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[Newest WildStar Wednesday talks about creatures like a boss]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/newest-wildstar-wednesday-talks-about-creatures-like-a-boss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/newest-wildstar-wednesday-talks-about-creatures-like-a-boss/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/newest-wildstar-wednesday-talks-about-creatures-like-a-boss/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Spew venom! (like a boss) Consume adventurers! (like a boss) Spawn monsters! (like a boss) Eat a bagel! (like a boss)
When you're out in the wilds of WildStar, you're going to run into some creatures strong enough to throw you to the ground. That's why this week's installment of WildStar Wednesday discusses the minibosses one can expect to find out in the Northern Wilds. Only three of the denizens are given a full writeup, but the triumvirate should be more than enough to give potential players a sense of what dangers lurk in the planet's unexplored regions.

If you like your enemies with a thick carapace, the Xenobite Queen should be right up your alley, complete with vile poison and ravenous young. If you'd prefer to be pounded into the dirt by a mechanical emissary of the Dominion, the Ultrabot should provide you with all the laser-guided missile-flavored death you could want. Or you could face down a Frost Giant and enjoy watching a long-haired beast with poor eyesight hammer you into oblivion. It's all interesting flavor for fans of the game's development thus far, and it includes small factoids about the beasts that should prove completely irrelevant when fighting them. The more you know.

MassivelyNewest WildStar Wednesday talks about creatures like a boss originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bossescarbinecarbine-studioslike-a-bossloreminibossesmonstersncsoftpreviewsandparksci-fantasysci-fiwildstarwsWed, 28 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WAKFU releasing February 29th, stress test coming this weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/wakfu-releasing-february-29th-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/wakfu-releasing-february-29th-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/wakfu-releasing-february-29th-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

WAKFU - lots of players
It's a big weekend for WAKFU fans. The free-to-play fantasy sandbox from Ankama has announced the worldwide release date (February 29th) in a posting on the game's official website. The team picked the leap year date on purpose as a way of cementing WAKFU's reputation for doing things "that little bit differently."

The devs have also released a new video diary focusing on the game's monsters and PvE gameplay.

Finally, there's a stress test going on this weekend to help Ankama prepare for the upcoming launch. Make sure you log in on Saturday and Sunday to help out (and to get your apprentice cloak bonus item)!

Continue reading WAKFU releasing February 29th, stress test coming this weekend

MassivelyWAKFU releasing February 29th, stress test coming this weekend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiankamadev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playmonsterspverelease-datesandboxsquaresquare-enixstress-testvideowakfuFri, 27 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vindictus invites players to explore sewers and fight with monsters in newest update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/vindictus-invites-players-to-explore-sewers-and-fight-with-monst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/vindictus-invites-players-to-explore-sewers-and-fight-with-monst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/vindictus-invites-players-to-explore-sewers-and-fight-with-monst/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fighting... LIKE A BOSS.
Nexon Europe is pushing Vindictus forward with the game's newest update, which brings two large content improvements to the game. Players mostly interested in the PvE side of the game can start investigating Rocheste's sewers, braving dangerous beasts in the hopes of obtaining new treasures and three new armor types. Fortunately, the three characters of the game each receive a new skill to go along with all of the dangerous, hopefully making it just a little easier to tear through whatever lies beneath.

If you'd rather go for the PvP route, however, the update is introducing a new combat mode known as M-Match. It's two teams of players pitted against one another, with the added twist that each side has a boss monster under its control. The first team to take out the opposing team's boss is the winner. The new arena also contains a number of chained boss fights for players to pit themselves against, either one at a time or multiple bosses in sequence, just to reward players who decide to hack their way through greater challenges.

[Source: Nexon Europe press release]

Continue reading Vindictus invites players to explore sewers and fight with monsters in newest update

MassivelyVindictus invites players to explore sewers and fight with monsters in newest update originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenabossboss-monstersbossescontentm-matchmonstersnexonnexon-europepatchespvppvp-modesquestssewersupdatesvindictusWed, 18 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World unveils new horrific creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-secret-world-unveils-new-horrific-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-secret-world-unveils-new-horrific-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/16/the-secret-world-unveils-new-horrific-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Enjoy the nightmare fuel.
More creepy-crawlies are emerging from the shadows to join the ranks of Funcom's upcoming horror-inspired title, The Secret World. The studio revealed today three new creatures that players will face in-game: the Bogeyman, Jack O'Lantern, and the mud golem. The first of the three, the Bogeyman, should be familiar to anyone who was once a child (if any of you weren't, please let us know). He is "a being of pure evil" who feeds on fear, and considering that terrible visage up there, we doubt he ever goes hungry.

Meanwhile, Jack O'Lantern, is some poor sod who fell under a wicked curse, and is now driven only by vengeance and bloodlust. To take advantage of his pumpkin head, Jack O'Lantern tends to bury himself beneath the ground in pumpkin patches in order to take passers-by by surprise. And finally, we have the mud golem, which is pretty much what it says on the tin. A being of pure earth, the mud golem is created for one purpose: to perform the (almost certainly nefarious) will of its master. For the full details on each of these creatures, head on over to the official site.

MassivelyThe Secret World unveils new horrific creatures originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bogeymancreaturesfuncomhorrorjack-o-lanternloremobsmonstersmud-golemmud-golemsnnightmare-fuelthe-bogeymanthe-jack-o-lanternthe-secret-worldtswFri, 16 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New ArcheAge video shows off combat moves, giant mobs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/new-archeage-video-shows-off-combat-moves-giant-mobs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/new-archeage-video-shows-off-combat-moves-giant-mobs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/06/new-archeage-video-shows-off-combat-moves-giant-mobs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - PvE fight
While much has been made of ArcheAge's non-combat gameplay, the upcoming fantasy sandpark is no slouch when it comes to pew pew and sticking the pointy end into the other man. A newly released video compilation shows off many of the game's melee moves and spell-casting animations as well as a good cross-section of PvE mobs ranging from the mundane to the spectacular.

Apparently size matters to the devs at XL Games, as more than a few of the creatures on display dwarf the player characters taking them on. Whether you're into giant flying crabs, fearsome tree monsters, or hordes of undead, there's a little something for everyone in ArcheAge's newest combat clip. Check it out after the cut.

Continue reading New ArcheAge video shows off combat moves, giant mobs

MassivelyNew ArcheAge video shows off combat moves, giant mobs originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arche-agearcheageboss-mobscasterscombatfantasymeleemobsmonsterspvesandboxsandparktrailervideoxlxl-gamesSun, 06 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/turbine-celebrates-rise-of-isengards-launch-with-monsters-and-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/turbine-celebrates-rise-of-isengards-launch-with-monsters-and-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/turbine-celebrates-rise-of-isengards-launch-with-monsters-and-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Rise of Isengard
"The more we pretend that Middle-earth is safe, the blacker the enemy's shadow grows," an ominous voice proclaims at the start of the Rise of Isengard launch trailer. While Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion was officially slated to be released today, Turbine jumped the gun and got it out yesterday afternoon -- complete with patch notes.

We'll be digging deep into Rise of Isengard this week on Massively, including broadcasting it on Massively TV and analysing the first few days of play in the next Road to Mordor column.

To celebrate Rise of Isengard's arrival, Turbine is treating its fans to an inspirational launch trailer and several new screenshots demonstrating the fearsome might of Saruman's forces. You know the drill: screenshots below, trailer after the jump!

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery

Continue reading Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies

MassivelyTurbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionf2pfree-to-playlaunchlaunch-trailerlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonstersmoviepatch-notespicturesreleaserise-of-isengardroisarumanscreenshotstrailerturbineTurbine-EntertainmentvideoTue, 27 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom reveals three new monsters of The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/funcom-reveals-three-new-monsters-of-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/funcom-reveals-three-new-monsters-of-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/funcom-reveals-three-new-monsters-of-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Good things often come in threes, and when it comes to The Secret World, scary things do as well. Funcom has just released a new monster information triple-pack for its horror-conspiracy MMORPG, and the official TSW website has the goods on the wendigo, the deep ones, and the ak'ab.

The wendigo are apparently descended from a tribe of humans who went cannibal, and Funcom's intro blurb cites their cursed metabolism and describes them as "more sickness than species." No less chilling are the deep ones, fearsome inhabitants of the Atlantic Ocean who are known to "drag victims into a death-dive until the unfortunates are crushed into more edible material." Finally we have the ak'ab, and Funcom's website quotes H.P. Lovecraft to help set the mood for describing these "cold, pale things of native myth" that do the nefarious bidding of sorcerers and necromancers.

MassivelyFuncom reveals three new monsters of The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ak-abakabdeep-onesfantasyfuncomhorrorhp-lovecraftlorelovecraftmobsmonstersthe-secret-worldtswwendigowendigosWed, 29 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Exclusive TERA screenshots: Pirates and BAMs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/massivelys-exclusive-tera-screenshots-pirates-and-bams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/massivelys-exclusive-tera-screenshots-pirates-and-bams/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/11/massivelys-exclusive-tera-screenshots-pirates-and-bams/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively's got a pair of new TERA exclusives coming your way this week, the first of which deals with both BAMs (En Masse Entertainment parlance for big-ass monsters) and pirates. With all due respect to the ninja fans in the audience, pirates reign supreme, particularly the Arborean pirates on display in our new screenshots. These cultured gents are representatives of the Red Lash and are composed mainly of Castanic rogues that do the bidding of their Gula overseers.

That's right, the BAMs are running the show, as the cutthroat and corpulent Gulas currently direct the buccaneers that make up the rank and file of the Red Lash.

Head past the cut for some pirate and BAM-flavored lore, and don't forget to check out the four exclusive new screens in our gallery below.

Gallery: TERA screenshots

Continue reading Massively's Exclusive TERA screenshots: Pirates and BAMs

MassivelyMassively's Exclusive TERA screenshots: Pirates and BAMs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bamsbig-ass-monstersblueholebluehole-studioen-masseen-masse-entertainmentexclusivefantasyfeaturedgallerygulagulasloremonsterspiratesred-lashscreenshotsteratera-onlineMon, 11 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: En Masse shows off new TERA monster lore and screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/massively-exclusive-en-masse-shows-off-new-tera-monster-lore-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/massively-exclusive-en-masse-shows-off-new-tera-monster-lore-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/massively-exclusive-en-masse-shows-off-new-tera-monster-lore-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TERA's media blitz has been focused on BAMs and smart AI of late, so it's only natural that Massively's latest exclusive from the world of Arborea has a certain monster-centric bent. En Masse Entertainment has given us the details on two of the mobs you're likely to encounter during your travels, as well as a couple of new screenshots that show off just how big these BAMs really are.

First up is the kumas, and as you can see in the header image above, he's more than happy to be crossing paths with an adventurer (i.e., a potential meal). "Kumases exist to consume, it is their only function -- their place in the world, as it were. Forever striving to sate the Hunger, their bodies slow down into near-hibernation when there is nothing nearby to eat," En Masse tells us. Kumas territory is typically bare of plant and animal life, and the beast's keen sense of smell alerts it to the presence of nearby prey and brings its body back to a waking state.

Nagas are a bit more proactive and are prone to hunting in areas occupied by kumas. As a result, the naga has learned to control its scent secretions, the better to avoid conflicts with its deadly rival. "Nagas are a violent bunch," according to En Masse. "Their primary concern is hunting for the sake of fighting. Food is occasionally useful too." Jump the cut for the full descriptions.

Gallery: TERA screenshots

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: En Masse shows off new TERA monster lore and screens

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: En Masse shows off new TERA monster lore and screens originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arboreabamsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasyfeaturedgallerykumasmonstersnagascreenshotsteratera-onlineWed, 16 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What enemy groups do you feel are overused?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/the-daily-grind-what-enemy-groups-do-you-feel-are-overused/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/the-daily-grind-what-enemy-groups-do-you-feel-are-overused/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/13/the-daily-grind-what-enemy-groups-do-you-feel-are-overused/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There's no denying that the Praetorian Clockwork of City of Heroes are a cool-looking gang of robots. They're powerful, military, and intimidating in numbers, and their prominence in recent task forces isn't unwelcome. Of course, after fighting them all through the first 20 levels of the game, and then fighting them in the most recent task forces, and then fighting more of them in the upcoming Issue 20... some players might be getting just a bit tired of seeing the war machines stomping about.

World of Warcraft has at least one troll dungeon per expansion, Star Trek Online loves its Borg, and of course you've got Orcs from dawn to dusk in Lord of the Rings Online. Sometimes they make sense; sometimes they don't. But there's always one group of enemies that seems to get trotted out more often than others. So what group do you feel gets brought into the forefront just a bit too often in your game of choice? Was it a group that you used to like but have grown bored of, or one you never found all that interesting?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What enemy groups do you feel are overused? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antagonistsenemiesenemyfoesloremobsmonstersopinionopponentsoppositiontdgthe-daily-grindvillainsSun, 13 Feb 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring Eberron: Welcome to a monstrous 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/exploring-eberron-welcome-to-a-monstrous-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/exploring-eberron-welcome-to-a-monstrous-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/exploring-eberron-welcome-to-a-monstrous-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Welcome to the first Exploring Eberron of 2011! I'm pretty excited about what this year will bring to Dungeons and Dragons Online, particularly since Turbine has been hinting at something special for the game's fifth birthday next month. I'm going to be looking into that pretty enthusiastically during the rest of January, hoping to dig up some hints as to what's coming.

For now, though, Turbine is kicking off 2011 in DDO with the focus on foes -- January seems to be all about monsters. The DDO crew will be giving us information on old monsters that's both useful for those just encountering them and entertaining to those who are used to them, and the designers seem to be on the hunt for new creatures as well.

Follow along after the jump to see what it's all about!

Continue reading Exploring Eberron: Welcome to a monstrous 2011

MassivelyExploring Eberron: Welcome to a monstrous 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ddoDungeons-and-Dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineexploring-eberronf2pfree-to-playfreemiumftpmonsterssahuaginturbineFri, 07 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Familiar faces and holiday places in Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/familiar-faces-and-holiday-places-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/familiar-faces-and-holiday-places-in-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/familiar-faces-and-holiday-places-in-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

While Friday saw a massive news bomb dropped for players of Final Fantasy XIV, life in Eorzea continues, albeit with a touch of a specter hanging overhead. Still, one can only hope that the first Starlight Celebration in the game will help alleviate some of that sense of doom and gloom. To the surprise of nearly no one, the celebration features a number of gifts for players, as well as a three-piece set of thematic attire that can be either crafted or received via helping needy children. It's also one of the first glimpses at the game world's backstory beyond those tantalizing glimpses in story quests.

But perhaps you couldn't care less about the celebration and just want to go toe-to-toe with something more dangerous than a marmot. The December update should be good for what ails you, with the most recent preview offering up several new notorious monsters as well as two returning enemy groups. Flans, of course, have been a staple of nearly every game in the series -- but goblins are a welcome returning foe from Final Fantasy XI, complete with the same design and mercantile nature. Final Fantasy XIV players don't have a definite date for the update just yet, but it should be in the very near future, possibly even this week.

MassivelyFamiliar faces and holiday places in Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffff14ffxivffxiv-december-updatefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivholiday-eventin-game-eventin-game-holidaymonster-typesmonstersnotorious-monsternotorious-monsterspatchespreviewsquaresquare-enixstarlight-celebrationupdate-previewwinter-holiday-2010Mon, 13 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu previews upcoming additions to Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/famitsu-previews-upcoming-additions-to-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/famitsu-previews-upcoming-additions-to-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/25/famitsu-previews-upcoming-additions-to-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Discussion about Final Fantasy XIV of late has centered around the coming November version update, currently slated for today. But there's more coming beyond simply a host of UI fixes and system improvements, some of which have been previewed by Famitsu recently. The translation crew at FFXIVCore has put together a gallery of images as well as small descriptions of what's coming for the game, albeit without much contextual information about when these additions can be expected.

The new retainer outfits are a cosmetic addition that's welcome without being overwhelming, but the previews of monsters show off familiar foes from the series as a whole, familiar faces from Final Fantasy XI, and new enemies to fight. And the weapon preview seems to hint at some of the equipment players can look forward to from the notorious monsters slated for implementation before the end of the year. Final Fantasy XIV players are encouraged to take a look at the preview -- and possibly put some time aside for play today.

MassivelyFamitsu previews upcoming additions to Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>additionadditionscosmeticcosmetic-outfitsenemiesequipmentfamitsuffff14ffxivffxiv-november-updatefinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmonstersnotorious-monstersnovember-version-updateoutfitspreviewsquaresquare-enixThu, 25 Nov 2010 11:00:00 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[Final Fantasy XIV unveils the next part in the Making of Eorzea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/final-fantasy-xiv-unveils-the-next-part-in-the-making-of-eorzea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/final-fantasy-xiv-unveils-the-next-part-in-the-making-of-eorzea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/05/final-fantasy-xiv-unveils-the-next-part-in-the-making-of-eorzea/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Any veteran player of Final Fantasy XI will be quick to talk about the marvelously detailed and realistic monsters found across the game. It's been clear from the start that Final Fantasy XIV will continue in the tradition, and the most recent video documentary released by Square-Enix demonstrates that in loving detail. Examining the production of the game's monsters in depth, the video is embedded after the cut and is a visual treat for almost any fan of the series.

As the video explains, the process of creating a monster for the game starts with the team essentially sculpting a virtual model at a polygon count far too high for use in the game. That model is used as the basis for the detailed and intricate final models, several of which are allowed to strut their stuff in the video. From the giant sea serpent seen in the benchmark to old standbys like the malboro, it's clear how much work has gone into making each part of Final Fantasy XIV's wildlife seamless and believable. Take a look past the break for the video, and if your interest is piqued, you might wish to try and get into the beta.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIV unveils the next part in the Making of Eorzea

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV unveils the next part in the Making of Eorzea originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationsdevelopmentffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivgame-developmentmalboromodelingmodelsmonsterssquaresquare-enixvideovisual-developmentThu, 05 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famitsu reveals new selection of Final Fantasy XIV wildlife]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/famitsu-reveals-new-selection-of-final-fantasy-xiv-wildlife/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/famitsu-reveals-new-selection-of-final-fantasy-xiv-wildlife/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/famitsu-reveals-new-selection-of-final-fantasy-xiv-wildlife/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

We learned quite a bit about the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV during E3, but there's still quite a bit left still to learn before its release later this year. One of the more obvious questions is what, exactly, players will be squaring off against on the field of battle; in a series partly defined by its memorable recurring adversaries, it's reasonable to wonder what will return and what won't. A newly translated piece from Famitsu helps answer that question, with an octet of new creatures as well as a few bits of information about changes in the next phase of testing.

Most of the newly revealed monsters have a storied history in the series as a whole, and several are direct exports from Final Fantasy XI, including the deceptively fearsome Goobbue making a triumphant return. Funguar also return, although looking very different from Vana'diel's odd mushroom-frog hybrids. Each of the monsters has a brief write-up describing its size, behavior, and habitat, so Final Fantasy XIV fans would be well served by taking a look at what they're going to have to deal with during their journeys.

MassivelyFamitsu reveals new selection of Final Fantasy XIV wildlife originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycreaturesfamitsufaunaffff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivloremegafaunamegafloramonsterssquaresquare-enixtranslationswildlifeThu, 24 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: The people have spoken!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/the-mog-log-the-people-have-spoken/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/the-mog-log-the-people-have-spoken/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/17/the-mog-log-the-people-have-spoken/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Actually, it's more like the people never stopped speaking. Because there's been quite a bit to talk about over the past few weeks, most of it circling around the enormous bursts of information coming out of the Final Fantasy XIV testing process. We've gotten our first few looks at what the game might look like, and compared to the lockstep class-and-level progression of Final Fantasy XI it's like the game's being developed by a whole other company. Or like it's some mixture of all the best parts of the games of yesteryear, which might not be that far from the truth.

If you haven't been in the mood to talk about the new hotness, of course, there's been plenty of other things to chat about, specifically the huge March update in Final Fantasy XI that added all sorts of new widgets. (An update I was lucky enough to take a tour of, if you missed it.) So jump on past the cut for the most interesting, though-provoking, or just most noteworthy threads over the past month around the web, as determined by reader mail and whatever caught my eye before my clicking hand got tired.

Continue reading The Mog Log: The people have spoken!

MassivelyThe Mog Log: The people have spoken! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorycombatcommunityenemiesffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivloremonstersreligionroleplayingsquare-enixtestingxbox-360Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion trailer 1.5 released into the wild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/aion-trailer-1-5-released-into-the-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/aion-trailer-1-5-released-into-the-wild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/aion-trailer-1-5-released-into-the-wild/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Aion's launch is coming up this September, and a brand new trailer has been released to make sure that everyone remembers exactly how pretty this game is. For the record, Aion is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

Aion's "patch 1.5 trailer" is a glorious eye-candy collection of new zones, monsters, powers, and pretty. The focus here is obviously on the threats of the world as many large bosses are shown while formerly beautiful areas transition into a state of war and decay. The threats that will haunt players are extremely varied, as the video starts off with a dragon but goes on to show demons, foot soldiers, and even a really angry plant-like thing. You know things are bad when you can't even trust the plants.

The second half of the trailer features an Asmodian raiding party taking down the owners of a beautiful airship, as well as a huge battle in the... You know what, why are we still talking when we could just be showing you the pretty first-hand? Jump after the break and take a look at Aion's latest trailer.

Gallery: Aion: The Shadow of the Balaur trailer


Continue reading Aion trailer 1.5 released into the wild

MassivelyAion trailer 1.5 released into the wild originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionaion-1.5aion-tower-of-eternitygraphicsmonstersncsoftpvepvptrailervideozonesWed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Memory of Monsters...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/a-memory-of-monsters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/a-memory-of-monsters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/a-memory-of-monsters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Being something of a monster hunter, at least in the virtual sense, I've certainly come across my fair share of monsters. In many ways, the monster defines the MMO genre, providing the adversity by which adventure can happen. We head out and conquer, freeing the world of peril and are heroes as a result, but none of this can happen without the monsters putting the world in jeopardy in the first place!

The great majority of the enemies in our MMOs are often quite unremarkable, existing as little more than wandering piñatas stuffed with loot and advancement. Plundered from commonplace mythology and incarnated again and again, we've all beaten plenty of skeletons, orcs, wolves and bandits, often in alarming numbers during the typical quiet week-day evening. This kind of riff-raff is very much the bread and butter of our online adventuring, but every now and then, something a bit different comes charging at us. Follow me into the Billiard Room, where I shall show you the stuffed heads of some of my own personal favourite monsters!

Continue reading A Memory of Monsters...

MassivelyA Memory of Monsters... originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlinecity-of-heroesfeaturedguild-warslotromonsterstabula-rasaSat, 15 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet the Sparkplay Media team: Part One]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/meet-the-sparkplay-media-team-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/meet-the-sparkplay-media-team-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/meet-the-sparkplay-media-team-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Here at Massively we recently got the chance to sit down with a couple members of the Sparkplay Media team and pick their brains about their upcoming MMO, Earth Eternal. However, these guys had a lot to say to us! So much so that we couldn't fit it into one of our standard interviews!

So that's why we're bringing you "Meet the Sparkplay Media Team," a two part feature article with all of the info and answers that we've been exposed to. Today and tomorrow you're going to get to know the lead designer, a concept artist, lead writer (and moonlighting CEO), and one of the programmers behind Earth Eternal.

Today we're sitting down with Greg Chapman, the lead designer, and Alex Madrigal, one of the concept artists. If you wish to comment on today's interviews, please do so on page two of our interviews. Otherwise, hit that continue reading button and come on in!

Continue reading Meet the Sparkplay Media team: Part One

MassivelyMeet the Sparkplay Media team: Part One originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daemondungeonsearth-eternalfeaturedgreg-chapmangroupinterviewjoystiqfeatureslead-designermonsterssparkplay-mediaThu, 23 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine breaks out with the funny in the latest Moria dev diary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/turbine-breaks-out-with-the-funny-in-the-latest-moria-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/turbine-breaks-out-with-the-funny-in-the-latest-moria-dev-diary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/06/turbine-breaks-out-with-the-funny-in-the-latest-moria-dev-diary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


In probably one of the most entertaining dev diaries we've ever read, Turbine's Tim "Raskolnikov" Lang gives us a look into what is involved with creating the new creatures in Lord of the Rings Online: Mines of Moria, and more on the upcoming changes arriving with the expansion.

The entire monster creation process is explained step-by-step, which would ordinarily be extremely boring, yet "Man-Bat", as Lang is affectionately called, provides a humorous Q&A throughout the entire diary. That certainly doesn't mean that this eight-page article isn't packed with useful info though, as it gives us plenty of new information on the upcoming monster features we have to look forward to in Moria.

MassivelyTurbine breaks out with the funny in the latest Moria dev diary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creaturesdev-diarylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroman-batmines-of-moriamonstersturbineThu, 06 Nov 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft miniatures game hits shelves November 11th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/world-of-warcraft-miniatures-game-hits-shelves-november-11th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/world-of-warcraft-miniatures-game-hits-shelves-november-11th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/world-of-warcraft-miniatures-game-hits-shelves-november-11th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A World of Warcraft miniatures game will be released on November 11th. It has been designed and will be published by Upper Deck, the company behind the WoW TCG. For those curious how the game works, there are a number of gameplay previews at the News section of the game's website.

According to the FAQ, you can play with between one and five characters (each represented by a 40mm miniature) on each side of a battle (there are three sides -- Alliance, Horde, and Monster). Each character has an "action bar" which can be customized with abilities from WoW. Starter sets (priced at $24.99) will include basics like dice, rules, etc. as well as two Alliance and two Horde miniatures. Booster packs ($14.99) will include three random miniatures from one faction. The company plans to release expansions based on famous WoW raids in the future.

This is perhaps most interesting in that Warcraft has taken the opposite approach of its initial inspiration, Warhammer, by starting with video games and later moving on to miniature-based board games!

[Via MMORPG]
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft miniatures game hits shelves November 11th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceblizzardboard-gamebooster-packsccghordeminiaturesmonstersraidsstarter-settcgupper-deckwarcraftwarhammerworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-miniatures-gamewowwow-miniatures-gameTue, 30 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Download's Monster Island impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/big-downloads-monster-island-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/big-downloads-monster-island-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/06/big-downloads-monster-island-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Monster Island is a place in Champions Online where all the monsters of the world are stored, if you couldn't have guessed that by the name. Obviousness aside, it's the perfect MMO zone for all sorts of over-the-top mayhem and Big Download got to check it out for themselves. It sounds like "The Big D" -- as we like to call them -- were pretty impressed by what Cryptic Studios had to show off. Of course, we're not surprised as we've been long convinced that Champions Online is going to be a very cool experience for superhero fans and MMO players in general.

If you haven't checked up on the game in a while, we've got some recent screenshots you may be interested in checking out in our gallery. While sadly there aren't any giant monsters (we did consider photoshopping ourselves into the shots while making scary faces) there are plenty of actions shots to check out.

Gallery: Champions Online Main Gallery

MassivelyBig Download's Monster Island impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadchampionschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosmonster-islandmonstersWed, 06 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previewing the monsters of Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/the-monsters-of-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/the-monsters-of-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/the-monsters-of-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


For just a few more days the NDA on beta information for Age of Conan is still in place. In the meantime, we're left to interpret screenshots and glean what we can from sources like the community site's lore library. We've done just that, and have put together a preview of some of the monsters that you'll be encountering once Hyborea opens its doors. From the trivial to the downright lethal, a large cast of baddies awaits when you step into the world of AoC -- join us for a look at a few of these in our Monsters of Age of Conan feature.

Gallery: The Monsters of Age of Conan

The TarantulaThe Spider DemonThe Malicious ShadowsThe Bat DemonThe Flesh Eater

MassivelyPreviewing the monsters of Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfeaturedfuncomgalleryloremonstersmonsters-of-age-of-conanMon, 28 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online teaser trailer debuts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/champions-online-teaser-trailer-debuts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/champions-online-teaser-trailer-debuts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/champions-online-teaser-trailer-debuts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The information just keeps rolling along with Champions Online lately. Today IGN posted up a video teaser (posted after the jump) featuring the first ever in-game footage of the newly announced superhero MMO. It's a small, but meaningful glimpse into the world of Champions Online. The entire teaser is presented in the appropriate comic book style and towards the end we get a barrage of costumes (and some alter-egos it seems) ranging from the silver age to the more modern feel. We're happy to see that characters really will run the gambit visually -- we spied several monsters, battlesuits, tights and everything in-between.

Continue reading Champions Online teaser trailer debuts

MassivelyChampions Online teaser trailer debuts originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlesuitsbreakingchampions-onlinecostumescrypticignmonstersteaser-trailertightsFri, 22 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Player compiles LotRO PvMP Creep ranks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/player-complies-lotro-pvmp-creep-rankings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/player-complies-lotro-pvmp-creep-rankings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/player-complies-lotro-pvmp-creep-rankings/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's a post on the official Lord of the Rings Online forums compiling lots of high-resolution PvMP creep images from Rank 0 all the way to Rank 15. It's nice that there's a lot of different ranks, but some of them seem to repeat once or twice as you look through the actual tiers. We can't help but wonder if it's a little bit of a lazy solution for trying to keep a lot of variety in LotRO players' world. Don't get us wrong, there's nothing wrong with some of the skins - in fact some of them are great looking. However, others leave a lot to be desired as well. All we're trying to say is some consistency would be nice.

MassivelyPlayer compiles LotRO PvMP Creep ranks originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromidwaymonster-playmonstersPvMPturbineWed, 30 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lorebook describes things older and fouler than orcs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/lorebook-describes-things-older-and-fouler-than-orcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/lorebook-describes-things-older-and-fouler-than-orcs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/lorebook-describes-things-older-and-fouler-than-orcs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Another Lorebook entry has been featured on the official Lord of the Rings Online website. This time we get to learn a bit about the Rogmul -- a monster found in high-level encounters.

While Turbine has worked hard to stay as faithful to Tolkien's literature as is practical, they've had to extrapolate a few new things from the texts to fill up the game world. For example; the Neeker-Beekers of the Midgewater Marshes are based on an odd sound described in one one line from the books.

The Rogmul are also a Turbine invention. They're lesser demons that serve the Balrogs. "Wherever a Balrog is or once was," says the Lorebook, "it can be wagered that a Romgul or two is not far away."

MassivelyLorebook describes things older and fouler than orcs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balrogdemonslord-of-the-rings-onlinelorelorebooklotromobsmonstersmoriaromgulspiritsturbineMon, 17 Dec 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan video all about scary monsters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/age-of-conan-video-all-about-scary-monsters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/age-of-conan-video-all-about-scary-monsters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/age-of-conan-video-all-about-scary-monsters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


GameSpot is hosting its sixth official Age of Conan video, which we've embedded here. This time, members of the Age of Conan team talk about the philosophies and motivations behind the designs of the various hostile monsters and NPCs of the game-world.

The interview clips are interspersed with glimpses at the game's gorgeous graphics in motion. We're sure the graphics will go over well with XBox 360 players, but a case can and has been made that MMOs on the PC can benefit from low system requirements. On the other hand, AoC is not exactly aimed at your grandmother.

So if you've got one of those computers so powerful it has to be submerged in 15 gallons of liquid nitrogen to prevent a planet-busting anti-matter explosion, then rest assured that the monsters shown in the video look awesome.

[Via Warcry]

MassivelyAge of Conan video all about scary monsters originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocenemiesfuncomgamespotgraphicsinterviewsmobsmonstersnpcsofficial-movievideoxbox-360Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Arden released to the public]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/arden-released-to-the-public/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/arden-released-to-the-public/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/27/arden-released-to-the-public/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Arden, the MMO supposedly based around "the world of William Shakespeare," has been released... kind of. I've been waiting for this one for a while-- who wouldn't want to walk the halls of Kronborg Castle with Hamlet, or visit Banquo's banquet with MacBeth? But unfortunately, "released" is a little strong a word here-- the "game" consists of a Neverwinter Nights module, so you've got to have the NWN toolset up and running to even check it out, and even then, I'm not sure it quite makes the definition of an MMO.

I'm hesitant to actually call Arden vaporware, but I don't see how a Neverwinter Nights module can help "test political and social theories." Over on Terra Nova, Edward Castronova (who's running the project), admits that they didn't make it fun, and laments that testers wanted "monsters" to turn the thing into a game. So he's planning Arden II: Electric Boogaloo London Burning, a game that is designed to be fun from the beginning.

I take a little issue with the fact that he thinks only "monsters" can make a "gripping game experience," but seeing as I don't have NWN installed at the moment, I'll have to leave my analysis at that. If you get a chance to check out Arden, let us know what it's like. I'm sure there is a lot of interest in a "gripping" virtual world full of references to Shakespeare, but by the creator's own admission, it seems that Arden probably isn't it.

MassivelyArden released to the public originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academicardenedward-castronovagrippingmonstersneverwinter-nightsnwnnwn-toolsetshakespeare-mmowilliam-shakespeareTue, 27 Nov 2007 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO: Troll and Ranger Session Play out for now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lotro-troll-and-ranger-session-play-out-for-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lotro-troll-and-ranger-session-play-out-for-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lotro-troll-and-ranger-session-play-out-for-now/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Session Play in Lord of the Rings Online is a feature that allows you to take the form of a different character, and experience Middle Earth from a new perspective. From the official website, "You could play as a Ranger, a Troll, or... a chicken." Well, it looks as though your only option for now may be of the feathered farmyard variety, according to this post on Turbine's official LotRO forums.

The announcement from Turbine Community Specialist Saffron tells us little other than that there have been unspecified issues with Trolls and Rangers in Session Play, and that they will not be available until further notice. These two character types were formerly playable in the Ettenmoors Monster Play (PvP) zone, with Rangers for the Free Peoples and Trolls for the Monsters. A quick visit to the Monster Play forums shows that Trolls and Rangers have already been a topic of hot debate, with many feeling they were overpowered. Perhaps they will be tweaked along with other PvMP updates due with Book 12 -- we will have to wait and see what changes have been made when they are made available for play once more.

MassivelyLotRO: Troll and Ranger Session Play out for now originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creepsettenmoorsfree-peoplesfreepslord-of-the-ringslotromonster-playmonstersPvMPrangerssession-playshadows-of-angmartrollsturbineThu, 15 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New monsters revealed for EverQuest II expansion; producer Scott Hartsman weighs in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/new-monsters-revealed-for-everquest-ii-expansion-developer-scot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/new-monsters-revealed-for-everquest-ii-expansion-developer-scot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/new-monsters-revealed-for-everquest-ii-expansion-developer-scot/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMORPG.com has posted part one of their Creature Feature article, in which they had a chance to chat with Everquest II senior producer Scott Hartsman about monsters being introduced for the game's upcoming expansion, and about bringing new monsters to an MMO in general. The feature will have two parts, and cover five new monsters from Rise of Kunark.

The two nasties that we meet in this episode are the Burynai Casters and the Devourers. These races both debuted in the Kunark expansion of the first EverQuest. Fans will recall that the Burynai are usually located deep underground -- if you see one walking above ground, you can be sure there's a cavernous tunnel nearby. Devourers seemed to show up all over the place, but I always wondered what the heck allowed them to float in mid-air. Regardless, a very cool-looking mob.

Hartsman's contributions to the article are insightful as he discusses ideas, balancing and time frames when bringing new creatures to MMO's. He also reassures us that beyond the five monsters featured in the two-part series, there are plenty more to discover in EverQuest II's new expansion. Click through to the full article below, and we'll let you know when part two goes up.

MassivelyNew monsters revealed for EverQuest II expansion; producer Scott Hartsman weighs in originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burynaiburynai-casterdevourerdevourerseq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionhartsmankunarkmobsmonstersproducerrise-of-kunarkscott-hartsmanFri, 26 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EST