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[Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/xsyon-celebrates-its-first-year-of-prelude/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Xsyon screenshot
One year and counting. Crack open the waterskin and raise a toast to Xsyon: Today the post-apocalyptic sandbox by Notorious Games celebrates its first full year of launch. Well, the first year of the official launch of Prelude, a limited first release of the virtual world. Come to think of it, even that date seems a bit nebulous as the pre-order players in the first phase of Year Zero (basically beta) actually had their most significant change on March 11th, 2011 when the second phase launched and totems were introduced.

Semantics aside, Xsyon has come a long way from that official first day. Unlike many games where gameplay is neatly laid out, this indie title gives players only the canvas and a few tools before setting them loose to fashion their world. As the year continued, additional tools were provided and the world became more vibrant and dynamic. Initially barren without any critters (other than your surviving neighbors) to hunt, the world is now populated with large creatures that roam the land, threatening the lives of travelers and hunters alike. Even the lay of the land itself is different as players manipulate and alter the terrain, build settlements, and plant trees. Communities are forming; groups are supporting and even entertaining each other. Civilization is slowly rebuilding.

And that's only the beginning.

Continue reading Xsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude

MassivelyXsyon celebrates its first year of Prelude originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybuildingcraftingdynamic-AIfeaturedharvestingmutantsnotoriousnotorious-gamesplantingplanting-treespost-apocpost-apocalypticpvprebuildingrebuilding-civilizationsandboxsci-fantasysci-fiterraformingxsyonThu, 15 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/choose-my-adventure-destination-apocalypse-now/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So my bags are packed (what exactly do you pack for an apocalypse? I vote toothbrush, regardless!) and I'm setting out for the Lake Tahoe region. Yup, our itinerary is set -- Xsyon has won the hearts of the readers for this next escapade in the Choose My Adventure series. I find this kind of exciting, as I grew up frequenting this area out here in the real world and look forward to seeing it represented in the game.

Now, I have a confession to make: I watched the vote carefully. Too carefully. OK, I was obsessed with it! I don't think I can even tell you how many times I clicked refresh in one day; it was quite addicting to watch the numbers creep up as the readers cast their votes. And since six weeks of my life was on the line, I had a vested interest in the outcome. At least, that's how I tried to rationalize my maniacal refreshing. Xsyon commanded the lead straight off, but Pirates of the Burning Sea had a good showing and maintained a solid second place throughout the contest. Four games kept running neck-and-neck: DC Universe Online, Earthrise, EVE Online, and LEGO Universe. I admit to rooting some for the underdogs as well -- each game has special and unique features I would enjoy delving into. Think about it: Can you imagine life as a LEGO? But in the end, no one could topple the promise of a vast wasteland filled with mutants and an empty canvas for players to fill in.

So now that we have the setting, all we need is the character. Unlike many games, Xsyon demands that you pick things such as your crafting skills at character creation, so please forgive the number of polls attached to this week's article.

Head on past the cut to learn a bit about Xsyon and vote to make me build the CMA creature of your bidding!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Destination - Apocalypse now originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocalypseapocalypticcharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcharacterschoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriechoose-my-adventure-xsyoncmacraftingcrafting-skillsfeaturedjordi-grau-davismutantmutantsmutatemythicalmythical-creaturesnotorious-gamespollpollspvpSandboxsandbox-experiencesandbox-mmoskillsstarting-areastarting-locationterraformingtotemstribesweaponsXsyonxsyon-earth-2012xsyon-preludeWed, 02 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes launches the Mutant Super Booster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/city-of-heroes-launches-the-mutant-super-booster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/city-of-heroes-launches-the-mutant-super-booster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/city-of-heroes-launches-the-mutant-super-booster/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

With all the characters growing organic spines and shooting bio-electricity at foes, the new City of Heroes Mutant Super Booster seems like an addition that the game has long been awaiting. While yesterday saw a giveaway for several codes by the Paragon Studios team, today is the official launch where everyone can enjoy the new costumes, emotes, and bonus power. The first is the most eye-catching of the setup, naturally, and we've included a gallery of both the in-game art and concept art for the new Bioluminescent and Organic Armor costume sets.

New costume change emotes are also par for the course, with this booster adding a triad that includes the supremely freaky Rapid Boil emote. (The Facebook video does it justice in both accuracy and freakiness.) Last but not least is the new innate power Secondary Mutation, which allows you to unleash the latent power of your DNA for a random effect, usually involving self-buffs of varying duration. City of Heroes players will find plenty to enjoy with the newest booster, so check out the gallery and start boiling yourself a new costume.

Gallery: City of Heroes Mutant Super Booster

Concept art for the Organic Armor costume setConcept art for Bioluminescent setIn-game screenshot of Organic Armor setIn-game screenshot of Organic Armor setIn-game shot of Bioluminescent costume set

MassivelyCity of Heroes launches the Mutant Super Booster originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biologicalcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconcept-artcostumescovcoxemotesmicrotransactionsmutantsncsoftnew-costumesnew-emotesnew-powersorganicparagonparagon-studiosreleasesscreenshotssuper-boosterThu, 24 Jun 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An advance peek offered for the next City of Heroes Super Booster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/an-advance-peek-offered-for-the-next-city-of-heroes-super-booste/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/an-advance-peek-offered-for-the-next-city-of-heroes-super-booste/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/17/an-advance-peek-offered-for-the-next-city-of-heroes-super-booste/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The fifth Super Booster for City of Heroes has been the point of some debate. Players have known for a long time that it was going to be a mutant-themed pack, but that doesn't imply a great deal beyond having something vaguely organic going on. Luckily for players, the Facebook fan page for the game has been posting preview images to help players get a sense of what's going into the pack. And the best part isn't just that it has a set release date of June 24th -- it's that players might get to pick it up for free a day early.

On June 23rd, the City of Heroes team will be giving away two codes per hour via their social networking outlets -- Facebook, Twitter, and the official forums. Where the codes will appear in the five-hour timeframe is a mystery until it happens, encouraging players to stay alert and keep their eyes on all of the above. For US players, the codes will be given away between 1 PM and 5 PM PST, while EU players will see the codes being announced between 5 PM and 10 PM British time. Keep your eyes peeled for your chance to get the newest booster a day early!

MassivelyAn advance peek offered for the next City of Heroes Super Booster originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcontestscovcoxfacebookforumsmutantsofficial-forumsparagonparagon-studiospromotionssuper-boostertwitterThu, 17 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise dev blog shows off the beauty and horror of the Cascade Mountains]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/earthrise-dev-blog-shows-off-the-beauty-and-horror-of-the-cascad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/earthrise-dev-blog-shows-off-the-beauty-and-horror-of-the-cascad/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/25/earthrise-dev-blog-shows-off-the-beauty-and-horror-of-the-cascad/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The first MMO we're going to see from independent game developer Masthead Studios is Earthrise, a post-apocalyptic title that's bringing some new things to the table in the sci-fi/post-apocalyptic genre. If you've played games like Fallout 3, the setting of Earthrise will be quite different from what you might be expecting. The game will take place on a sprawling island called Enterra, with regions and environments ranging from lush jungles to futuristic urban centers. Of course Earthrise will have the requisite shattered city environments we'd expect of a post-apocalyptic backdrop, as well.

Masthead Studios recently explained how terrain will impact gameplay, having written about some of the game's man-made environments like the Industrial Area. Now they're ready to discuss more about Enterra's natural environment with the Cascade Mountains, the focus of the latest Masthead Studios dev blog they've written for MMORPG.com.

Continue reading Earthrise dev blog shows off the beauty and horror of the Cascade Mountains

MassivelyEarthrise dev blog shows off the beauty and horror of the Cascade Mountains originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Masthead Studios just got in touch with us and sent over two new wallpapers for their upcoming post-apocalyptic game Earthrise. One image shows off a group of kabuki-masked freaks denizens of the Eastern Gardens, one of the more outwardly utopian zones to be found in Earthrise's island setting of Enterra.

Continue reading Earthrise wallpapers show Eastern Gardens denizens and tamed mutants

MassivelyEarthrise wallpapers show Eastern Gardens denizens and tamed mutants originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continomadystopiaearthriseeastern-gardensimagesmasthead-studiosmutantmutantspost-apocalypticsci-fiutopiawallpaperwallpapersSun, 28 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth rated M for Mature by ESRB]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/fallen-earth-rated-m-for-mature-by-esrb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/fallen-earth-rated-m-for-mature-by-esrb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/10/fallen-earth-rated-m-for-mature-by-esrb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Fallen Earth is the upcoming post-apocalyptic massively multiplayer online game where players will soon be carving out a living in a world ravaged by viral and nuclear armageddon. Not that we really thought a game where fending off packs of mutated anarchist bikers out in the wasteland Mad Max-style was really going to be "family-oriented entertainment", but Fallen Earth LLC has now made it official.

Circatrix from the Fallen Earth team writes, "Thought you all should be the first to know that we've received our rating from the ESRB board and we're classified as an M (Mature). You'll start to see this in our ads and videos moving forward." We're glad to hear that they're not toning down the game's themes simply to reach a younger audience, and Massively will be keeping an eye on Fallen Earth as it gets closer to launch.

MassivelyFallen Earth rated M for Mature by ESRB originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circatrixentertainment-software-rating-boardesrbfallen-earthfallen-earth-llclegalmad-maxmaturemmo-industrymutantspost-apocalypticratingrating-boardratingssci-fiFri, 10 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth dev diary focuses on introducing new players to PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/fallen-earth-dev-diary-focuses-on-introducing-new-players-to-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/fallen-earth-dev-diary-focuses-on-introducing-new-players-to-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/fallen-earth-dev-diary-focuses-on-introducing-new-players-to-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Fallen Earth is one of three post-apocalyptic massively muliplayer online games currently in development that are a far cry from the fantasy titles which have proven most popular in the MMO world. IGN scored an exclusive two part developer diary from Fallen Earth writer and content developer Wes Platt who discusses creating the PvP starter town of Terance. Namely, he explains how and why the Fallen Earth team has been putting so much work into Terance and the challenges and pitfalls faced in differentiating the PvP-centric area from other more standard towns in the game.

The first part is "Building the Town of Terance". It paints a picture of a post-apocalyptic aftermath setting where a psychotic artificial intelligence, long since sealed away underground by its corporate progenitors and forced into a century of dormancy, is woken with dire consequences. Now powered up, the AI -- TETRAX -- prepares once again to work towards the extermination all human beings in its vicinity. Human beings in Terance may find themselves on the run, hunted by AI-directed zombies called Diggers, as well as mutants and vermin.

Continue reading Fallen Earth dev diary focuses on introducing new players to PvP

MassivelyFallen Earth dev diary focuses on introducing new players to PvP originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aidev-diarydeveloper-diarydiggersfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcgame-designgame-mechanicsignmissionsmutantspost-apocalypticpvpquestssci-fistarter-townstarter-zonesstorylinetetraxverminwes-plattTue, 07 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-interviewing-champion-onlines-writer-john-layman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-interviewing-champion-onlines-writer-john-layman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/pax08-interviewing-champion-onlines-writer-john-layman/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Amidst the rather large -- but also surprisingly polite -- crowd surrounding the Cryptic Studios booth, we were able to talk with the writer for Champions Online, John Layman. Discussions revolved around the breadth and depth of content within the game's zones and the possibilities of space-based zones lying in wait for higher level characters. Two words to get you excited: interplanetary threats. We also learned about John's fondness for sprinkling lots of homages throughout the game. Overall, it was a fun trip into the mind of a man who really loves zombies, pajamas and nerdy in-jokes that future players of Champions Online will be able to find some humor from.

Gallery: PAX 2008 General Gallery

Continue reading PAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman

MassivelyPAX08: Interviewing Champion Online's writer, John Layman originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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