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[Leaderboard: Mechanized vs. monster mounts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/leaderboard-mechanized-vs-monster-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/leaderboard-mechanized-vs-monster-mounts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/30/leaderboard-mechanized-vs-monster-mounts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard
Unless you're stuck in the invisible wall, no jumping, running-with-your-hands-flopping-about hell of Guild Wars, chances are you've gotten the opportunity to pick up a mount or two in an MMO. It's one of the ways that MMOs are so superior to the real world: There are no driver tests, no insurance policies, no (usually) gas. You just plop down some money and the vendor looks the other way while you go off-roading in a major metropolitan area.

But it wouldn't be a Leaderboard if we didn't force you to choose between your '67 Mustang and your pet Tauntaun, and so it shall be. In the world of mounts, there are two categories: the mechanized and the monsters. Vehicle mounts may be more rare due to fantasy's dominance over the genre, but they're still there and quite popular for the set that doesn't appreciate staring at horse doody all the live-long day. Then again, the fantastic creatures that have served as animal mounts are unceasing in variety as they are in style.

So what shall it be? Will you plug Old Yeller and go with your motorcycle, or will you mothball your favorite dune buggy in favor of Seabiscuit? Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Mechanized vs. monster mounts

MassivelyLeaderboard: Mechanized vs. monster mounts originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalcarfeaturedguild-warsgwhorseleaderboardmechanizedmonstermotorcyclemountmountsold-yelleropinionpollseabiscuitvehiclevehiclesvotevotersvotesMon, 30 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar Wednesday: The return of Metal Maw]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/wildstar-wednesday-the-return-of-metal-maw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/wildstar-wednesday-the-return-of-metal-maw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/05/wildstar-wednesday-the-return-of-metal-maw/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WildStar -- Metal Maw render
A few weeks ago, the fine folks over at Carbine Studios posted the first WildStar Wednesday dev diary, which took fans through the process of creating a new WildStar creature. Well, it's that time once again, and this WildStar Wednesday features the return of the monstrous Metal Maw. Lead concept artist Andy Cotnam has handed off Metal Maw's design sketch to senior character artist Brandon Dix, who is charged with the task of modeling and texturing the beast.

In the post, Dix takes fans through the process of creating a (virtually) living, breathing model of the new creature, from rough sculpture to rendered model. To take a look at the fascinating process for yourself, head on over to the WildStar Wednesday blog post at the game's official site.

MassivelyWildStar Wednesday: The return of Metal Maw originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-cotnamartbrandon-dixcarbinecarbine-studioscreaturecreature-creationdev-blogdev-diarymetal-mawmobmonsterwildstarwildstar-wednesdayWed, 05 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive TERA lore: Day in the Life - Ebonathis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/massively-exclusive-tera-lore-day-in-the-life-ebonathis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/massively-exclusive-tera-lore-day-in-the-life-ebonathis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/13/massively-exclusive-tera-lore-day-in-the-life-ebonathis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Just a couple of days ago, we were treated to a new video of TERA's Pirate Grotto dungeon, along with a bevy of crafting information and confirmation of the game's presence at E3. Today, we have a new treat for all of you anticipating TERA's Western release: a bit of lore outlining a day in the life of the leader of the fimbrilisks -- and yet another BAM -- Ebonathis.

"What the blazes is a fimbrilisk," you ask? We'd love to tell you, but they seem to be rather enigmatic creatures for the time being. What we do know is that they are large (read: holysweethellthatthingisbig), scaly creatures vaguely resembling balrogs with an affinity -- and appetite -- for arcane energy. Today's piece of lore puts you into the shoes... hooves... scaly-talon-foot-appendage-things of the leader of this formidable race for a rousing good time of devouring arcane energy like it's candy. So jump over the cut for the full story, and don't forget to check out the new additions to the TERA gallery below.

Gallery: TERA screenshots

Continue reading Massively Exclusive TERA lore: Day in the Life - Ebonathis

MassivelyMassively Exclusive TERA lore: Day in the Life - Ebonathis originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-day-in-the-lifebambig-ass-monstercreatureday-in-the-lifeebonathisen-masseen-masse-entertainmentexclusivefantasyfimbriliskgallerymobmonsterteratera-onlineFri, 13 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a rat, it's a bat, it's Guild Wars 2's Skritt!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/its-a-rat-its-a-bat-its-guild-wars-2s-skritt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/its-a-rat-its-a-bat-its-guild-wars-2s-skritt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/05/its-a-rat-its-a-bat-its-guild-wars-2s-skritt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Don't call them Bat-Men, Skaven or Reepicheep; you'll address them as "Skritt" and do it with respect if you know what's good for you.

In a new ArenaNet blog post, Ree Soesbee reveals the latest Guild Wars 2 monster to plague the land: the "horribly, wickedly tricksy" Skritt. Skritt are a humanoid blend of rats and bats that live in massive colonies under the surface of Tyria, emerging to mooch and presumably harvest spoons from their victims.

One interesting fact about this race is that Skritt share intelligence in an unknown way, and the more of them that congregate the smarter they become. It's this tenacity and hive-mind that have made them mortal enemies of the Asura, who are adamant that all Skritt be wiped out.

So what prompted the creation of Guild Wars 2's Skritt? "We hadn't explored the idea of a hive-mind in our world before, but we didn't want to just repeat the old standard-an insectoid race. We went through many ideas, and eventually settled on the concept of a rattus rattus based horde. A major consideration in their creation was that this race had to challenge the asura on their own terms, but not be just another super-intelligent species."

MassivelyIt's a rat, it's a bat, it's Guild Wars 2's Skritt! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetarenanet-blogasurabat-menbatmanguild-wars-2gw2hive-mindloremobmobsmonsterncsoftraceree-soesbeereepicheepskavenskritttyriawickedly-tricksyTue, 05 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Librarians gone bad: TERA's Runekeepers revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/librarians-gone-bad-teras-runekeepers-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/librarians-gone-bad-teras-runekeepers-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/librarians-gone-bad-teras-runekeepers-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As we jog nearer and nearer to TERA's release, En Masse continues to unveil the intricacies of this world. Few things are as important to talk about than the uglies and nasties that we'll be beating on for the duration of our career, which is why the studio has added a new entry to its beastiary with the Runekeeper.

Near or far, no player will be safe from TERA's Runekeepers. These nasty demons pack a punch up close, with spiked fists that seem to say "Kill!" in a universal language. If you keep your distance, the Runekeeper is liable to chuck a bomb at you -- not a chemical bomb, mind you, but little critters known as guuthangs who have a tendency to explode. It's a lose-lose situation between your face and the guuthangs, really.

Oddly enough, the Runekeepers have a massive hunger for knowledge. "Unfortunately, the runekeepers' destructive nature makes it impossible for them to get a library card," the official description reads. "Barakas insist the runekeepers actually devour the books."

MassivelyLibrarians gone bad: TERA's Runekeepers revealed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombsdemonen-masseen-masse-entertainmentguuthangslibrarianmonsterrunekeeperrunekeepersterathey-should-have-glassesFri, 25 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The spawning grounds expand for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-spawning-grounds-expand-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-spawning-grounds-expand-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/the-spawning-grounds-expand-for-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

After the development team discussed the more technical side of the coming November version update yesterday, today's preview for Final Fantasy XIV is back to the gameplay. That's not to say it doesn't have any technical details or enticing hints for veterans of Final Fantasy XI, considering that the newest preview is discussing monster spawn placement and the upcoming notorious monsters. For example, the new preview notes that server processing is being spread across multiple servers, which should help handle large groups of monsters more effectively -- and should also help mitigate server lag and some latency issues players have experienced.

As for notorious monsters... it seems only fitting that some of the most iconic residents of Vana'diel will apparently be getting a nod or two, with a promise that veterans may find some familiar faces among their new targets. The details of what can be looted from these creatures and who is coming to fight over dinner will be posted to the site in the near future. Final Fantasy XIV is working hard at making up for the issues many players had at launch, and that includes giving said players more monsters to fight against.

MassivelyThe spawning grounds expand for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffff14ffxivffxiv-november-updatefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmonstermonstersnmsnotorious-monsternotorious-monstersnovember-version-updatepatchespreviewsserver-distributionserver-loadspawnssquaresquare-enixupdatesThu, 18 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Free Realms is missing one key class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/the-digital-continuum-free-realms-is-missing-one-key-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/the-digital-continuum-free-realms-is-missing-one-key-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/the-digital-continuum-free-realms-is-missing-one-key-class/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


There are a lot of Jobs in Free Realms, but of all the job types available there's one in particular that's nowhere to be seen. Why SOE hasn't done everything within their power to launch with a monster battler job is beyond me. Maybe legal can't decide on whether or not to include berets as a costume option.

Moreover, when will it be added, if such a thing ever occurs? Surely the developers would be crazy to design a free-to-play "Mommy can I borrow your credit card?" online game without considering the power of capturing, leveling, evolving and battling monsters.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Free Realms is missing one key class

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Free Realms is missing one key class originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredfree-realmsmonsternintendopokemonsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-digital-continuumMon, 27 Apr 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Korean launch may alter western business model]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/lotros-korean-launch-may-alter-western-business-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/lotros-korean-launch-may-alter-western-business-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/lotros-korean-launch-may-alter-western-business-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Turbine is busy gearing up for its Korean launch of Lord of the Rings Online. The title is currently in closed beta in Korea and moving toward limited open beta. Fantasy titles are hugely popular in the country, but the enthusiasm with which beta testers are greeting LotRO has likely been spurred on by the popularity of the films directed by Peter Jackson.

MMORPG's Jon Wood recently caught up with LotRO Executive Producer Jeffrey Steefel to discuss Turbine's plans in the east. They discussed some of the details about LotRO's forthcoming Korean launch, which revealed how this might impact North American and European subscribers.

Continue reading LotRO's Korean launch may alter western business model

MassivelyLotRO's Korean launch may alter western business model originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabetabusiness-modelsfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsitem-malljeffrey-steefelkorealocalizationlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommorpgmonsterpeter-jacksonpvpquestsubscriptionturbineFri, 20 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lorebook tells tales of Ents gone bad]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/lorebook-tells-tales-of-ents-gone-bad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/lorebook-tells-tales-of-ents-gone-bad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/lorebook-tells-tales-of-ents-gone-bad/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Turbine's most recently highlighted The Lord of the Rings Online Lorebook entry, even Ents can turn to the proverbial dark side. One might think that even if they did, it would take them such a long time to work out how to kill you that they wouldn't be much of a threat. Unfortunately, you'll hear a different story from anyone who's faced the dour-root -- or Huorn, as some call it -- in Agamaur.

To be more specific, the monster is an Elite Master boss encounter in the Lone-lands' Garth Agarwen instance. It's probably not the first killer tree encountered by most LotRO players. That honor most likely goes to the Warped Oaks in the Old Forest.

MassivelyLorebook tells tales of Ents gone bad originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bossdour-rootelite-mastergarth-agarwenhuorninstancelone-landslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelorebooklotromobmonsterold-forestturbinewarped-oakThu, 05 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive: Inside the mind of Mind Candy's Michael Smith]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/massively-exclusive-inside-the-mind-of-mind-candys-michael-smi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/massively-exclusive-inside-the-mind-of-mind-candys-michael-smi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/30/massively-exclusive-inside-the-mind-of-mind-candys-michael-smi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


I recently had the opportunity to sit down and spend some quality time with the CEO of Mind Candy, Michael Smith. I picked his brain about Mind Candy's newest game, Moshi Monsters, how they're going to attract and protect the kids that play it, and what some of Michael's favorite past-time activities are. Plus, we even discussed a little background on Perplex City, and the status of the anticipated alternate reality game, Perplex City Season 2.

Interested in what goes on in the mind of one of Britain's most innovative game developers? Read on after the break and find out!

Continue reading Massively exclusive: Inside the mind of Mind Candy's Michael Smith

MassivelyMassively exclusive: Inside the mind of Mind Candy's Michael Smith originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualclub-penguinexclusivefeaturedinterviewinterviewsjoystiqfeatureskidsmichael-smithmind-candymonstermoshi-monstersperplex-citypxcstardollwebkinzWed, 30 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Post your interstellar résumé at EVE Careers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/post-your-interstellar-resume-at-eve-careers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/post-your-interstellar-resume-at-eve-careers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/post-your-interstellar-resume-at-eve-careers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The second episode of the Drone Bay podcast directed listeners to check out a website called EVE Careers, a sort of Monster.com or Career Builder for players of EVE Online. There are sections where both pilots and corporations (EVE's equivalent to player guilds) can post ads to connect with one another.

As the hosts of the Drone Bay noted, one of the big challenges for new players in EVE (and even experienced players, in certain circumstances) is finding a good corp to join. While it's possible to get by on your own to some extent in EVE, you'll be missing out on ... well, pretty much everything interesting about the game if you aren't part of one. EVE Careers presently has an almost 70-page list of corporations for you to check out, making it one of your best bets if you've been going it alone.

CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson told the New York Times a while back that EVE is different from other games like World of Warcraft because it's not just a game, it's a society -- at least, to a greater extent than WoW-types are. With its quarterly economic reports from the CCP Fed, its Council for Stellar Management, and now this player-run job board website, that's tough to argue with, even though there are forums for guild-finding in other games as well.

[Via Drone Bay]

MassivelyPost your interstellar résumé at EVE Careers originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>career-builderccpclassifiedscorporationscorpsdrone-bayeveeve-careerseve-onlinehiringjobsmonsterthe-drone-baySat, 15 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST