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[Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/choose-my-adventure-cruisin-with-the-gang/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure City of Heroes
You've experienced it, right? That magic moment on any trip of significant length when you've been living and breathing the locale long enough that the place starts to feel more familiar and you settle in, that time when you feel less like a tourist and more like a local. After the last few weeks traveling with you all, I have hit that moment in City of Heroes. While I still may not be able to tell one inspiration from another by sight, I can find my way around the 'hood and know the skyline when zipping about -- well, at least in Atlas Park. Oh, and I found a Mexican restaurant! It's almost like a second home now.

It was upon reaching this comfort zone that City of Heroes got better for me; this past week has been more fun than the previous ones during this Choose My Adventure road trip. (And yes, I'd even call the torture of the expansive character creation fun. Exhausting, but fun!) What transpired this week? Buckle up and step on the gas to see.

Gallery: CMA: City of Heroes

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Cruisin' with the gang in City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventuringchoose-my-adventureChoose-my-adventure-city-of-heroeschoose-my-adventure-cohchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscmacohcovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgalleriesgallerygroupshands-onmissionsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospollpollsreaders-choiceroad-tripscreenshotssupergroupssuperherosuperheroesvotevotingWed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Risk vs. reward in lowsec]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/eve-evolved-risk-vs-reward-in-lowsec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/eve-evolved-risk-vs-reward-in-lowsec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/13/eve-evolved-risk-vs-reward-in-lowsec/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
In EVE Online's early years, one of its core design philosophies was adherence to a strict risk vs. reward balance scheme. There were riches out there to be found, but to get them, you had to put yourself in the firing line. Police ships patrolled high-security space to keep players safe from piracy, but the only resources available there were low-bounty frigate NPCs and inexpensive ores like Veldspar, Scordite and Omber. In the lawless far-reaches of nullsec, huge NPC bounties and rare ores containing Megacyte and Zydrine tempted hundreds of pilots to head out and make their fortunes.

Nullsec offered absolutely no protection against player attacks, and the only safety to be found was in sheer military force. The biggest and best corporations hoarded these gold mines for themselves, locking down the few entrances into the regions and patrolling the skies for unwanted visitors. Low-security space offered a middle-ground between these two extremes, a place where the everyday pilot could enjoy increased income and pirates were easier to spot. At some time in the past nine years, lowsec lost its place in the game and became simply not worth the effort. But how did that happen, and what can be done to fix it?

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why lowsec systems are now ghost towns and suggest an alternative design philosophy that I think could revitalise these under-used areas.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Risk vs. reward in lowsec

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Risk vs. reward in lowsec originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceblast-miningbooster-manufacturingboostersccpccp-gamesconcordcriminalcriminalitydrug-manufacturingdrugseveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedhighsecillegallowsecmission-runningmissionsnullsecopinionrewardriskrisk-vs-rewardsandboxsci-fismugglersmugglingSun, 13 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spiral Knights update introduces new mission types and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/spiral-knights-update-introduces-new-mission-types-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/spiral-knights-update-introduces-new-mission-types-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/23/spiral-knights-update-introduces-new-mission-types-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Spiral Knights
It's been a little while since we heard from Three Rings' free-to-play dungeon-crawling title, Spiral Knights, but today we have some new information regarding the game's latest patch, and it brings a whole new degree of structure to the title in the form of new mission types. The team is adding four different types of missions in order to give players a solid path of progression as well as a quick fix for players who don't have a ton of time on their hands.

The first of the four mission types is known as a rank mission. Rank missions comprise the main campaign of Spiral Knights and will allow players to climb the ranks of the organization. Each rank mission will grant players pre-set awards in addition to any loot found on the mission itself. Prestige missions, the second type of mission, are daily tasks that will reward players with prestige. Players with high prestige scores will receive an unspecified bonus sometime in the future. The third mission type, expansion missions, operate similarly to rank missions in that they "feature set rewards," but the missions must first be "unlocked with purchase," though as of now we don't know whether that means a microtransaction or an in-game-currency purchase. Lastly, we have arcade missions, which are the same arcade missions that players know and love, except now they can be joined directly from the mission interface instead of making you run to the arcade itself.

For the full details on all the new mission types and features being added in the new patch, just head on over to the Spiral Knights forums and take a look.

MassivelySpiral Knights update introduces new mission types and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade-missionsdungeon-crawlerdungeon-crawlingexpansionexpansion-missionsf2pfree-to-playmissionmission-typemission-typesmissionspatchpatchesprestigeprestige-missionspverankrank-missionssegaspiral-knightsthree-ringsupdateupdatesThu, 23 Feb 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: We are (among) the champions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/storyboard-we-are-among-the-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/storyboard-we-are-among-the-champions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/storyboard-we-are-among-the-champions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wait, there can't be two of them!
The night before I started writing this column, I finally managed to clear Chapter 1 in Star Wars: The Old Republic with one of my characters. I overcame great obstacles, beat back horrible odds, and defeated a great menace to the galaxy. I was hailed as a hero by the authorities in charge, and while it had been at great cost to myself, I was now more than worthy of respect, accolades, and the gratitude of a galaxy unaware of how close it had been to almost insurmountable danger.

But then I finished the quest.

This problem is not unique to Star Wars: The Old Republic at all, though. By the end of my career in World of Warcraft, I had slain several unique individuals dozens of times on multiple characters, including several kills that were noted by NPCs as being once-in-a-lifetime achievements. Final Fantasy XI made me a pivotal figure in historic events that I could then jump right back into any time I had a friend doing the same quest. And let's not even get into the chronological strangeness that can erupt in Lord of the Rings Online. What's to be done when there's an ongoing story that your character is part of and not a part of?

Continue reading Storyboard: We are (among) the champions

MassivelyStoryboard: We are (among) the champions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycharacterscolumnfeaturedin-game-storyloremissionsopinionquestsroleplayingrpstorystory-progressstoryboardFri, 20 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The story's the thing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-storys-the-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-storys-the-thing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/21/a-mild-mannered-reporter-the-storys-the-thing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A Mild-Mannered Reporter header by A. Fienemann
Story is important in the superhero genre. For most people, stories are what originally makes the genre interesting over the more ubiquitous fantasy or science fiction options. And for every superheroic comic with lackluster execution you can point to, there's something else you can point to that provides some fascinating new takes on the archetypes and ideals.

OK, maybe that correlation isn't quite one for one, but the point is made. Stories are a big deal, and as a result, the way story works in City of Heroes is worth examining, especially since another game has recently come out with an emphasis on storylines. So, doubly relevant.

If you're only going to read the introductory blurb here, though, I can bottom-line it for you without the rest of the column -- the approach is pretty schizophrenic. The game has some moments of brilliance and some moments of idiocy, and there are also some near-choked with a general apathetic vibe. It's kind of what you'd expect from a story told by hundreds of people over seven years. The times when it's on, sadly, are somewhat scattershot, which makes it hard to say, "This is worth playing just for the story."

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: The story's the thing

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: The story's the thing originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterbackstorycity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcolumncovcoxf2pfeaturedfree-to-playloremissionsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosquestsstoryWed, 21 Dec 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Issue 3 of Whiteout available for Champions Online players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/issue-3-of-whiteout-available-for-champions-online-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/issue-3-of-whiteout-available-for-champions-online-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/issue-3-of-whiteout-available-for-champions-online-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's always a good day to be a robot.
No job ever goes quite right, no matter how well you plan it. It's as true in Champions Online as it is anywhere else, and it's certainly the case in the latest installment of the Whiteout series. After all, the first two issues made it plenty clear that heroes would have their hands full dealing with a downed alien spacecraft, but now things are going from bad to worse for the Steelhead soldiers and the player characters. It seems there's another player involved in the game who hopes to get in on the wrecked ship...

As with previous installments of the series, the new issue can be played by any character over level 11 and provides special rewards in addition to the usual mission benefits. But if you've already played through the mission, you can take a look at the game's latest Art Corner, which shows off the design of the mechanical antagonists plaguing the newest mission installment (and the subsequent ones as well, most likely).

MassivelyIssue 3 of Whiteout available for Champions Online players originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistschampions-onlinecocomic-issuescomic-missionscomic-seriescomicscontentcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-studiosdesignepisodic-missionsf2pfree-to-playmissionsnewspatchesupdateswhiteoutMon, 05 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The new player experience, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/eve-evolved-the-new-player-experience-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/eve-evolved-the-new-player-experience-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/13/eve-evolved-the-new-player-experience-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Two weeks ago, I began an experiment to look into EVE Online's new player experience from the perspective of someone who has never played the game before. I convinced my friend Kajatta to try the game for the first time, with his only prior knowledge being the same stories, videos and screenshots that anyone will have seen before signing up to give the game a shot. In the first part of this investigation into the new player experience, Kajatta delivered a harsh first impression of the user interface and character creation.

A common story I've heard when I'm talking to current EVE players is that many didn't really get into the game the first time they played. As happened to Kajatta, some found adapting to the UI and control scheme a jarring experience and were put off as a result. It was usually the second time they played EVE that seemed to make the game stick, whether that was restarting a new character immediately or giving the game a second try up to a year later.

Could it be that EVE is most likely to appeal to new players the second time they play it? To put this theory to the test, this week Kajatta took a fresh second stab at EVE Online and played through all the career agent content. But has his first attempt provide the equipment necessary to scale EVE's famous learning cliff, or did the UI and control scheme prove as impenetrable a barrier as ever?

In this week's EVE Evolved, Kajatta delivers his verdict on whether EVE is better the second time around and delves into the Cash Flow For Capsuleers combat missions.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The new player experience, part 2

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The new player experience, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auracash-flow-for-capsuleersccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfrigategallerykajattamissionmission-runningmissionsnew-playernew-player-experiencenew-playersscreenshotscreenshotstutorialtutorialsSun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's Dragon Week reveals faction backstory, mission details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/the-secret-worlds-dragon-week-reveals-faction-backstory-missio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/the-secret-worlds-dragon-week-reveals-faction-backstory-missio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/the-secret-worlds-dragon-week-reveals-faction-backstory-missio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Secret World - Dragon faction
Dragon Week continues for Funcom and fans of The Secret World. The latest series entry takes the form of a dev journal that hints at the faction's backstory and teases a Dragon ranking mission from the game itself.

The Dragon is based in Seoul, South Korea, and is so secretive that even its own members don't appreciate the full extent of its power. The organization operates under the belief that "seemingly insignificant events can trigger cataclysmic change," and players will find the Dragon recruitment process a bit different than that of the game's other two factions. Potential recruits are paid a visit by silent Dragon monks, then unceremoniously deposited in a Seoul neighborhood with no apparent exits. If the recruits manage to find the Dragon headquarters, they're rewarded with more info about the faction and their own destiny.

There's more, including details on that mission we mentioned earlier, but you'll need to head to MMORPG.com to read it.

[Thanks to Acidbaron for the tip!]

MassivelyThe Secret World's Dragon Week reveals faction backstory, mission details originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracydragondragon-weekfactionsfantasyfuncomhorrorloremissionsthe-dragonthe-secret-worldtswWed, 19 Oct 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wurm's epic cluster coming October 28th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/wurms-epic-cluster-coming-october-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/wurms-epic-cluster-coming-october-28th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/wurms-epic-cluster-coming-october-28th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wurm Online - moon shot
Onetwofree's latest news blurb features some good news for fans of the the firm's long-running Wurm Online sandbox MMO. The game's new epic cluster is officially set to debut on October 28th, and lead developer Rolf Jansson is among those psyched about the launch date. "The epic code is something I've been working on for several years, and it feels really good to finally release it," he says.

Epic's aim is to "provide the players with a full circle of purpose and something really big to strive for," according to the Wurm website. The cluster features warring gods duking it out on the moon of Valrei, and players who complete missions (and multi-mission arcs called scenarios) will set dramatic events in motion.

What kinds of dramatic events? The release mentions terraforming events tied to volcanoes as well as the chance for players to become demigods and possibly even full deities complete with their own religion and a stake in the celestial battle royal.

MassivelyWurm's epic cluster coming October 28th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epicepic-clusterfantasymission-arcsmissionsonetwofreeonetwofree-abplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpress-releaserolf-janssonsandboxscenarioswurmwurm-onlineTue, 04 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World shares details on sharing stories]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/the-secret-world-shares-details-on-sharing-stories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/the-secret-world-shares-details-on-sharing-stories/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/29/the-secret-world-shares-details-on-sharing-stories/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This portion of the story could have been avoided if you were nicer to Little Sisters.
While it's not the poster child for story in MMOs, The Secret World is putting a big emphasis on giving players an engaging and in-depth story to enjoy as they unravel conspiracies and search for the truth. A new developer diary by Ragnar Tornquist explains how the story is woven into every element of the game, from the simple introduction of quests right down to the mechanics of fighting enemies.

Tornquist emphasizes that the entire setting of the game is in many ways based solely upon storytelling, on myths and urban legends and half-remembered stories of youth. One of the development goals for the game is to keep players digging, investigating the story and piecing it together. According to the diary, every mission opens with a fully voiced and motion-captured cinematic, and aside from the main story missions, players can tackle these challenges in any order, allowing for players to have unique stories as they make their way through the labyrinth of half-truths. It's an interesting look behind the curtain, and it should give players looking forward to The Secret World a few more ideas to be excited about.

MassivelyThe Secret World shares details on sharing stories originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorydeveloper-diariesdevelopmentfuncomgame-storyloremissionspreviewsragnar-tornquiststorystorytellingthe-secret-worldtswThu, 29 Sep 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: PvE like a boss]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/wasteland-diaries-pve-like-a-boss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/wasteland-diaries-pve-like-a-boss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/23/wasteland-diaries-pve-like-a-boss/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I have slain a rat
Fallen Earth PvE can be anywhere from laughably easy to downright frustrating. I guess that's a good thing since you get a gamut of difficulty levels, but much of the leveling span leans toward the easy end of the scale. I tend to get bored with PvE combat fairly quickly in MMOs (not just Fallen Earth). Other people love to struggle against the environment. Some even refuse to do anything remotely akin to PvP. I'll only throw the term "carebear" at those who think all PvPers are maladjusted psychopaths. I'm not talking about them; I'm talking about regular hardcore PvEers: players who would rather play against the NPCs than against other players.

Many of my posts center around PvP. If I didn't PvP (and since I'm not a big roleplayer), I doubt I would still be playing Fallen Earth. That's just what I spend most of my time doing in the wastelands. So I tend to write a lot about it. But all PvPers have to PvE. PvE has its own set of challenges for the player. Granted, these challenges are quite static, and once you find a way to overcome them, you are done. But they are challenges nonetheless, and knowledge is power as much in PvE as it is in PvP. In this post I will give you some tips and tricks that might help you get through that next tough mission. Much of this stuff is common sense, but it may not occur to you until it's too late. So click past the cut and let's get started.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: PvE like a boss

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: PvE like a boss originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesammunitioncombatconsumablesdeath-penaltydpsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedgamersfirstgroup-contenthealingmeleeMissionsmobsnpcspistolpveregeneration-ratesrifleskillsFri, 23 Sep 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Caravan security missions marching to Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/caravan-security-missions-marching-to-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/caravan-security-missions-marching-to-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/caravan-security-missions-marching-to-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We've got a great big convoy rolling through the night, we've got a great big convoy, ain't she a beautiful sight? Come on and join our convoy, ain't nothing gonna get in our way, we'll ride this rocking convoy for seals all through the day. CONVOY!
The list of features being added to Final Fantasy XIV in patch 1.19 just keeps growing. Not only will players be able to ride on the back of a chocobo, but a new set of missions for caravan defense will let players beat marauding fiends away from those selfsame yellow birds. And there are even Grand Company seals to be obtained in the exchange, which just sweetens the deal for players investing time and effort into the system.

Each of the Grand Companies will have a different caravan to protect and will enlist the aid of full members in ensuring the caravan's safety during its march from an aetheryte camp to one of the nearby hamlets. Monsters will attack the caravan in turn, sometimes driving off birds and sometimes outright damaging the cargo, and it will be up to players to feed, calm, and protect the chocobos laden with supplies. Once the caravan arrives at its destination, players will receive seals based on how much cargo actually made it to its objective -- a chance to earn more currency and get some nice experience out of the event.

MassivelyCaravan security missions marching to Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caravan-defensecaravan-securitychocobosdefenseffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.19final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmission-typesmissionsnew-contentnew-missionsnewssquaresquare-enixThu, 15 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Face of Mankind revamps mission system, hints at combat and economic tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/face-of-mankind-revamps-mission-system-hints-at-combat-and-econ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/face-of-mankind-revamps-mission-system-hints-at-combat-and-econ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/face-of-mankind-revamps-mission-system-hints-at-combat-and-econ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Face of Mankind - gun battle
A couple of weeks ago we told you about the resuscitated Face of Mankind MMO. Well, maybe resuscitated is a bit of an extreme word since the sci-fi sandbox title never really died, but it is under new management and making a bit more noise than it has in years past.

Nexeon Technologies has just sent out another email blast to former players detailing the game's latest update, and the new patch contains a pretty extensive mission system overhaul designed to "create an experience full of roleplay and player freedom."

We've linked to the patch notes below, and you'll also want to check out the new Face of Mankind developer blog on the game's official website. The first entry contains some exciting hints as to the game's new direction, including bits about the combat system, the economy, and the factional structure.

MassivelyFace of Mankind revamps mission system, hints at combat and economic tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatdev-blogdev-diaryeconomyface-of-mankindfactionsmission-systemmission-system-overhaulmissionsnexeonnexeon-technologiespatchesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsci-fiupdatesMon, 12 Sep 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes explores the process of making missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/city-of-heroes-explores-the-process-of-making-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/city-of-heroes-explores-the-process-of-making-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/city-of-heroes-explores-the-process-of-making-missions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Random City of Heroes screenshot
It's been a little while since the last installment of City of Heroes' developer dispatch newsletter, the Intrepid Informer, due in no small part to the upcoming hybrid business model domination the news sphere. But the second part of the series on designing missions for the games has just recently been posted, giving players a look behind the scenes at the process that goes into crafting compelling arcs for players to enjoy time and again.

Penned by Matt Miller, the installment explains some of the thought processes that go on during mission development. For example, as Miller explains, the main reason that level bands restrict available enemy groups is simply plausibility -- if you're still seeing Hellions at level 50, it implies that the Rikti are essentially equivalent to punks in red jackets. Miller also talks about the importance of finding little quirks to help the mission feel unique and memorable, an important element in a game that allows you to flash back to older missions at almost any time. It's sure to be an interesting read for longtime fans interested in seeing how the team goes about taking a broad concept and turns it into a playable arc.

MassivelyCity of Heroes explores the process of making missions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxdesigndeveloper-diaryintrepid-informermatt-millermatt-positron-millermission-designmissionsncsoftparagonparagon-studiospositronquest-designquestsTue, 09 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum dev blog talks player influx, bug fixing, and new features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/perpetuum-dev-blog-talks-player-infux-bug-fixing-and-new-featu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/perpetuum-dev-blog-talks-player-infux-bug-fixing-and-new-featu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/perpetuum-dev-blog-talks-player-infux-bug-fixing-and-new-featu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Avatar Creations has come up with a new Perpetuum dev blog, and it looks like the little sandbox that could has turned a bit of a corner when it comes to server stability and accommodating its expanding community.

Avatar's Dev Calvin explains how the team had to allocate most of its resources to dealing with an influx of EVE Online refugees. The scramble was a successful one, but "the development plan for the first two weeks [of July] was ruined," he writes.

Going forward, Perpetuum players will be seeing the long-awaited storyline PvE missions in short order, as well as tweaks to beta outposts and a large helping of what Avatar calls "industrialist love." Calvin does point out that new features will be taking something of a backseat to bug fixes, though, so a little patience is in order. "The influx of players brought light to a lot of glitches, imbalances and dysfunctional mechanisms in the game, so instead of rushing forward and pushing out new features in the next few weeks, we are taking a step back and making everything that is available in the game better," he said.

MassivelyPerpetuum dev blog talks player influx, bug fixing, and new features originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-creationsbug-fixesdev-blogdev-calvindev-diaryindustrialist-lovemissionsperpetuumpvesandboxsci-fistorylinestoryline-missionsupdatesFri, 15 Jul 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tibia summer update features new world quests, tutorial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/tibia-summer-update-features-new-world-quests-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/tibia-summer-update-features-new-world-quests-tutorial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/tibia-summer-update-features-new-world-quests-tutorial/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Quick, name a few of the world's oldest MMORPGs! Now, name a couple that are still running. Chances are most of you chimed in with Ultima Online, EverQuest, or maybe even Meridian 59. You're correct of course, but there's another title that released in 1997 that's still going today.

That title is Tibia, and the 2-D fantasy game from CipSoft GmbH has just announced a world-changing summer update. World quests are "highly complex missions which can only be accomplished if dozens or even hundreds of Tibia players cooperate," according to a new press release.

The new quests add another level to Tibia's conflict-driven dynamic that sees players and guilds war with one another for years at a time, as the battlefield will now extend further into the open world and likely result in competition for quest objectives. Tibia is also offering a new quest line for newbs. The comprehensive tutorial series leads new players through various gameplay tasks and offers a concise yet thorough introduction to one of the genre's longest-running titles.

MassivelyTibia summer update features new world quests, tutorial originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cipsoftf2pfantasyfree-to-playmissionsmmo-industrynewb-questspress-releasetibiatutorialworld-eventsworld-questsThu, 07 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's new agent finder detailed [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-onlines-new-agent-finder-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-onlines-new-agent-finder-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-onlines-new-agent-finder-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Hey capsuleers, did you take the day off work to sample the wonders of Incarna? We hope not, because CCP has extended the downtime for EVE Online's latest update. If you did take a day, or if you're simply in need of some juicy New Eden-related reading material, you'll want to have a look at the newest CCP dev blog.

The entry examines the new agent finder functionality, and CCP Punkturis has some interesting tidbits to share along with a few interface screencaps. The goal, as outlined in an earlier agent-related dev blog, was to simplify the convoluted mission-running system and allow players to more easily find agents of an appropriate skill level, faction, and activity.

The new finder filters agents by faction standing and also sorts them by distance (meaning you'll get info on the closest contacts first). Players may also filter various agent-related searches like mission types, and you can read all the details and leave feedback at the official EVE website.

[Update]: CCP's dev blog gnomes are apparently working overtime today, as the company has just released an extensive look at the making of Incarna's turret system renovation.

MassivelyEVE Online's new agent finder detailed [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-finderagent-missionsagentsccpccp-gamesccp-punkturiseveeve-onlineexpansionincarnamission-runningmissionsnew-edenpatchpvesandboxsci-fiTue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Information posted on Update 10 for Dungeons and Dragons Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/information-posted-on-update-10-for-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/information-posted-on-update-10-for-dungeons-and-dragons-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/information-posted-on-update-10-for-dungeons-and-dragons-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Looking forward to the next update for Dungeons and Dragons Online? Of course you are, at least if you're in the game; there's a lot of new content to explore as well as the continuation of the crafting beta, enough to make any adventurer look forward to what's around the corner. In addition to making the content available on the test server for players, the development team has posted an abstract of what can be expected from the pending update.

Following on the heels of Update 9's story, the newest patch continues to challenge sanity as players are forced to invade Stormreach's insane asylum to rescue some sane inmates in danger of rather horrible treatments. Players will also be tasked with taking part in the feud between the Lord of Stone and the Lord of Eyes, culminating in a plot beneath the Tower of the Twelve that should challenge seasoned warriors. Dungeons and Dragons Online players intrigued by the update list should take the opportunity to preview the content on the test server now.

MassivelyInformation posted on Update 10 for Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycraftingddoddo-update-10dungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playloremissionsnewspatchesquestsstoryturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-10updatesThu, 02 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom building a bridge between the real and the fantastic in The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/funcom-building-a-bridge-between-the-real-and-the-fantastic-in-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/funcom-building-a-bridge-between-the-real-and-the-fantastic-in-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/funcom-building-a-bridge-between-the-real-and-the-fantastic-in-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Funcom has released a new dev blog focused on The Secret World, and today's entry is penned by lead content designer Joel Bylos. Much like with yesterday's video teaser, the focus is on the game's environments, and in particular, its localization in the real world.

Bylos, who also served as a content designer on Funcom's Age of Conan expansion before moving to The Secret World, says that the game aims to capture the essence of the modern era while adding a supernatural and conspiratorial twist to places you think you know. "Above ground, New York looks just like the New York you have visited in real life. If you really wanted to, you could find the exact same area depicted in the game on Google Maps. But beneath the streets sprawls the corporate-industrial juggernaut of the Illuminati, known only as the Labyrinth," Bylos explains.

The dev blog goes on to mention the game's mission system as another tool for grounding the narrative in reality. Whether you're burning zombies, performing an exorcism with a vacuum cleaner, or chasing ghosts with mirrors, The Secret World looks to use the mundane as a window into the fantastic. Check out the game's official website for the full dev blog.

MassivelyFuncom building a bridge between the real and the fantastic in The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diaryfantasyfuncomhorrorjoel-byloslocationsmissionsnarrativenew-yorkreal-world-locationssecret-worldstorythe-secret-worldtswvacuum-cleaner-exorcismTue, 31 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Secret World dev diary talks story, context]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/secret-world-dev-diary-talks-story-context/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/secret-world-dev-diary-talks-story-context/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/30/secret-world-dev-diary-talks-story-context/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Sleuthing for more story-centric info regarding Funcom's upcoming horror-conspiracy MMORPG? Look no further than The Secret World's latest video dev diary featuring commentary from designers Ragnar Tornquist and Joel Bylos as well as lead writer Dag Scheve.

The trio highlights The Secret World's use of the real world as both location and character, with Bylos calling it "the greatest resource of all." The video shows a few new clips courtesy of the game's cinematics, but Tornquist is quick to point out that cinematics don't tell the whole tale when it comes to The Secret World's narrative. In spite of the fact that every character in the game is motion-captured and fully voiced, the story is "embedded into the world. You have to look for it, you have to search for it. The story is exploration and the story is discovery," Tornquist explains.

Funcom also seeks to challenge gamers in ways that depart from the traditional MMORPG paradigm, and Bylos says that "we're not just asking them to click a mouse button over and over again, but to think about what they do." Put on your thinking caps and click past the cut for the full video.

Continue reading Secret World dev diary talks story, context

MassivelySecret World dev diary talks story, context originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinematicsdag-schevedev-diaryfantasyfuncomhorrorinvestigationjoel-bylosmissionsmmo-storyRagnar-Tornquistsabotagestorythe-secret-worldtswvideoMon, 30 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/the-game-archaeologist-jacks-into-the-matrix-online-jamming-wit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When we started into The Matrix Online month last week on The Game Archaeologist, one of the comments caught my eye. Massively reader stealthrider wrote:
Please, please do a tribute to Rarebit. MxO was his baby, and no one took its death worse than he.

He did everything for that game, much of it single-handedly. Everything from playing the canon characters and co-writing the story to fixing hundreds of bugs and even creating a new zone from scratch. Not to mention developing and implementing the story missions, new items, the RP item vendors, and pretty much everything else in MxO's final couple of years. He even implemented and moderated a player-created minigame as part of the official story.

He retired from game development in the months before MxO's shutdown. He was that dedicated to this game that he couldn't work on anything else afterward.

He's a god among developers, and he is as sorely missed as the game itself.
I think this sums up how many Matrix Online vets feel about Ben "Rarebit" Chamberlain. So instead of a mere tribute, we drove the MassivelyMobile over to Chamberlain's house (read: send a polite email request), and he graciously said he'd be glad to reminisce with us. So hit that jump to find out the last word on MxO from the dev who held it together!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist jacks into The Matrix Online: Jamming with Ben 'Rarebit' Chamberlain originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aliens-versus-predator-2architectassassinben-chamberlainben-rarebit-chamberlainbluepillcinematicscommander-lockdevdeveloperfeaturedgrandmasterin-game-eventsinterviewkung-fulittle-nemolive-eventslive-events-teammatrixmatrix-onlinemissionsmonolithMonolith-ProductionsmorpheusmxooraclePaul-Chadwickrarebitredpillsoesony-online-entertainmentspystorystorylinethe-matrixthe-matrix-onlineWachowskiWinsor-McCayzionTue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy patch brings new missions, fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/black-prophecy-patch-brings-new-missions-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/black-prophecy-patch-brings-new-missions-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/black-prophecy-patch-brings-new-missions-fixes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Black Prophecy's first monthly patch is here, and today's update brings a bit of new content to the free-to-play sci-fi title -- as well as a number of smaller improvements. The content additions take the form of 10 new missions now available in the game's open sectors, and there are a variety of mission levels ranging from four to 35 according to the patch notes.

Aside from that, Reakktor has made a number of performance tweaks, HUD and graphical fixes, and adjustments to everything from damage distribution across ship components to repair kit durability. You can learn more, as well as download the game, at the official website.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy patch brings new missions, fixes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecybug-fixesdamage-distributionf2pfree-to-playgamigointernet-spaceshipsmissionsnew-contentnew-missionspatchpatchesperformancereakktor-mediarepair-kitssci-fiTue, 03 May 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom hints at Secret World death penalty, sabotage missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/funcom-hints-at-secret-world-death-penalty-sabotage-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/funcom-hints-at-secret-world-death-penalty-sabotage-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/funcom-hints-at-secret-world-death-penalty-sabotage-missions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

All is very hush hush around Funcom's The Secret World. While a good bit of new info surfaced at last month's GDC, there are still more questions than answers regarding the firm's followup to Age of Conan.

That said, occasionally the devs will dangle a tasty morsel, and in a new interview at Game Snafu, Funcom designer Martin Bruusgaard does just that with regard to TSW's death penalty mechanics. "We will not implement a death system that can be exploited as a fast travel system, because dying in The Secret World should be a sign of failure, and not optimization in any way. We don't want to punish the players in a form where they can lose stuff, neither items nor experience, but rather penalize on time," he explains.

Designer Joel Bylos also chimes in with some interesting bits about the game's questing mechanics, chief among them a hint about new sabotage missions. "These missions share a similar gameplay style to the original Deus Ex game -- avoiding security cameras, disabling traps and hacking computers, etc. Generally the traps are dynamic only in the sense that players can disable/enable them in the world. This becomes interesting when other players can accidentally trigger an alarm in the camp you are sneaking through," Bylos says. Check out the full interview at Game Snafu.

MassivelyFuncom hints at Secret World death penalty, sabotage missions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiraciesdeathdeath-penaltyfuncominterviewjoel-bylosmartin-bruusgaardmissionssabotagesabotage-missionsskill-basedthe-secret-worldtswTue, 05 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch 1.8 live for Fallen Earth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/patch-1-8-live-for-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/patch-1-8-live-for-fallen-earth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/patch-1-8-live-for-fallen-earth/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's always a nice time for a pleasant stroll through the woods. Admittedly, when the woods in question are the rather ominously named Terminal Woods and you're in the midst of Fallen Earth, that pleasant stroll might involve shooting a few bandits and mutated animals. But with all of the new toys and content added with the latest patch, it's probable you'll find at least one or two things within the forest to keep your attention.

The patch has just gone live today, and it features 50 new missions, a PvP area, and a wide variety of new gear and crafting recipes. It's about half the size of a full sector, leading up to the next update that will advance the storyline of the post-apocalyptic setting even further. Fallen Earth players can log in immediately and start enjoying all of the new content -- but all things considered, you may also want to make sure you're full on ammo.

MassivelyPatch 1.8 live for Fallen Earth originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentcraftingfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfallen-earth-patch-1.8fefe-patch-1.8foresticarusicarus-studiosmissionsnewspatchpatchessector-4updateswoodsThu, 17 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online player creativity -- Papercraft pod edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-online-player-creativity-papercraft-pod-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-online-player-creativity-papercraft-pod-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/06/eve-online-player-creativity-papercraft-pod-edition/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Every month, EVE Online developer CCP Fallout trawls the forums to find the best of the community's creative efforts. Previous editions of the Celebrating the Creative Player blog have looked at in-game news websites, a Gallente shuttle remade in Minecraft, and the cross-platform Python Fitting Tool. This month's bumper edition starts off with one of my favourite recent creations -- a flowchart designed to help players pick what they want to do in EVE. Each option is linked to further reading on the topic, making it a handy tool for new players who find themselves lost in EVE.

Also impressing the devs this month is a tool designed to track the bounties gained from missions. It's often difficult to work out what the most profitable missions are to run, and this tool simplifies that by recording a log of bounties on each mission. My personal favourite highlight this month was EVE player Guindel Angeline's papercraft escape pod. We've seen some incredible papercraft EVE ships before, but I think this is the first time someone's made the escape pod.

MassivelyEVE Online player creativity -- Papercraft pod edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bountiesccpccp-eveccp-falloutccp-gamescreativecreativitydevblogeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinemissionmissionspapercraftpodSun, 06 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic releases new Star Trek Online Featured Episode]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/cryptic-releases-new-star-trek-online-featured-episode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/cryptic-releases-new-star-trek-online-featured-episode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/05/cryptic-releases-new-star-trek-online-featured-episode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Ready for Star Trek Online's newest Featured Episode series? Well, ready or not, Cryptic is here to give us the skinny on Series 3: Cloaked Intentions. If you're wondering how STO's episodes work, it breaks down like this: Feature Episodes are tied together to form a single story arc. New episodes under each Feature banner take a bow on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. PST and are freely available to all STO players regardless of level.

The new Cloaked Intentions arc involves a series of missions focused on the Romulan Empire; the overarching goal of participating players is the prevention of a bloody civil war. The intrigue kicks off today with Episode 1: The Vault, followed by episodes 2 - 5 every Saturday through March 5th.

You can learn more at the official STO website, and don't forget to warp past the cut for the Cloaked Intentions trailer.

Continue reading Cryptic releases new Star Trek Online Featured Episode

MassivelyCryptic releases new Star Trek Online Featured Episode originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloaked-intentionscrypticcryptic-studiosepisodesfeatured-episodesfree-contentmissionspveromulan-empireromulanssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-onlinestostory-arctrailervideoSat, 05 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: In the thick of it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/storyboard-in-the-thick-of-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/storyboard-in-the-thick-of-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/storyboard-in-the-thick-of-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Talking amongst ourselves only goes so far when it comes to roleplaying. Eventually there comes a time when you have to get up and get your character moving, or you're going to wind up playing a Federation captain whose mission is to explore strange new ways to sit on Risa without doing anything. And while you can certainly treat the leveling process as a sideline to the interaction, why would you want to do that?

Roleplaying in the midst of content isn't just a good idea, it's a great way to build character and really get your mettle tested. It means that you have to adapt to a different style of roleplaying, one that doesn't have the space for long-winded speeches or discussing the intricacies of your past. It seems so natural, but I know an awful lot of roleplayers who haven't tried it. But we're not just going to put forth a call to start getting out into dungeons or fleet actions or task forces with roleplaying partners -- no, we're going to talk about how to do it so that you don't wind up getting decorated with your own viscera.

Continue reading Storyboard: In the thick of it

MassivelyStoryboard: In the thick of it originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecolumncontentdungeonsdynamic-roleplayingendgamefeaturedhandwavinghomeworklevel-disparitymissionsopinionroleplayroleplayingrpstoryboardtipstips-and-trickstrickstyping-practiceFri, 04 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: I left my heart in Whitegate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/the-mog-log-i-left-my-heart-in-whitegate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/the-mog-log-i-left-my-heart-in-whitegate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/the-mog-log-i-left-my-heart-in-whitegate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's still nothing much happening in Final Fantasy XI or Final Fantasy XIV at the moment. Well, OK, there's plenty happening, just not a great deal of news to discuss. I imagine that won't last very long, especially with the Final Fantasy XIV poll having ended on Friday, but right now seems like the perfect time to reflect on the past. And that inevitably leads me back to Final Fantasy XI, to my favorite expansion and the one that feels most vibrant to a North American player.

Treasures of Aht Urhgan wasn't the only expansion that was released here, naturally, but it was unique in the game's lifespan. Rise of the Zilaart came with the game from the initial NA launch, Chains of Promathia produced very divided opinions (which several columns covered, if you missed it), and Wings of the Goddess is really just a slight funhouse reflection of Vana'diel proper. But Aht Urghan was new, vibrant, and the sort of expansion you could really sink your teeth into. It was, I'd say, the best one the series had.

Continue reading The Mog Log: I left my heart in Whitegate

MassivelyThe Mog Log: I left my heart in Whitegate originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assaultbackstorybesiegedblue-mageclassescorsairfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiin-hindsightloremissionsopinionpuppetmasterretrospectivesquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logtreasures-of-aht-urhganSat, 15 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The year that was]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/the-mog-log-the-year-that-was/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/the-mog-log-the-year-that-was/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/the-mog-log-the-year-that-was/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Last year around this time, people were saying that 2009 had been a terrible year and 2010 could only be an improvement. This year, people are saying the exact same thing. Maybe those of us in the MMO-sphere are just perpetual downers -- I don't know. It's certainly been a pretty significant year for players of Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV -- heck, it's been outright impossible for a Final Fantasy XIV player to exist before now, if you want to get hung up on pedantry.

Whether or not you enjoyed the launch, of course, is another story altogether, one that Square-Enix itself doesn't seem to have closed the book on just yet. And over in Final Fantasy XI, we got an announcement that had been about seven years in the making, not to mention a plethora of new additions to the game -- some stunning, some lackluster. So let's take a look back at the year for both games, since the new one is starting right about, well, now. (OK, it's been started for a few hours, you get the idea.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: The year that was

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The year that was originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abysseacolumnconclusionsend-of-the-year-2010ffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivhiromichi-tanakalaunchlaunchesleadership-changesmissionsopinionsquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logwings-of-the-goddesswotgyear-in-reviewSat, 01 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TOR video talks crew skills and PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/tor-video-talks-crew-skills-and-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/tor-video-talks-crew-skills-and-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/tor-video-talks-crew-skills-and-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ready for another look at crew skills and PvP in BioWare's Star Wars: The Old Republic? If so, G4TV has you covered in the form of a five-minute video featuring Daniel Erickson and extensive in-game footage. Erickson explains the gathering, crafting, and mission components that make up crew skills (which is basically BioWare's catch-all term for traditional MMO crafting).

"Missions are something very different, and for missions to make sense, you have to understand the base concept of crew skills, which is that you are not the one doing this stuff. Your companion characters are the ones who are going hands-on and doing the crafting," Erickson says.

In terms of TOR's PvP implementation, Erickson illustrates BioWare's goal of making the mechanic appropriately contextual to the Star Wars universe (as opposed to the kill-everything-moving-just-because mentality common to many PvP systems). He describes everything from slicing terminals to seeing turrets move in real time, painting a picture of an immersive PvP experience that makes sense within the framework of the license.

Finally, Erickson talks a bit about the recently announced race/class combos, including the Sith pureblood. Check out the video after the cut, or at G4TV.

Continue reading TOR video talks crew skills and PvP

MassivelyTOR video talks crew skills and PvP originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarebioware-eaBioware-MMObioware-star-warsbioware-swtorcraftingcrew-skillsdaniel-ericksoneaelectronic-artsg4tvgatheringmissionsnpcspvpStar-Warsstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicstar-wars-torswtorvideowar-zonesWed, 08 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/28/eve-evolved-joining-the-massively-mob/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

At the end of last week's article on preparing for EVE Online's Incursion expansion, I mentioned that part of our expansion preparation here at Massively would involve opening a Massively corporation in the game. This is something I've always wanted to do but haven't had the time to properly launch. I've been running the Pillowsoft corporation in EVE for the past six years or so, during which time the corp has been involved in almost every major game expansion. In two and a half years of the EVE Evolved column, I've had countless readers ask to join my corporation and have had to turn them all down.

With Incursion rapidly approaching and Pillowsoft's latest wormhole expedition coming to an end, we now have the perfect opportunity to start a proper Massively corporation. In addition to providing financial help and some solid guidance to newer EVE players, the corp will be running frequent contests and event nights for any readers who want to participate. If you don't want to leave your current corporation but still want to hang out with other Massively readers and take part in our contests and events, don't worry. We also have an option just for you!

In this week's EVE Evolved, I introduce the EVE Online Massively Mob and explain how you can get involved.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Joining the Massively Mob originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentagentsccpccp-eveccp-gamescorpcorporationeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedfreemassivelymassively-mobmassively-mob-corpmissionmission-runningmissionsmobsecurityshipsSun, 28 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Preparing for Incursion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/eve-evolved-preparing-for-incursion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/eve-evolved-preparing-for-incursion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/21/eve-evolved-preparing-for-incursion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Several months ago, pirate faction Sansha's Nation began invading the populated systems of New Eden in force and abducting colonists from the defenseless planets. Using a frightening new technology, Sansha's forces have been able to open controlled wormholes directly in orbit of their target planets. CONCORD and the local faction navies have been unable to defend against the incursions, leaving the fate of EVE Online's planets solely in the hands of capsuleers. EVE players immediately began to organise intelligence networks and corporations dedicated to detecting and fighting the Sansha threat.

In the upcoming Incursion expansion, Sansha's Nation will be stepping up its attacks to full-scale invasions of entire constellations. Having converted the millions of colonists they've abducted to mindless drones of the Nation and even having moved a conquered Jovian space station into their hidden wormhole home, Sansha's forces have never been stronger. When the Incursion expansion's main feature goes live in January of next year, players will find themselves on the front-lines of a war. We'll group up in fleets of 5-10, 10-20 or 20-40 players to tackle the various incursion sites and ultimately destroy each invasion wave's mothership. With the first Incursion release scheduled for this month and less than two months to go until the constellation-wide Sansha attacks begin, now is the perfect time to prepare for the expansion.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at some of the ways you can benefit from the upcoming expansion and what players can do to prepare for the war against Sansha's Nation.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Preparing for Incursion

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Preparing for Incursion originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gameseveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgroupgroupinggroupshighsecincursionlowsecmissionmission-runningmissionsnullsecpvepvpsanshasanshas-nationSun, 21 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare reveals The Old Republic crew skill details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/bioware-reveals-the-old-republic-crew-skill-details/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/bioware-reveals-the-old-republic-crew-skill-details/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/bioware-reveals-the-old-republic-crew-skill-details/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Curious about crafting in BioWare's upcoming Star Wars MMORPG? We are too. We're so curious in fact, that we're bringing you not one but two crafting-centric stories today. In addition to our exclusive dev interview, BioWare has also updated its official The Old Republic website with a hefty dose of info on crew skills.

In a nutshell, your hero character will have the ability to assign crafting, gathering, and even mission skills to various NPC crew members. While you're out saving the galaxy, chasing attractive Twi'leks, or whatever it is that heroes do these days, your faithful companions will be doing all the grunt work involved in keeping you competitive when it comes to crafting.

Gathering skills include bioanalysis, scavenging, and slicing, while crafting skills break down into armormech, artifice, and biochem categories. Last but not least, mission skills feature diplomacy and treasure hunting. That's not all either, as the web page features a few tantalizing question marks indicating further skill reveals in the future. We'll tell our astromechs and slicers to keep a sharp lookout, and in the meantime, you can view the crew skills video after the cut.

Continue reading BioWare reveals The Old Republic crew skill details

MassivelyBioWare reveals The Old Republic crew skill details originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-eaBioware-MMObioware-star-warsbioware-swtorbreakingcraftingcrewcrew-skillsgatheringmission-skillsmissionsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicFri, 12 Nov 2010 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI previews the end of Wings of the Goddess]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/final-fantasy-xi-previews-the-end-of-wings-of-the-goddess/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/final-fantasy-xi-previews-the-end-of-wings-of-the-goddess/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/final-fantasy-xi-previews-the-end-of-wings-of-the-goddess/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The December version update is kicking off the end of many things for Final Fantasy XI -- the end of the year, the end of the level cap from the last update, and perhaps most notably the end of Wings of the Goddess. After a very long and drawn-out storyline and series of missions, it's time for players to finish up their adventures in the past. But as can be expected, it's not going to be quite as simple as walking up to the Spitewardens and politely asking them to pack up shop.

After a series of defeats, challenges, and the usual confusion regarding any time-travel storyline, it seems the final movement begins in Grauberg with a rather flustered Cait Sith and moves on to the Walk of Echoes. It's time to face off against the Spitewardens and Lillith, the main villains of the expansion's arc, if adventurers want to maintain any hope of a future controlled by the free people of Vana'diel instead of the beastmen. While the preview only gives us a small taste of what's coming, Final Fantasy XI players had best steel themselves in advance -- this promises to end with a bang.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI previews the end of Wings of the Goddess originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>december-version-updateexpansionexpansion-storylineffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximissionmission-conclusionmissionsspitewardenssquaresquare-enixstory-arcstorylinewalk-of-echoeswings-of-the-goddesswotgFri, 12 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI December update is on track]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/final-fantasy-xi-december-update-is-on-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/final-fantasy-xi-december-update-is-on-track/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/final-fantasy-xi-december-update-is-on-track/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rumors of the death of Final Fantasy XI have been greatly exaggerated. Even with the game having celebrated eight years of operation earlier this year, there's a lot of life left in the world of Vana'diel, and the update cycle is continuing apace. We knew we were due for another version update soon, and the most recent news from Square-Enix confirms that the December version update is on track for early next month. It's an end-of-year treat for the game's many devoted players.

And it should be quite a treat, at that. Along with the next installment of level cap updates -- complete with improved and added job abilities -- the update will feature the conclusion to the storyline of Wings of the Goddess at long last. It will also likely include the last installment of the Abyssea expansions, and it will definitely feature the job-specific emotes that were advertised at the beginning of the year. Final Fantasy XI players should keep their eyes open for more reveals on the next update, as it seems to be just around the corner.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI December update is on track originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abysseacontentdecember-version-updateffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximissionspatchespreviewssquaresquare-enixupdateupdateswings-of-the-goddesswotgTue, 09 Nov 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars 101]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/flameseeker-chronicles-guild-wars-101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/flameseeker-chronicles-guild-wars-101/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/08/flameseeker-chronicles-guild-wars-101/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The lack of Guild Wars 2 news lately is getting increasingly frustrating. Don't look so surprised -- just because I think we shouldn't should curse and throw a fit and take what isn't ours doesn't mean I don't want news as badly as you guys do!

I've been stalking Twitter, the ArenaNet blog, forums, and anything else I can think of, hoping for any scrap of GW2 news. Of course, there's nothing. There's a bright side to weeks like this, though. They allow me to visit topics that I don't have time for on weeks when I'm scrambling to keep up with the news avalanche.

The brand-new Guild Wars players just keep on coming, and while it's so exciting to see the community growing like this, the vast majority of us have forgotten what it's like to set foot in Tyria for the first time. Oh, sure, we remember how amazingly beautiful Pre-Searing was and other overall impressions like that, but sometimes it's hard to remember the confusion of not even knowing basics like how to enter a mission -- or even what a mission is.

So you guys who are standing in Ascalon City, feeling confused about where to even begin, while your alliance talks about doing The Deep in hard mode, this is for you. Press that handy button to continue!

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars 101

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars 101 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguideguidesguild-warsguild-wars-101gwmissionsncsoftno-you-cant-jump-sorryprimary-questquestsMon, 08 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Five years of scum and villainy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-five-years-of-scum-and-villainy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-five-years-of-scum-and-villainy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-five-years-of-scum-and-villainy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Let's face it, being a supervillain is fun. Sure, you root for the hero, because blowing up the entirety of California would probably be a bad thing, but in your heart you think that having come up with a plan to wipe out an entire state is pretty darn cool. City of Heroes might have launched letting players just take the role of a heroic sort, but five years ago tomorrow, they launched the game's first expansion, the appropriately named City of Villains.

Of course, these days few players think of CoV as an expansion. Since the two games were merged two years ago, the very concept seems almost ridiculous, and the two have long felt like halves of a whole. City of Heroes is generally accepted as the name of the game, despite a better fashion sense and leveling experience over in the Rogue Isles. But let's take a step back through to 2005 and honor this hive of scum and... well, you know the rest.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Five years of scum and villainy

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Five years of scum and villainy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclass-balanceclass-dynamicsclassescohcovcoxexpansionexpansionsfeaturedmissionsncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiospvpretrospectivetextwritingWed, 27 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/eve-evolved-group-pve-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online is often thought of as a strongly PvP-based game, with player conflict and competition at the heart of practically every activity the game offers. Competition for resources, power, and notoriety routinely drive players to disintegrate each other's ships, but this effect isn't limited to just PvP. Miners compete with each other for ore on a daily basis, for example, and traders fight for market supremacy. EVE's competitive sandbox element is such a headline feature that PvE often takes a back seat in discussions about the game.

EVE's combat-based PvE comes in the form of repeatable agent missions, hidden exploration sites, and deadly Sleeper encounters. While most of these can be completed solo by experienced pilots with a well-designed ship, they're often much faster and more fun when done in groups. The lack of a limit to how many pilots can be brought on PvE expeditions even makes it feasible to take newer players along to tough missions, something that doesn't happen in most MMOs.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at why EVE's PvE is so inherently soloable, which types of PvE encounters are well suited to group play, and what the future holds for EVE's possibly neglected group PvE content.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Group PvE in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesemergenceemergenteveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexplorationfeaturedgroupincursionmissionmission-runningmissionsnpcnpcspvesandboxsleepersleeperssoloSun, 03 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[September version update live for Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/september-version-update-live-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/september-version-update-live-for-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/september-version-update-live-for-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's a good day to be in Vana'diel, as Final Fantasy XI's much-awaited September version update is now up and running on the live servers. That means another increase in the level cap, new missions for Wings of the Goddess, and many other improvements to the game. The full list of changes may be found in the official patch notes, which also include a few pieces of information not previously disclosed.

As expected, the majority of the changes center around the increase of the level cap to 85, complete with levels for the previewed new abilities and traits. There are also several smaller quality of life improvements, and the usual array of bug fixes across the board. Players waiting for the update to download (which can take quite some time, as any Final Fantasy XI veteran can attest) can peruse the full list of changes and get ready for some interesting new experiences.

MassivelySeptember version update live for Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abysseaffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigame-updateslevel-caplevelsmissionspatchesseptember-version-updatesquaresquare-enixupdateswings-of-the-goddesswotgWed, 08 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Lone wolf]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/wasteland-diaries-lone-wolf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/wasteland-diaries-lone-wolf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/wasteland-diaries-lone-wolf/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

An MMO is a massively multiplayer online game. So what would attract a lone-wolf type to something that is massively multiplayer? You would think this would drive someone who enjoys his solitude away. This is simply not the case, as every MMORPG has lone-wolf players. If that MMO happens to be Fallen Earth, with its post-apocalyptic setting, it might seem to attract individualistic survivalist types who strive to be self-sufficient. I have never played an MMO in which so many people were withdrawn, introverted, and downright antisocial.

Well, it is the apocalypse, and there are times when I just want to be left alone to kill in silence. I am a bit of a lone wolf, myself. But many times, trying to get a group together can be like pulling teeth... from a drunken throwback's maw. Sure, people aren't bound to be as friendly in a ravaged, unlawful world like the one we call home in Fallen Earth, but sometimes the wasteland can be a very lonely place. I enjoy doing my own thing as much as anyone else, and in many cases I don't want to stop what I'm doing to help other players, but I tend to. And I'm almost always glad I did. After the cut, I'll take a look at the pros and cons of being a lone wolf.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Lone wolf

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Lone wolf originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antisocialclanmatesclanscraftingcrafting-systemdeadfallfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedgroup-missionsgroupsguildsicarusicarus-studioslone-wolfmissionssolo-playsolo-playersteamsFri, 03 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST