, and in many ways, this young MMO has been a pioneer in the market.

To celebrate Free Realms' second birthday, we're going to take a look back at some highlights. From pet training, to Chatdy's name change, to its Guinness World Record, the game has experienced many milestones. Read on for a retrospective as well as a peek at the future.

Continue reading Two years of Free Realms: A retrospective

MassivelyTwo years of Free Realms: A retrospective originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatdychattydomofeaturedfree-realmsfree-realms-birthdayguinness-book-of-world-recordsits-your-worldjohn-smedleylaralyn-mcwilliamsminigamesnick-parkinsonpet-trainerplaystation-3playstation3ps3soeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-darestrailervideoThu, 28 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fishing changes on the way to Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/fishing-changes-on-the-way-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/fishing-changes-on-the-way-to-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/fishing-changes-on-the-way-to-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There are certain constants in Final Fantasy XI that every veteran of the game knows, whether or not they were intended by the development team. It's a known fact, for instance, that you need an extra character to serve as a storage mule. You need to farm if you want money. And fishing is well-known for both being all but required for making money and being frequently boring and frustrating. But that last constant looks to be poised for changing, with the newest fishing changes promising a cleaner and easier experience while trawling Vana'diel's waters.

The first welcome change will give players a more detailed set of information when fishing rather than a simple generic message that you've snagged something. The second, however, will be even more helpful for fishers -- a message informing you of exactly what you've hooked if your skill level surpasses the level required for the fish. Both changes go hand-in-hand with a general revamp and improvement of the fishing code to make fishing easier for Final Fantasy XI's anglers to enjoy, while at the same time cutting down on the often unwanted botting that plagues fishing holes.

MassivelyFishing changes on the way to Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftingffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifishinggatheringminigamesnewspatchessquaresquare-enixsystem-adjustmentsupcoming-changesupcoming-patchesMon, 18 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms buys the farm, offers it to players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/free-realms-buys-the-farm-offers-it-to-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/free-realms-buys-the-farm-offers-it-to-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/free-realms-buys-the-farm-offers-it-to-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Farming is kind of a hot-button issue for a lot of gamers these days, bringing forth mumblings about Facebook and clicking on cows. Fortunately for players who like farming in a colorful environment but don't feel like supporting aggressive non-gameplay, Free Realms has just introduced the option to work on your very own farm, clickable cows not included. All players will receive their own Wilds Farm to start cultivating, decorating, and harvesting as they see fit.

As is par for the course for the game, the new farming system introduces a number of minigames for farmers to convert crops into coins. Farming will also provide a surfeit of new items available to expert harvesters. If you're particularly taken by the farming mechanics, you can also purchase additional spots of land and items for planting for Station Cash. Free Realms players on the Mac and PC can begin enjoying the little joys of working on a farm, albeit without the backbreaking labor that accompanies a real farm.

Gallery: Free Realms

Player Housing - ExteriorPlayer Housing - InteriorPet PonyPet Spiked Dragon

MassivelyFree Realms buys the farm, offers it to players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>farmingfarmsfrfree-2-playfree-mmorpgfree-realmsfree-realms-soefree-realms-sonyfree-to-playgallerygrowingharvestingminigamessoesony-onlinesony-online-entertainmentMon, 11 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan Dreamworld patch goes live, faction grind reduced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/age-of-conan-dreamworld-patch-goes-live-faction-grind-reduced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/age-of-conan-dreamworld-patch-goes-live-faction-grind-reduced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/08/age-of-conan-dreamworld-patch-goes-live-faction-grind-reduced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Today's the big day for Age of Conan's Dreamworld engine upgrade, and Funcom has made the extensive notes available as it deploys the update to the live servers. Dreamworld features improved memory handling, loading times, framerates, and network latency as well as several visual upgrades (including the addition of tree wind, god rays, and higher-quality water for DX9 users).

The 2.1.3 patch also brings a few notable tweaks aside from Dreamworld, including minigame class balance fixes and the ability to purchase Khitai faction items (including simple trophies, marks of acclaim, and imperial insignias) with veteran tokens.

Age of Conan's launcher notes that "this is part of the current focus on improving the faction progression in Khitai, which will continue in subsequent updates with a significant increase in the speed of progression for faction." Check out the full patch notes on the official AoC forums.

MassivelyAge of Conan Dreamworld patch goes live, faction grind reduced originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.1.32.1.3-patchage-of-conanaocdreamworldengine-upgradefactionfaction-grindfantasyfuncomgrindgrind-reductionkhitaiminigamesveteran-tokensTue, 08 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/choose-my-adventure-theres-no-crying-in-the-spiral-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/choose-my-adventure-theres-no-crying-in-the-spiral-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/02/choose-my-adventure-theres-no-crying-in-the-spiral-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Ah, another week of playing in the Spiral of Wizard101. It's been a lot of fun so far, and I've learned more than I thought I would. Of course, the game continues to run smoothly without almost any issues, and the combat is really starting to ramp up. I've barely dipped my toes into crafting and gathering, only going so far as to take on the first quest in a line that seems to explain it. I even dabbled in pet-raising and games, as well, probably the main area in which I can see the need for more improvement.

Other than that, I mostly enjoyed jumping into open groups with other players. Solo play is a blast, for sure, but having three other wizards at your side as you battle a gaggle of baddies is a sight to be seen. I'll have to get much better, though, in spite of finding it easy to mow down my enemies. I've started to notice chinks in the armor of my deck and have begun to wonder what it is I am doing wrong. I have an idea, but more testing is needed.

Click past the cut to read the details of my adventure, and maybe you can give me some advice, too!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: There's no crying in the Spiral edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancartoon-networkchoose-my-adventurecmafeaturedfreemiumgardeningkingsislekingsisle-entertainmentminigamesnickelodeonthe-spiralvelvet-ropewizard101Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan 2.1.2 patch goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/age-of-conan-2-1-2-patch-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/age-of-conan-2-1-2-patch-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/age-of-conan-2-1-2-patch-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hold on to your bloodied, battle-scarred, and barbarian-themed helmets, kids, it's patch day in Hyboria. Yes, the 2.1.2 update has come to Age of Conan and brought with it a few tweaks to the game's classes. The Guardian, in particular, is the recipient of quite a lot of developer attention, and reaction on the official forums seems to indicate that the rich just got richer.

Also of note is Funcom's apparent addressing of long-standing issues relating to silences and other crowd-control abilities that have heretofore been immune to damage breaks. According to the patch notes, the unintended immunity should no longer occur. Another welcome change sees increased XP rewards from the new Call of Jhebbal Sag PvP minigame, as well as increased tick rates. You can view the full patch notes, and the resulting discussion, on the official boards.

MassivelyAge of Conan 2.1.2 patch goes live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.1.22.1.2-patchage-of-conanaoccall-of-jhebbal-sagcccrowd-controlfantasyfuncomguardianshyboriaminigamespatchpatchessilenceupdatesxpTue, 18 Jan 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan 2.1 brings new minigame, Guardian revamp, winter event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/age-of-conan-2-1-brings-new-minigame-guardian-revamp-winter-ev/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/age-of-conan-2-1-brings-new-minigame-guardian-revamp-winter-ev/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/age-of-conan-2-1-brings-new-minigame-guardian-revamp-winter-ev/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today is patch day in the world of Hyboria, and Funcom has quite a few changes in store for Age of Conan. Version 2.1 is currently on the live servers and it brings new social content, a new PvP minigame, and a Guardian class revamp. Still want more? OK, how does a winter solstice quest grab you?

In addition to the items above, 2.1 also boasts a laundry list of tweaks and additions, among them adjustments to PvP minigame balancing, 18 new Gateway of Khitai quests, guild renown adjustments, and various and sundry bug fixes. While the jury is still out on the minigame balancing, the new game (The Call of Jhebbal Sag) transports players to the Pictish wilderness for a lengthy battle featuring capture objectives and resource stockpiles on a large-scale map.

MassivelyAge of Conan 2.1 brings new minigame, Guardian revamp, winter event originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.12.1-patchage-of-conanaoccall-of-jhebbal-sagclass-revampfuncomguardianguardian-revampguild-eventsminigamespvepvpsocial-contentupdatewinter-eventwinter-solsticeTue, 14 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: LEGO Universe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/first-impressions-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/first-impressions-lego-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/first-impressions-lego-universe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Playing. It's one of our earliest lessons from childhood, and one that we as gamers hold on to with gusto. Let's face it -- in just about every gamer out there is a kid who, at least in some small way, refuses to grow up entirely. We love to play. It's that love, coupled with childhood memories of clicking tons of brightly colored LEGO blocks together, that has made the idea of LEGO videogames a huge hit. Now have a new contender to the LEGO gaming play-space: LEGO Universe. It's a game that has the potential to offer all the things we as MMO gamers would love: an open-ended world, a great known IP that reminds us of youthful days, and the social aspects many of us enjoy.

Aside from this, LEGO Universe also offers many things that parents of young gamers will value. As someone I spoke with recently asked: "What's stopping people from building offensive adult-themed content with LEGO bricks that my child might see?" The answer lies in LEGO Universe's moderation team, known as the Mythran (a shadowy group actually written into the lore of the game), which personally reviews personal free-build areas for compliance. The Mythrans also oversee character and pet names. When combined with a speedchat and whitelisted word chat system, it makes for a very workable solution to keeping kids safe online.

Curious about a look into LEGO Universe? Join me behind the break as I take a more detailed look at this colorful game, and be sure to check out the extensive gallery below!

Gallery: First Impressions: LEGO Universe

Continue reading First Impressions: LEGO Universe

MassivelyFirst Impressions: LEGO Universe originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenfamiliesfamilyfamily-gamesfeaturedfirst-impressionsgame-mechanicsgazilliongazillion-entertainmentkidslegolego-universeLUmechanicsMinigamesnetdevilopinionopinion-pieceoverviewparentspreviewThu, 21 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A crafting and harvesting primer for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/a-crafting-and-harvesting-primer-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/a-crafting-and-harvesting-primer-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/21/a-crafting-and-harvesting-primer-for-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Crafting and harvesting in Final Fantasy XIV is a bit more involved than players have come to expect from the genre. Of course, that's kind of a given for a game in which crafting and gathering classes make up more than half of the options for players. Like with any other game, crafting and harvesting are optional rather than mandatory -- but in this case, fighting monsters with spells and weapons is also optional, with the non-combat classes also being fully capable of reaching the level cap without ever attacking anything.

While the systems for gathering materials and for crafting an item aren't as in-depth and ability-specific as the combat system, they're still far more involved than the now-standard practice of clicking a glowing resource node and waiting for a moment. Both involve minigames which require some attention and thought during play. Click on past the cut for a quick primer on working with Final Fantasy XIV's less violent classes.

Continue reading A crafting and harvesting primer for Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyA crafting and harvesting primer for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classescraftingcrafting-systemfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgatheringgathering-systemminigameminigamessquaresquare-enixTue, 21 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

How could you not fall in love with a Disney/Pixar movie? I'm not sure that's even possible. Cars revved up belly laughs in the theater back in 2006, earning two Oscar nominations and raking in more than a dozen other industry awards. Kids were captivated by the feisty little car characters, and grownups chuckled at voicing from such high-octane stars as Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and even Cheech Marin.

The MMO version of the franchise, which officially launched last month, pulls away from the starting line without this full tank of charisma. World of Cars Online hits on all cylinders yet somehow fails to throttle up into the type of completely engaging world we've come to expect from a Disney/Pixar creation. It's a 2-D, minigame-centric experience with lots (and we do mean lots) of point-and-click racing. Still, if you've got a young boy around the house who's hankering to burn a little online rubber, World of Cars is an inexpensive, kid-friendly way to do it.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carschat-filterchildchildrendisneydisney-interactive-media-groupfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-funfamily-gamingfeaturedflashfree-to-playfreemiumkid-friendlykidsminigamesparental-controlsparentspixarpoint-and-clicksafe-chatspeed-chatweb-basedworld-of-carsworld-of-cars-onlineTue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's radiance to be run over by a train and other future tidbits revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/lotros-radiance-to-be-run-over-by-a-train-and-other-future-tidb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/lotros-radiance-to-be-run-over-by-a-train-and-other-future-tidb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/lotros-radiance-to-be-run-over-by-a-train-and-other-future-tidb/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

"We took Radiance outside, tied it up to some railroad tracks, and...well...I think you saw the end of this in Red Dead Redemption. Look for this in the future -‐ we will be removing Radiance from LotRO." Thus sayeth Turbine's Jen "Jalessa" Gordy, who confirmed that the controversial gear gating system is headed for a messy death.

In the same WarCry developer chat, the team fielded a number of questions about where LotRO is headed after this week's mega-update. Some of the features in the works for Tolkien's digital offspring include a new raid, class changes for monster play, a barter item wallet, PvMP skirmishes, Isengard, additional minigames and -- yes -- vanity pets for all. The devs also admitted to slipping in a few pop culture mentions into the game, such as Firefly and Futurama references.

And will there ever be any other hobbies than fishing in LotRO? Kate Paiz mused: "All of us devs really want to make golf next, but it's a tricky undertaking, so we don't have a timeline yet, but feel free to start practicing your backswings!"

You can read the full transcript at A Casual Stroll to Mordor.

MassivelyLotRO's radiance to be run over by a train and other future tidbits revealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-casual-stroll-to-mordorcant-stop-the-signaldev-chatdeveloper-chatfireflyfishingfuturamagolfhobbieshypnotoadisengardjen-gordyjrr-tolkienlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominigamespvmpradianceraidred-dead-redemptiontolkienturbinevanity-petswarcryTue, 07 Sep 2010 17:00:00 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[Hero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/hero-up-hands-on-with-marvel-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/hero-up-hands-on-with-marvel-super-hero-squad-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/02/hero-up-hands-on-with-marvel-super-hero-squad-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Back in May, I scored Massively's first real look at Super Hero Squad Online, the Marvel-flavored, kid-friendly MMO from Gazillion Entertainment and The Amazing Society. I was smitten with the game at the time, and so when Gazillion offered me the opportunity to take a peek at the newest build earlier this week, I jumped at the chance. Who can resist some hands-on time with such an adorable toy! (Answer to rhetorical question: no one, which is why you should go sign up for beta right now.) Plus, if I learned anything the last time, it was that I have a duty to relentlessly inquire about Squirrel Girl. Am I right?

Gazillion PR Manager Keith Mutzman and The Amazing Society's Director of Games Jay Minn wasted no time bringing me up to speed on the progress of the game as the team heads to PAX this weekend, so I'll pay that forward -- join me after the break and we'll dig in and hero up!

Continue reading Hero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online

MassivelyHero up! Hands-on with Marvel Super Hero Squad Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaction-combatamazing-societyAUTOnomybrowser-basedcash-shopcombatcyclopsf2pfamilyfantastic-fourfeaturedfishbowlfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentgiant-manhands-onHeadquartershero-upHQhuman-torchjay-minnjean-greykeith-mutzmankidsMarvelmarvel-super-hero-squadmicrotransactionMicrotransactionsMinigameMinigamesshsosilver-surferspider-mansquirrel-girlsuper-herosuper-hero-squadsuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherosuperheroesthe-amazing-societythorunity-enginevillainvillewaspThu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/free-for-all-three-games-to-keep-an-eye-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/free-for-all-three-games-to-keep-an-eye-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/free-for-all-three-games-to-keep-an-eye-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There is so much to be excited about in the MMORPG world that I am always perplexed when someone claims lack of innovation in the market. I tend to think that this comes from an inability to play more than one game, or to support more than one idea in gaming, rather than from the actual state of the market. The fact is that there is so much happening in the world of gaming, and specifically free-to-play gaming, a player should feel almost overwhelmed.

I wanted to point out three games now in development (or very close to release) that I believe will do very well. Think of this as a list of predictions -- in fact I am going to have some fun with it and predict just how well these games will do. I have always enjoyed testing my gut. Concerning these three games, my gut is very, very excited. So, let's get right to the list.

Continue reading Free for All: Three games to keep an eye on

MassivelyFree for All: Three games to keep an eye on originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlinebeau-hindmancash-shopclone-warsClone-Wars-Adventurescwaf2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playfree-to-play-is-here-to-stayftpgpotatomin-kimMinigameMinigamesNexonnexon-americapredictionPredictionspriusprius-onlineSOESony-Online-EntertainmentStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorvindictusWed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How do you like your PvP?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-your-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-your-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/the-daily-grind-how-do-you-like-your-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ah, PvP. Personally I kinda hate it, even on those rare occasions when I manage to emerge victorious. In small doses it's OK, but usually it consists of getting face-rolled by a player who knows the game systems much better than I do. That said, minigame PvP is quite enjoyable, particularly Age of Conan's variety, as well as the scenarios in Warhammer Online.

For a carebear like me, the only way to make PvP even semi-palatable is to grant control over when and if it happens. Sure, we may still lose and provide a good belly-laugh to the seasoned killers who view us as their game content, but at least they're not barging in on an otherwise productive session of questing, crafting, or exploring.

What about you, Massively readers? Do you prefer your PvP in spurts such as minigame instances or battlegrounds, or do you like the open-world FFA option common in games like Darkfall and Mortal Online?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: How do you like your PvP? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocaventurinebattlegroundscarebearsdarkfallffaffa-pvpfuncomminigamesmortal-onlineopen-world-pvpopinionpvpstarvaultthe-daily-grindThu, 05 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like minigames in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-minigames-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-minigames-in-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-minigames-in-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Quick: What does cooking in Free Realms, diplomacy in Vanguard, fishing in World of Warcraft and horse racing in Lord of the Rings Online have in common? Other than being fantastic wastes of time (I kid, I kid), they're all types of minigames added to our MMOs by ambitious developers who were looking for ways other than "smash with club" to accomplish tasks in game.

Some minigames are little more than whimsical diversions, set out for players looking to blow a few minutes on a cute activity. Other minigames are crucial to achieving goals, as players engage in them to get money, level up professions or even succeed at a raid.

So how do you feel about minigames in MMOs? Are they too "kiddy" and should best be left for Nintendo DS players and Flash game fanatics? Do you like the variety and spice they add to the game? Do you even want to see more of them as alternate ways to advance other than combat?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you like minigames in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashfree-realmslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominigamesnintendo-dsopinionraidtdgthe-daily-grindvanguardworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 02 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[STO celebrates six months of interstellar conflict in the latest State of the Game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/sto-celebrates-six-months-of-interstellar-conflict-in-the-latest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/sto-celebrates-six-months-of-interstellar-conflict-in-the-latest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/sto-celebrates-six-months-of-interstellar-conflict-in-the-latest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While Captain Kirk and the original crew of the Enterprise had an initial five-year mission to explore the cosmos, Star Trek Online players have had a mere six months to do the same. In this span of time, a lot has happened for STO -- some good, some bad, some controversial, and some radically different. As the game heads into its second six-month tour of duty, executive producer Dan Stahl threw open the doors for STO's Season 2.0 update, entitled "Ancient Enemies."

In the latest State of the Game report, Stahl looks back at the additions, changes and accomplishments of the STO team since launch. The bullet point list he lays out is impressive indeed, listing 32 big ticket items that have been implemented into the game. He then looks at the immediate present with the launch of Season 2.0, which Stahl sees as a direct response to player requests and demands. "Season Two is filled with additional features and updates that you asked for, and in some cases even helped us design, specifically minigames," Stahl writes.

Finally, the State of the Game looks at the future of the title and the many improvements that are slated for delivery, including an upgrade to ground combat, more ship options for both factions and rethinking exploration. You can read Dan Stahl's full State of the Game report over at Star Trek Online's site.

MassivelySTO celebrates six months of interstellar conflict in the latest State of the Game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-enemiescrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldstahlexplorationfive-year-missionground-combatlive-long-and-perspireminigamesseason-2season-2.0star-trek-onlinestate-of-the-gamestoTue, 27 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview made available for Star Trek Online's Season 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/preview-made-available-for-star-trek-onlines-season-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/preview-made-available-for-star-trek-onlines-season-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/preview-made-available-for-star-trek-onlines-season-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

If the Season 1 patch for Star Trek Online pushed forward huge improvements to the game's engine, Season 2 looks to expand into several areas players have complained were lacking. Cryptic has just released a preview page detailing several additions, including added Klingon PvE play and six additional levels. The new levels let players reach the coveted rank of Vice Admiral in the Federation and Lieutenant General in the Klingon Empire, bringing improved versions of Tier 5 ships to coincide with the new maximum ranks. While it's not explicitly stated, it's implied that the new ships won't be mandatory upgrades, but rather options for players who want to fly some of the most iconic ships in the franchise's long history.

Even with no other additions, the changes would bring new aspects of play, but the update also sees the launch of the Federation Diplomatic Corps (a separate leveling track of negotiation and social interaction) and a new minigame associated with anomaly scanning. Currently a passive form of resource gathering, scanning will be changed into a simple wave-matching game to help gather additional resources -- making it somewhat more interesting than walking to a node and pressing a button. That's still not getting into the special weekly content due to start arriving in August... there's a good reason Cryptic has made a large page to summarize it at a glance. Star Trek Online's second major patch is targeted to hit later this month, with a first impression from testing available from West Karana.

MassivelyPreview made available for Star Trek Online's Season 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>additional-levelsalternate-levelscrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosharvesting-minigameslevel-capsmajor-patchesminigamespatchespreviewsresource-gatheringseason-1season-2seasonsst-onlinestar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineupdatesWed, 14 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 unveils the game's lighter side]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/guild-wars-2-unveils-the-games-lighter-side/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/guild-wars-2-unveils-the-games-lighter-side/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/guild-wars-2-unveils-the-games-lighter-side/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've learned a lot of core news about Guild Wars 2 lately -- everything from class reveals to character creation has been served up to eager fans.

The latest batch of new information about Guild Wars 2 takes a look at some of the lighter aspects of gameplay. IGN spent some time chatting with the developers and came away with a wealth of new information on events outside the central storyline.

Bar brawls, daily achievements, kill counts, and interaction with NPCs were all covered. We even got hints of some possible side games or minigames, such as a shooting gallery.

Check out the full interview at IGN.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 unveils the game's lighter side originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsanetarenanetfeatsguild-wars-2GW2IGNminigamesncsoftpersonalityWed, 30 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom wants your PvP feedback for Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/funcom-wants-your-pvp-feedback-for-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/funcom-wants-your-pvp-feedback-for-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/30/funcom-wants-your-pvp-feedback-for-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Funcom's Craig "Silirrion" Morrison has been a whirlwind on the official forums of late, whether it's chatting with disgruntled players or soliciting feedback. In a new post published this week, he does a bit more of the latter, calling for suggestions and wish-lists in the form of Age of Conan PvP tweaks.

"Now that the expansion is out, and we will get through the summer holiday period relatively soon, I wanted to hear a little about which area of PVP you folk might want us to focus on. We have a number of things 'on the drawing board' and I am interested in hearing [...] your opinion on what you would consider the most important to focus on," he writes.

Morrison goes on to mention that two oft-requested PvP fixes are already in the works, in the form of siege performance and cross-server minigame queuing. "So those two things are being investigated further anyway, and we know they need to be looked at further so they will be, so this topic isn't to discuss them. We all agree I think those would be great additions (hence the further tech investigation into them). Likewise, class issues and concerns are always ongoing, and discussion of class concerns isn't the point of this post," he says.

All that said, everything else is on the table for discussion, whether it be new minigame settings, open-world objectives, Khitai PvP, or even the return of Drunken Brawling. Check out the post on the official boards to make your voice heard.

MassivelyFuncom wants your PvP feedback for Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conancraig-morrisondrunken-brawlingfuncomminigamesplayerfeedbackpvpsilirrionworld-pvpWed, 30 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2010: Hands-on with Clone Wars Adventures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/e3-2010-hands-on-with-clone-wars-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/e3-2010-hands-on-with-clone-wars-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/19/e3-2010-hands-on-with-clone-wars-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Arriving at the SOE booth at E3, one is assaulted with the shininess of their latest upcoming titles, DC Universe Online and The Agency. But scattered about the booth were demo stations for many of their other upcoming games including the recently announced Clone Wars Adventures. We haven't heard much about this game since it was announced (and our subsequent interview with the lead designer), but we got to sit down at E3 and find out what's involved.

As a quick refresher, CWA is less a traditional MMORPG and more a virtual lobby where players can access a number of minigames. There's no leveling or quests or equipment with stats. It's more Free Realms and less EverQuest. It will be free-to-play as a Flash-based browser title when it arrives this fall. But how does all this actually play? Click past the jump for more info.

Continue reading E3 2010: Hands-on with Clone Wars Adventures

MassivelyE3 2010: Hands-on with Clone Wars Adventures originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopclone-warsClone-Wars-Adventurescwae3e3-2010featuredlightsaberLightsaber-Duelslobbyminigamessoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warstower-defenseSat, 19 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Star Trek Online patch structure looks forward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/new-star-trek-online-patch-structure-looks-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/new-star-trek-online-patch-structure-looks-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/new-star-trek-online-patch-structure-looks-forward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While you can fault the team behind Star Trek Online for some things, failure to plan is certainly not one of them. The development team has been very public about their plans for testing and release, which made a few people rather curious when Season 1.2 launched in early June rather than late May. What would that mean for Season 1.3 and the following Season 2 patch? The most recent Engineering Report on the official forums tackles precisely that, explaining that the team has adjusted their schedule slightly and will roll 1.3 straight into the Season 2 patch.

That leaves us with an enormous list of features for Season 2, which is aimed at July. Ship interiors and a raise in level cap to 51 are the two most obvious changes, with the former offering a choice from several layouts and the latter promoting a player to the rank of Vice Admiral or Lieutenant General. There's also the addition of minigames, weekly episodes, officer trading, new episodes for the high-level band, a new fleet action, and a general surfeit of improvements to the game. Star Trek Online players are encouraged to check out the official thread and offer any feedback to the proposed changes.

MassivelyNew Star Trek Online patch structure looks forward originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance-noticecrypticcryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosin-developmentlevel-capminigamespatchesplansrelease-plansseason-1.3season-2ship-interiorsship-layoutsst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotest-servertestingtrek-onlineunder-developmentupdatesMon, 14 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Anvil of Crom: Delving into PvP minis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/the-anvil-of-crom-delving-into-pvp-minis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/the-anvil-of-crom-delving-into-pvp-minis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/30/the-anvil-of-crom-delving-into-pvp-minis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's a lot to like about Funcom's Age of Conan MMORPG, whether you're into the lush visuals, the lore, or the laid back progression. If you're anything like me, with combat and competitive sensibilities that lean toward the carebear side of the fence, you'll also likely appreciate the game's approach to PvP. For starters you have two major options: the free-for-all PvP servers or the PvE-focused realms that give you a bit more control over the ganking experience.

On the former, you've got your standard kill-everything-that-moves mentality, which, while fun in spurts, ultimately gets in the way of Age of Conan's top-notch PvE experience. On the latter, you can kill or be killed on your own terms, either in the Border Kingdom zones or in the game's mini-PvP scenarios.

Hit the jump for some minigame impressions.

Continue reading The Anvil of Crom: Delving into PvP minis

MassivelyThe Anvil of Crom: Delving into PvP minis originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 May 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conananvil-of-cromfeaturedfuncommini-pvpminigamesopinionpvpthe-anvil-of-cromSun, 30 May 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's tour of Mini Fighter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/massivelys-tour-of-mini-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/massivelys-tour-of-mini-fighter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/massivelys-tour-of-mini-fighter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In my heart, I really want to like fighting games. And I do, at that, but just like we have to accept at some point that we're never going to become a rock god outside of our living room, I have to accept that I'm just not good at them. At some point my responses to what's happening on the screen fall into hopeless flailing, and I'm left watching my opponent's combo number going into scientific notation.

So while on a recent developer tour of Mini Fighter, I got to see a lot of my character winding up and performing some bone-shattering attacks on a target that would have been obliterated, had they not moved approximately ten minutes ago. But it was hard to get upset by that, because the game was pretty unambiguously fun despite my inherent lack of skill. The game is currently in Open Beta, but it already has a lot of polish and a lot of neat features to make it well worth playing. Skip past the cut for the details on the game and our time with it.

Continue reading Massively's tour of Mini Fighter

MassivelyMassively's tour of Mini Fighter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developer-tourdungeonsf2pfighterfighting-gamesfree-to-playgame-modesmini-fighterminigamesnetmarblepvepvpMon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive Interview: MindFuse's Isa Anne Stamos on Gatheryn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massively-exclusive-interview-mindfuses-isa-anne-stamos-on-gat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massively-exclusive-interview-mindfuses-isa-anne-stamos-on-gat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/massively-exclusive-interview-mindfuses-isa-anne-stamos-on-gat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


With the oversaturation of fantasy in the MMO genre, we've been patiently waiting to get our hands on the steampunk victorian coolness of Gatheryn. An indie title currently under development by Mindfuse, Gatheryn seems to be part virtual world and part mini-game laden MMO, much like Free Realms. Considering how wildly popular Free Realms has become in a short period, many eyes are now turning to Gatheryn to see if the combination of casual minigames in a fun, unique MMO/VW setting can strike gold again. Massively's very own Managing Editor, Shawn Schuster sat down recently with Isa Anne Stamos, Game Studio Director for MindFuse, to find out some more about the future of this retro-feel title.

Massively: We first took a look at Gatheryn at GDC earlier this year, and liked what we saw so far. Can you describe some of the major feature changes or updates to the game since then?

Isa Anne Stamos, MindFuse: Generally, we've been focusing on building out the early stages of the Gatheryn experience - adjusting the layout of the city, adding variations to character customization, and creating a deep casual gaming experience that players can enjoy the minute they enter Gatheryn. Specifically, we just added a Player Health feature that measures your avatar's fatigue and gives us some creative options for healing items and quests. We're also filling in a lot of the quests and minigames - we've probably added a few since you saw us at GDC. We're also working hard to build up the community tools because we rely heavily on them to communicate with our beta users - they're crucial to getting player feedback in these early stages of development.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive Interview: MindFuse's Isa Anne Stamos on Gatheryn

MassivelyMassively Exclusive Interview: MindFuse's Isa Anne Stamos on Gatheryn originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgatheryninterviewinterviewsmassively-exclusive-interviewsmindfusemindfuse-gamesminigamesmmosci-fisteampunkvictorianvirtual-worldTue, 30 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST