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[The Road to Mordor: Ride to ruin and the world's ending!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-road-to-mordor-ride-to-ruin-and-the-worlds-ending/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-road-to-mordor-ride-to-ruin-and-the-worlds-ending/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-road-to-mordor-ride-to-ruin-and-the-worlds-ending/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO
Mounted combat's been on my mind a lot lately, particularly when I was galloping around Dunland and various clansmen knocked me off my horse. It was then that I wished I had a skill called "Trample to a Bloody Pulp -- For Rohan!" and that Turbine would finally earn that AO rating it's always craved. Barring that skill, I would just love a massive war horse that would send enemies fleeing from me instead of making a beeline for my knees (which are a prime target for arrows).

I'm both excited and nervous about the mounted combat system coming in Riders of Rohan. I'm excited that it will open up a new style of gameplay in this five-year-old game and nervous that it'll drag Lord of the Rings Online down if it's not done right. Whatever type of horseback combat we might envision will surely be different than the final product, and that uncertainty leaves me feeling in limbo.

More than anything else, Riders of Rohan is about mounted combat. Turbine's centering the expansion around it, dedicating an entire zone to it, and developing loads of assets and skills for it, and the company will undoubtedly be hyping it strongly over the course of the summer. It's a bold step to take but a necessary one as well, as the IP and nation of Rohan are steeped in mounted combat, and it's been a little weird that we've had to dismount to swing a sword ever since leaving the shire.

So will mounted combat prevail, fail, or muddle in the middle?

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Ride to ruin and the world's ending!

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Ride to ruin and the world's ending! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Age-of-Conanargent-tournamenteast-plainsf2pFallen-EarthfantasyfeaturedForsaken-Worldfree-to-playjoustinglord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromountmounted-combatmountsopinionriders-of-rohanrise-of-isengardroad-to-mordorrohanTales-of-Fantasythe-road-to-mordortrampleturbineturbine-entertainmentwar-horseswar-steedwar-steedswarbandsworld-of-warcraftSat, 24 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Riding into Rohan: LotRO maps out 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/riding-into-rohan-lotro-maps-out-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Riders of Rohan
In the words of Frank Sinatra, 2011 "was a very good year" for Lord of the Rings Online. Executive Producer Kate Paiz and Director of Communications Adam Mersky sat down with us to talk about the future of the game, but before they got to the juicy details, they wanted to give a quick recap of the previous year for the game and the studio.

The big emphasis for LotRO in 2011 was the unifying of the global community and the release of the game's third (and best-selling) expansion, Rise of Isengard. While the aforementioned unification of the NA and EU sides of the game presented many challenges for the team including localization, it paid off in spades. Turbine plans to continue to add more payment options for those used to methods other than the ones currently available. The team was most proud of unveiling Saruman "in all of his glory" and the inclusion of free players into the sphere of Monster Play.

"The game definitely grew last year," Mersky said in response to a question about the current number of players. He noted that the playerbase has changed somewhat in the past two years, becoming more casual in some respects.

But it's time to move forward! Turbine is prepared to take LotRO players on a dizzying chase around the wilds of Middle-earth with a few significant changes and additions to the game -- and the release of the brand-new expansion later this year, Riders of Rohan. Mounted combat, ho!

Continue reading Riding into Rohan: LotRO maps out 2012

MassivelyRiding into Rohan: LotRO maps out 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acadam-merskyamon-henaragornasherons-callbig-teves-of-fangornfangornfangorn-forestfeaturedfifth-anniversaryfourth-anniversaryfrank-sinatragilmligreat-rivergreat-river-andulgrindaversaryinstance-finderkate-paizlegolaslord-of-the-rings-onlinelothlorienlotromounted-combatriders-of-rohanrise-of-isengardrohanrohirrimskirmish-soldiersoldiers-in-landscapessoldiers-on-landscapestolkienturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 25 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: Wish lists, past and future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-road-to-mordor-wish-lists-past-and-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-road-to-mordor-wish-lists-past-and-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/the-road-to-mordor-wish-lists-past-and-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Road to Mordor
Hobbits love making lists, don't they? In The Fellowship of the Ring, Bilbo had a lengthy list of friends and relatives to invite to his eleventy-first birthday party, and he didn't have the luxury of Facebook to help him out. I love lists as well, although I try to save most of that for my Perfect Ten column.

At the beginning of the year, I sat down and drafted up a "wish list" for Lord of the Rings Online's 2011 year, populating it with 11 changes and additions I was hoping to see by now. To my surprise, Turbine actually pulled off quite a few items on the list, and I thought it'd be a good idea to go back and examine which of my goals the team met and which remain elusive.

Also, since 2012 kicks off tomorrow, I'll look forward as well and draft up a dozen -- yes, one more over the year before -- wish list items that I'd love to see come true in the new year. It's my column; I can cry if I want to, after all. Let's get this party started!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: Wish lists, past and future

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: Wish lists, past and future originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bilbobilbo-bagginsclassclass-deedscosmetic-weaponsexpansionf2pfeaturedfellowship of the ringFellowshipOfTheRingfree-to-playhousingiconiconsinstance-finderlegendary-itemslilondonlord-of-the-rings-onlinemines-of-moriamounted-combatplayer-housingrise-of-isengardrohansummer-festivalturbineturbine-entertainmentvirtuesvoice-oversvolume-2wardrobewish-listSat, 31 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Forsaken World update bringing mounted combat, level increase, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/forsaken-world-update-bringing-mounted-combat-level-increase-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/forsaken-world-update-bringing-mounted-combat-level-increase-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/forsaken-world-update-bringing-mounted-combat-level-increase-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Forsaken World has only been live since March, but it's already time for a meaty content update. Perfect World Entertainment has just issued a press release that sings the praises of the forthcoming Chains of Kluer patch, and the August update boasts a fair bit of new and shiny (including the opportunity for level 70 players to fight the titular ogre who is imprisoned beneath Freedom Harbor).

The patch is also bringing a new hunting festival and a "pet-catching" dungeon to Forsaken World, as well as level three guild base unlocks and a level cap increase (from 70 to 80). Finally, players will be able to fight more efficiently thanks to mounted combat, as well as send their pets on daily quest errands. Read all about the Chains of Kluer update at the official Forsaken World website.

MassivelyForsaken World update bringing mounted combat, level increase, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chains-of-kluerf2pfantasyforsaken-worldfree-to-playguild-baseskluermounted-combatpatchperfect-world-entertainmentpet-dailiespet-dungeonpetsupdateTue, 19 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/through-turbines-palantir-developers-outline-lotros-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, characters would use magical orbs known as palantírs to see and communicate with far away places. While Massively's own palantír is at the shop, we had access to the next best thing -- a one-on-two chat about Lord of the Rings Online's future with Turbine's Aaron Campbell and Adam Mersky.

A lot's been happening since LotRO's free-to-play version went online last fall -- the closest thing to a relaunch that this game is likely to ever see -- and both Campbell and Mersky have one important message for fans: We're just getting started. Even as the Turbine team gears up for LotRO's third expansion, Rise of Isengard, the devs want you to know that they're also dedicated to bringing a good amount of content between now and then.

Everything was on the table during this discussion, from this weekend's anniversary celebration to next month's update to the new expansion. Join us after the jump for a look through the palantír to see what information we can pry from the future!

Continue reading Through Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future

MassivelyThrough Turbine's palantír: Developers outline LotRO's future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-man-raidaaron-campbelladam-merskyanniversaryattack-at-dawnbarrow-downsbeer-brawlbeer-fightcharacter-modelsdunlande3e3-2011echoes-of-the-deadentsered-luinevendimf2pfeaturedfourth-anniversaryfree-to-playgap-of-rohangiant-dragongolfgoonieshall-of-nighthalls-of-nighthousingicy-crevasseinn-of-the-forsakenisengardlevel-caplord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromay-updatemirkwoodmounted-combatraidrevamprise-of-isengardRohirrimsarumanskirmishesthe-hobbitthe-riftthe-two-towerstreasure-huntturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-2update-3yule-festivalzone-revampThu, 21 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: What if?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/the-road-to-mordor-what-if/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/the-road-to-mordor-what-if/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/the-road-to-mordor-what-if/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

By the time you read this, I'll be scurrying around PAX East in Boston, feeling much like a Hobbit: unable to see over the crowd, far out of my element, and deeply wishing I purchased shoes. I'll of course be talking with the folks at Turbine to see what information I can wheedle out of them about the future of this terrific game, so if you don't hear from me again, I'm most likely languishing in a PR dungeon somewhere for being too nosy.

It's a good week, therefore, to be thinking about the future. My mind never stops thinking about future possibilities for any franchise, and even if they never come to be, these speculations are a great pastime of any fan. I'm always wondering "What if?" as I play Lord of the Rings Online -- what if I could mug Frodo and become the Ring-bearer? What if those lazy bums finally finished the repairs to the tavern in Frogmorton? What if Elves could kill innocent woodland creatures and go to the dark side?

Playing "What if?" with LotRO is tougher than with other games because of the limitations imposed by the IP. Despite what some say, Turbine's struggled hard to stay within the boundaries of lore and setting, and while that's helped the company to be creative in ways that it might not have otherwise, it does present some unique obstacles that aren't present in competing MMOs.

So to celebrate PAX, LotRO, and the future, here's a column of "What ifs?" for your consumption!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: What if?

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: What if? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beornboat-mountsdwarfeaglesearth-kinelfelvesentseriadorfar-downsfeaturedfrodofrogmortongondorgray-havenshalf-elfhalf-elvenhobbitlindonlord-of-the-rings-onlinelossothlotromammothsmanMinhiriathmounted-combatOliphantspaxpax-eastrangersring-bearerrohanshapeshiftersledssouthfarthingspeculationstar-wars-galaxiesteam-saurontower-hillsturbineturbine-entertainmentvalawargswhat-ifwizardsFri, 11 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGG introduces mounted combat and more with Tales of Fantasy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/igg-introduces-mounted-combat-and-more-with-tales-of-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/igg-introduces-mounted-combat-and-more-with-tales-of-fantasy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/igg-introduces-mounted-combat-and-more-with-tales-of-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The folks over at IGG.com are hard at work lately with so many new titles, and have just announced another one this morning: Tales of Fantasy. Alpha testing for the game is scheduled to begin soon, but plenty of information is already available.

Tales of Fantasy, the story of warring civilizations Ashland and Bohren, promises advanced graphics and several new features to entice players. Mounted combat will give players the ability to attack without dismounting, and a "myriad" of creatures are available to tame and mount. A story of "lost wings" hints at the ability to earn in-game flight, and players will be able to create and enhance their own gear as well. The game will even offer real-time horse racing, in which you can compete against other players on a racecourse, earning an in-game title that will add to your character attributes.

While the game is still in early stages, it definitely has potential. Check out the current information on the official site, and we'll keep an eye out for more information.

MassivelyIGG introduces mounted combat and more with Tales of Fantasy originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalpha-testfantasyIGGmounted-combatnew-titlestales-of-fantasyThu, 11 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Has LotRO's next expansion been named?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/has-lotros-next-expansion-been-named/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/has-lotros-next-expansion-been-named/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/has-lotros-next-expansion-been-named/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Kill Ten Rats has uncovered a rather interesting website, called Riders of Rohan. Curiously, this website doesn't actually go to any place new -- it simply redirects to the official Lord of the Rings Online site. So this of course begs the question, will the next expansion (presumably this year's) be centered on Rohan and its lands? Will Lord of the Rings Online players be tromping around the Riddermark within the next twelve months?

It seems rather plausible given the Volume 2, Book 7 update's location, but of course there's no official word just yet. Still, that won't stop us from imagining up mounted combat as Horse Lords and massive armies marching onto the steps of Helm's Deep as we valiantly defend her gates from dark forces.

MassivelyHas LotRO's next expansion been named? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionhorseskill-ten-ratslord-of-the-rings-onlinlotromounted-combatmountsriddermarkriders-of-rohanrohanrumorturbineThu, 02 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth dev chat answers barrage of player questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/fallen-earth-dev-chat-answers-barrage-of-player-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/fallen-earth-dev-chat-answers-barrage-of-player-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/fallen-earth-dev-chat-answers-barrage-of-player-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We don't know about you, but we can feel the era of post-apocalyptic and sci-fi MMOs fast approaching. Definitely on our 'ones to watch' list is Fallen Earth, currently in development at Fallen Earth LLC (formerly known as Icarus Studios). We mentioned the other day that the Fallen Earth devs would participate in a live Stratics 'House of Commons' dev chat, and among the five Fallen Earth team members on-hand was lead game designer Lee Hammock.

The Fallen Earth devs responded to a blitz of questions from the game's future players in the Stratics dev chat, ranging from the benefits of capturing 'conflict towns' in PvP to mounted combat on horses and vehicles. In addition, Lee Hammock stated that game play videos should be released at some point in the next few weeks, and more info about the game will be coming out in tandem with this month's Game Developers Conference.

Be sure to check out the Stratics House of Commons chat transcript for more on the kind of game Fallen Earth is shaping up to be.

MassivelyFallen Earth dev chat answers barrage of player questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conflict-townsdev-chatfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcgame-developers-conferencegame-mechanicsgdcguildshouse-of-commonslead-game-designerlee-hammockmounted-combatmountspost-apocalypticpvpsci-fistraticsvehiclesTue, 17 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five futures of Warhammer Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/five-futures-of-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/five-futures-of-warhammer-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/five-futures-of-warhammer-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What does the future hold for Warhammer Online? Not only that, but what should the future hold for Mythic's newest MMO and its players? Everyone wonders these things at one point or another, so we've gone ahead and explored our thoughts on the topic. Then, after much deliberation, we distilled them down into five possible futures for Warhammer Online. Take a look and judge for yourself what feature is or isn't a matter of time.

Gallery: Warhammer Online

MassivelyFive futures of Warhammer Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careersclasseseaelectronic-artsfeaturedjoystiqfeaturesmounted-combatmountsmythicmythic-entertainmentracesracial-pairingssocial-networkingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineThu, 30 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A WoW burnout's guide to Wrath of the Lich King, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/a-wow-burnouts-guide-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/a-wow-burnouts-guide-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/a-wow-burnouts-guide-to-wrath-of-the-lich-king-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading A WoW burnout's guide to Wrath of the Lich King, part 2

MassivelyA WoW burnout's guide to Wrath of the Lich King, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbarbershopblizzardflying-mountflying-mountsmounted-combatraidsworld-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingMon, 27 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Horse goes homicidal in Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/horse-goes-homicidal-in-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/horse-goes-homicidal-in-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/horse-goes-homicidal-in-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Funcom went to some lengths to make Age of Conan's horses seem realistic. The game's mounted combat system even makes it possible to use a horse as a weapon. But despite all the thought they put into this aspect of the game, Funcom probably didn't predict that a rather devious AoC player could use his horse to take out opponents as depicted in this video. Check it out to see an entirely new type of mounted combat, and learn why you should never stand behind a horse.

Via WanderingGoblin

MassivelyHorse goes homicidal in Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanfantasyfuncomhorsehumormountmounted-combatmountspvepvpvideowandering-goblinThu, 05 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gameplay Wishlist: new mount abilities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/gameplay-wishlist-new-mount-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/gameplay-wishlist-new-mount-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/15/gameplay-wishlist-new-mount-abilities/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Mounts in World of Warcraft are essentially organic vehicles that allow the player to traverse the landscape more quickly. Level 60 Epic mounts are faster than level 40 mounts, and of course flying mounts grant vertical movement. Mounts in other games are mostly the same, barring, of course, smaller games of which we might know nothing. It's a big game universe out there; it's possible.

But it seems that there's unaddressed potential with these mounts. Sure, they look menacing, and it's better to ride than to walk, but is that all? Watching the recent Vanguard mounts video made us yearn for more from our noble steeds. Here's what we'd like to see in future games.

Continue reading Gameplay Wishlist: new mount abilities

MassivelyGameplay Wishlist: new mount abilities originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanchocobocombat-buffdolphinfinal-fantasy-7fleafroggiant-spidermounted-combatmountsvanguardworld-of-warcraftThu, 15 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Erling Ellingsen describes AoC mounted combat in dev video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/erling-ellingsen-describes-aoc-mounted-combat-in-dev-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/erling-ellingsen-describes-aoc-mounted-combat-in-dev-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/28/erling-ellingsen-describes-aoc-mounted-combat-in-dev-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Videogamer.com is featuring a new developer diary for Age of Conan, presented by Erling Ellingsen, all about the mounted combat that will be found in the game. Rather than going into fine details about the system, Ellingsen elects to describe some of the cool things that will be possible when engaging in mounted combat.

Players will get to either fight while on their mount, or actually use their mount as a weapon. With the former, the faster you are moving, the more damage you will inflict upon a target, making old fashioned drive-bys the order of the day -- Ellingsen says that you can lop someone's head off as you zoom past, if you're going fast enough. It will also be possible to make your mount attack, and these attacks vary depending on the animal you're riding. Check out the roughly two-minute video to see the mounts in action, rearing up and knocking crowds of enemies to the ground.

MassivelyErling Ellingsen describes AoC mounted combat in dev video originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aocdev-diarydeveloper-diaryerling-ellingsenfuncomhorsemammothmounted-combatmountsrhinoMon, 28 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AoC Ask a Dev: Week in Review]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/aoc-ask-a-dev-week-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/aoc-ask-a-dev-week-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/aoc-ask-a-dev-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Once again we're treated to an insightful AoC "Ask a Dev" Q&A, courtesy of Ten Ton Hammer. In this week's installment, we get a look into some of the smaller details on the minds of players as we get closer to retail release. This includes everything from hardware requirements to accounting details.

One of the most interesting features of this article is the mention of mount speed as it relates to travel and mounted combat. Apparently, there will be three speeds: walk, trot and gallop. Galloping will be achieved by holding down the shift key, yet it prevents mounted combat and actually drains the horse's stamina. This seems to be a higher level of mount usage that has not only been overlooked in current MMOs, but may be a sign of things to come with future MMOs, if it goes over well with AoC players.

MassivelyAoC Ask a Dev: Week in Review originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocask-a-devfuncommounted-combatmountsten-ton-hammerMon, 21 Apr 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AoC mounted combat makes us say, "neigh!"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/aoc-mounted-combat-makes-us-say-neigh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/aoc-mounted-combat-makes-us-say-neigh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/aoc-mounted-combat-makes-us-say-neigh/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Among the many things that should differentiate Age of Conan from the current pack of MMOs (that is, besides nipples) is the ambitious mounted combat that the game will sport from day one. You see, some games try and sneak in mounted combat months after the release and it's just not the same. Not Age of Conan; Funcom seems committed to shipping with their full pallet of features at the table.

Videogamer.com has a pretty slick write-up of their impressions of the mounted combat, with role playing and everything. Of course, while we found ourselves extra hyped up about the upcoming release, upon reflection we realized that the preview actually told us very little we didn't already know. And since not everybody won their way into the the PvP stress test, we had to curse Grom for getting our hopes up. Still, if you're looking for an morale boost in lieu of the game's launch a month from now, it's definitely worth a read.

MassivelyAoC mounted combat makes us say, "neigh!" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfuncomgrommounted-combatmountsvideogamerFri, 18 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08 Highlights: Age of Conan, Requiem: Bloodymare and All Points Bulletin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/gdc08-highlights-age-of-conan-requiem-bloodymare-and-all-poin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/gdc08-highlights-age-of-conan-requiem-bloodymare-and-all-poin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/02/gdc08-highlights-age-of-conan-requiem-bloodymare-and-all-poin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Age of Conan

Conan gets mounted

One of the hottest tickets for MMO enthusiasts at GDC08 was the Funcom session showing off new features in their upcoming Age of Conan. Mounted combat was the eye candy of the day. Game Director Gaute Godager walked our team through the basics of head to head battles astride War Horses, War Mammoths and War Rhinos. For the reading-averse, you can also listen to an audio recording of the presentation.

Gallery: GDC 08: Age of Conan Preview

Continue reading GDC08 Highlights: Age of Conan, Requiem: Bloodymare and All Points Bulletin

MassivelyGDC08 Highlights: Age of Conan, Requiem: Bloodymare and All Points Bulletin originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conan-podcastcrackdowndave-jonesdeveloper-podcastfuncomgaute-godagergdc08gdc08-highlightsgdc08-podcastgothicgravity-interactivelast.fmmassively-podcastmounted-combatrealtime-worldssouth-koreavehicle-customizationwar-horsewar-mammothwar-rhinoSun, 02 Mar 2008 12:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: A preview of Age of Conan's wild and wooly mounted combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-a-preview-of-age-of-conans-wild-and-wooly-mounted-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-a-preview-of-age-of-conans-wild-and-wooly-mounted-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/gdc08-a-preview-of-age-of-conans-wild-and-wooly-mounted-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Massively had the chance to sit with the Age of Conan developers yesterday, to take in a brand-new preview of the blood-and-guts gameplay due out later this year. One of the highlights of that demo was the chance to see mounted combat in action. We traveled to the desolate landscape of Khopshef province for a look at what the riding animals of Hyborea could do in a scuffle.

Game director Gaute Godager walked us through the tusk-tossing and hoof-stomping, revealing details of when and how you'll be able to grab your mounts. He also hinted at post-launch possibilities for some of the bigger animals, and touched on the nteraction these mighty steeds will have with the game's signature 'seige PvP' gameplay. Read on for just a taste of what it might be like to rampage across the ancient world on the back of War Mammoth. Or, alternatively, check out our audio recording of this part of the presentation to get the word straight from the mammoth's mouth.

Gallery: GDC 08: Age of Conan Preview

Continue reading GDC08: A preview of Age of Conan's wild and wooly mounted combat

MassivelyGDC08: A preview of Age of Conan's wild and wooly mounted combat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocfeaturedfuncomgdc08gdc08fanboymammothmounted-combatmountspreviewpvepvprhinoTue, 19 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WAR, you and another interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/war-you-and-another-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/war-you-and-another-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/13/war-you-and-another-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Sunday got you down without much to do? Well maybe this will eat up a few of those boring minutes for you. It appears that the WarCry Network has a nice little interview with Joshua Drescher, Adam Gershowitz and James Nichols of EA Mythic. This interview happens to be about Warhammer Online (who knew?), so sit down, strap in, caffeine up and listen in because we can never get enough juicy information about WAR.

Many of the subjects are nothing too special, such as the revelation that EA Mythic is going to let players re-spec their characters. To be more specific, players will have the opportunity to re-spec their Mastery, meaning any tactics or morale abilities that were selected in the system. This doesn't include core tactics or morale, as well as anything received from the Tome of Knowledge. The reason being that these are granted through automatic unlocks (such as gaining a level or killing 200 haughty High Elves).

Continue reading WAR, you and another interview

MassivelyWAR, you and another interview originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-toolsea-mythicelectronic-artsguildshigh-elvesliving-guildsmounted-combatmountsRvRwarwarhammer-onlineSun, 13 Jan 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online player-mounts displayed in concept art gallery]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/warhammer-online-player-mounts-displayed-in-concept-art-gallery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/warhammer-online-player-mounts-displayed-in-concept-art-gallery/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/warhammer-online-player-mounts-displayed-in-concept-art-gallery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A recent newsletter for Warhammer Online gave us a glimpse at the concept art for some of the player mounts that the game will have, and TenTonHammer has posted these up in a handy gallery. Featured are mounts for the Greenskin, Dwarf, High Elf, Chaos, and Empire armies. For some races, we see a Light, Heavy and Medium version of the mounts, and the Greenskins have two different kinds of mount shown, boars and wolves.

The newsletter that these images came from gave us a few scraps of information on some mount mechanics. There will be temporary mounts for rent, aimed at lower level characters, and riding into water will throw you off your mount. Similarly, you can be shot off your mount if you ride into battle (though no word yet on whether mounted combat will at all be possible). Missing from any of the concept art shown was a mount for the Dark Elves. The newsletter promises more details soon on mounts in general, and perhaps we will learn about their mode of transportation at that time.

MassivelyWarhammer Online player-mounts displayed in concept art gallery originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-reckoningconcept-artea-mythicgalleryheavylightmediummountmounted-combatmountsmythicwarhammerMon, 17 Dec 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mounted combat in Age of Conan (and Warhammer, too?)]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/mounted-combat-in-age-of-conan-and-warhammer-too/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/mounted-combat-in-age-of-conan-and-warhammer-too/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/13/mounted-combat-in-age-of-conan-and-warhammer-too/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Keen on Keen and Graev points out an interesting announced feature of Age of Conan: mounted combat. Yup, Funcom is going to put people on all kinds of different mounts (horses, rhinos, and even a wooly mammoth, seen above), and pit them against each other in PvP. And each mount will not only have its own stats (in terms of defense, HP, and manuverability), but players will able to customize their mounts (as, I'd guess on the spiked tusks above). Wild.

So, wonders someone on the Warhammer Online forums, will WAR do the same thing? Developer Marc Jacobs doesn't exactly say "no," but he does say that they promise nothing-- mounted combat is tough to get right, and Mythic isn't overextending any promises if they can manage it. Fair enough.

But wow, if AoC does everything awesome that Funcom says it will, we might have a real bit of competition on our hands. Massively will have lots more on AoC tomorrow-- stay tuned for some exclusive coverage of what might be one of the best MMOs of 2008.

MassivelyMounted combat in Age of Conan (and Warhammer, too?) originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbreakinghorsesmammothmounted-combatmountspvpwarhammer-onlineThu, 13 Dec 2007 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double dev chat goodness for LotRO Book 12]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/double-dev-chat-goodness-for-lotro-book-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/double-dev-chat-goodness-for-lotro-book-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/double-dev-chat-goodness-for-lotro-book-12/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Two Lord of the Rings Online dev chats within one week? It's like Christmas came early for LotRO players. But it looks like some players are getting presents and others are getting coal.

German website, Lotro-Welten, held its monthly LotRO dev chat for European players last week. And last night US players got their own dev chat at MMORPG. Strangely, the EU dev chat held a wealth of new information while the US chat had very little new or interesting. Here are the highlights from Lotro-Welten's chat, mostly applying to the upcoming Book 12 content patch:
  • Fishing is being introduced as a new profession category called Hobbies
  • Hobbies are professions that anyone can level up in regardless of their other tradeskill choices
  • The barber in Book 12 will offer new hairstyles
  • The new cosmetic system allowing you to display different clothing will not extend to hand held items and will be entirely disabled in PvMP zones
  • More solo content is a big priority for the dev team and Angmar is getting a pass in Book 12 to become more solo friendly

Continue reading Double dev chat goodness for LotRO Book 12

MassivelyDouble dev chat goodness for LotRO Book 12 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angmarbarberbook-12burglarscosmetic-appearancedev-chatdevelope-chateasterlingsfishinghobbieslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolotro-weltenmmorpgmounted-combatpvmprohanscholarsturbineTue, 04 Dec 2007 22:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan newsletter brings blood, savagery, information]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/conan-newsletter-brings-blood-savagery-information/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/conan-newsletter-brings-blood-savagery-information/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/conan-newsletter-brings-blood-savagery-information/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Funcom sent out the new "Clan of Conan" newsletter today, and it includes a bunch of cool stuff to whet your Age of Conan appetite. It's mostly the usual sorts of stuff, just new content.

This time we got an article on mounted combat, info on a couple of new enemies and the "Sanctum of the Souls" location, as well as screenshots, desktop wallpaper, and a two-minute video of the area. You can also download a complete 23-page Age of Conan comic book, but it's the same one that was included with the last newsletter, so if you were already on top of that, it's nothing new.

The article on mounted combat is the most interesting part of the package. Mounted combat is not something we're used to in MMOs; it's one of the most exciting innovations AoC offers. According to the article, there are many different kinds of mounts with different kinds of strengths and weaknesses. One mount might charge faster than another, for example.

[Via Warcry]

MassivelyConan newsletter brings blood, savagery, information originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocclan-of-conancombatcomic-bookfuncommounted-combatmountsnewslettersanctum-of-the-soulsFri, 30 Nov 2007 20:00:00 EST