Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Leaderboard: GW's Gwen vs. EQ's Firiona Vie]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/leaderboard-gws-gwen-vs-eqs-firiona-vie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/leaderboard-gws-gwen-vs-eqs-firiona-vie/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/leaderboard-gws-gwen-vs-eqs-firiona-vie/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard
Like breakfast cereals and discount tire retailers, MMO companies have a long tradition of cultivating mascots to promote their games. Typically, said mascot is on the cover, shows as much cleavage as the ESRB allows, and is shooting rainbow magic from her navel. Or something.

Today, Leaderboard is pitting two of the more well-known MMO mascots against one another, sort of like Top Model if Top Model contained three-dimensional characters. In the left corner is Guild Wars' Gwen, an orphan, refugee, warrior, and storybook princess all rolled into one. In the right corner is Firiona Vie, the Vanna White of EverQuest box art.

Firiona may be flaunting a bit more skin than battle protocol requires, but it's certainly served the purpose of getting players to pick up the box and wonder whether true Elfy love lies within. Gwen's recent marriage to Keiran Thackeray unfortunately takes her off the market to those hoping that a sentient computer would digitize and throw them into a video game in the hopes of (ahem) mesmerizing her with charm.

It's Elfish mage vs. human mystic, blonde bombshell vs. goth cutie in today's knockout poll! Hit the jump to cast your vote.

Continue reading Leaderboard: GW's Gwen vs. EQ's Firiona Vie

MassivelyLeaderboard: GW's Gwen vs. EQ's Firiona Vie originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elfeqeverquestfeaturedFiriona-Viegothguild-warsgwgwenKeiran-Thackerayleaderboardmascotmesmermysticopinionpollvanna-whitevoteMon, 17 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-perfect-ten-shapeshifters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Because we are true geeks, last weekend my wife and I went to see X-Men: First Class. Afterward, we got into a discussion about what mutant power we'd pick for ourselves if we had the choice. I was torn between teleportation and quick healing, while my wife wanted to be able to turn into cash to pay off our mortgage. I think one of us is more grounded in the real world than the other.

But the more I think about it, the more I was intrigued with the idea of a shapeshifter. To be anyone would give you unparalleled freedom -- and plenty of chances to get into mischief, too. Come to think of it, it's probably best I'm not granted that particular superpower.

However, plenty of MMOs do give players the chance to shift between their normal forms and something else entirely. While there are far more than 10 examples that the brain trust over here came up with, I'm going to pick out my favorites to highlight.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Shapeshifters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureraliensanarchy-onlineaoarchetypechronicles-of-spellborncity-of-heroescohcount-choculadervishdruiddruidsdwarfeq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iifacehuggerfeaturedfurygrim-reaperguild-warsgwkheldiankheldiansleetlichlich-formmoonkinmorphmorphsmysticnecromancerperfect-10perfect-tenpolymorphriftrift-planes-of-telarashapeshiftshapeshiftersshapeshiftingteam-edwardteam-jacobthe-chronicles-of-spellbornthe-countultima-onlineuovampirevampire-formwardenworgenworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes dev blog talks class balance, lifts NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hot on the heels of its GDC updates, Heatwave Interactive has released a new dev blog detailing further aspects of Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising. The mythological MMORPG boasts four unique character classes (the Priest, the Soldier, the Gladiator, and the Mystic), and today's dev blog offers a look at a few class-specific issues through the eyes of senior content designer Todd Bailey.

Bailey discusses how the Soldier and Gladiator differ despite the fact that both focus on close-range melee combat. He also talks about why the Scout and Nomad classes won't be available at launch. "The honest answer is that the Nomad was completely overpowered as a class and just felt like it was the catch-all for abilities that didn't go anywhere else," Bailey explains. He also says that combat tuning and balancing is an ongoing process, noting that the overall combat feel is much improved even though a few new wrinkles have been introduced during the tweaking process. Head to the official Gods & Heroes website for the full dev diary.

In still other G&H news, Heatwave has officially dropped the game's NDA, so beta players can now freely talk about the title here and elsewhere!

MassivelyGods & Heroes dev blog talks class balance, lifts NDA originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdev-blogdev-diaryfantasygladiatorgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivemysticmythologyndanda-droppriestsoldiertodd-bailyFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes details classes and releases new screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gods-and-heroes-details-classes-and-releases-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gods-and-heroes-details-classes-and-releases-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gods-and-heroes-details-classes-and-releases-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The devs at Heatwave Interactive have given Gods & Heroes fans a bit more information to mull over as they wait anxiously for the title's debut. In a press release dated earlier this morning, Heatwave detailed the game's four character classes and released an accompanying batch of screenshots.

While the classes don't stray too far from MMORPG norms, it's nonetheless instructive to see exactly what the game has in store. First up is the Gladiator, who, as you might surmise, exists to do massive melee damage at close range. The Soldier is your basic tank archetype, responsible for juggling aggro and taking a beating for his friends. The Mystic is Gods & Heroes' answer to ranged DPS, while the Priest is, crazily enough, the main healer.

You can get a full rundown on Gladiators, Soldiers, Priests, and Mystics at the game's main website, and don't forget to check out the new screens below.

Gallery: Gods and Heroes

MassivelyGods & Heroes details classes and releases new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesfantasygallerygladiatorgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivemysticmythologypress-releasepriestscreenshotssoldierThu, 17 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA class videos explode from Frogster!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/tera-class-videos-explode-from-frogster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/tera-class-videos-explode-from-frogster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/tera-class-videos-explode-from-frogster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bluehole Studio has been a bit silent as of late regarding its action MMORPG, TERA. But today, European publisher Frogster treated us with not one, not two, not even three, but eight trailers from the lands of TERA. These stunning videos give us a taste of each player class: Warrior, Lancer, Slayer, Sorcerer, Archer, Priest, Mystic, and Berserker. Despite what it may look like, each teaser is shot using TERA's in-game engine and textures -- there's no outside studio work here. Never-before-seen class features are showcased, and Frogster hopes to whet your appetite with these action-packed videos.

Follow after the break to judge each class video for yourself. So, truthfully, do these videos make you more excited about TERA?

Continue reading TERA class videos explode from Frogster!

MassivelyTERA class videos explode from Frogster! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archerberserkerBlueHolebluehole-studioclassclassesFrosterlancermysticpriestslayersorcererTERAtrailertrailersvideowarriorTue, 25 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse sheds light on TERA's Mystic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/en-masse-sheds-light-on-teras-mystic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/en-masse-sheds-light-on-teras-mystic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/en-masse-sheds-light-on-teras-mystic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Mystic is sort of an unknown when it comes to TERA classes (at least in terms of available information). While there's no shortage of articles floating around the web about Berserkers, Sorcerers, and Warriors, Mystics have been shrouded in a bit of mystery unless you're one of the lucky few currently experiencing the Korean beta. Thanks largely to information translated from said beta, the TERA fan community has labeled the Mystic a hybrid class, and TERAfans sheds a bit more light on the archetype via a new interview with En Masse Entertainment production associate Scott James Magner.

So, is the Mystic a true hybrid? Magner says it depends on the player. "We can't stress enough the importance of player skill and player choices when playing TERA. All mystics will have access to the same skills and glyphs -- it's how you use them that will distinguish your mystic from other players. There's no one right way to play the game other than yours," he writes.

MassivelyEn Masse sheds light on TERA's Mystic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studioclassesen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfantasymysticscott-james-magnerteratera-onlineTue, 21 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's exclusive TERA lore: Slaughter is the Best Medicine]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/massivelys-exclusive-tera-lore-slaughter-is-the-best-medicine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/massivelys-exclusive-tera-lore-slaughter-is-the-best-medicine/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/massivelys-exclusive-tera-lore-slaughter-is-the-best-medicine/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pay attention TERA fans, as Massively's got another lore exclusive to whet your appetite for the forthcoming fantasy MMORPG from En Masse and Bluehole Studio. While we'd love to tell you about American or European beta dates, not to mention a launch window, this tasty morsel from En Masse writer R.K. MacPherson will have to do for the moment.

Join us after the cut for the story of Traius, a young Castanic soldier (and a member of the recently revealed Mystic class) who grows tired of waiting on the call to arms. Be sure to check out the new screens throughout the text, and have a look back at our previous lore exclusives for more of TERA's backstory.

Continue reading Massively's exclusive TERA lore: Slaughter is the Best Medicine

MassivelyMassively's exclusive TERA lore: Slaughter is the Best Medicine originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueHolebluehole-studiocastanicen-masseen-masse-entertainmentexclusive-tera-lorefantasyfeaturedloremysticrk-macphersonstoriesteratera-onlinetraiusThu, 16 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[En Masse unveils third TERA race and class series entry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/en-masse-unveils-third-tera-race-and-class-series-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/en-masse-unveils-third-tera-race-and-class-series-entry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/en-masse-unveils-third-tera-race-and-class-series-entry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's been a while since we've been treated to an update of En Masse Entertainment's TERA Race and Class series. Happily, today marks the third installment, and it's all about Humans, Mystics, and Sorcerers. If you're in the mood for early Christmas presents, we've got them in the form of a new TERA screenshot gallery, a gameplay video of Sorcerers blowing stuff up, and a few blurbs about races, classes, and quests.

TERA is currently gearing up for its Korean open beta, with a European and North American launch expected in 2011. Join us for all the juicy details after the cut.

Gallery: TERA Race and Class series


Continue reading En Masse unveils third TERA race and class series entry

MassivelyEn Masse unveils third TERA race and class series entry originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoBlueHolebluehole-studioen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfeaturedgalleryhumanmysticrace-and-class-seriesracesrevealscreenshotssorcererteratera-onlinevideoTue, 14 Dec 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online devs reveal Mystic power sets: Sorcery and Supernatural]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/champions-online-devs-reveal-mystic-power-sets-sorcery-and-supe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/champions-online-devs-reveal-mystic-power-sets-sorcery-and-supe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/03/champions-online-devs-reveal-mystic-power-sets-sorcery-and-supe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Over the past few weeks, the developers at Cryptic Studios have been walking readers through the various powers that will be available to Champions Online players, from Energy Projectors to Martial Arts, as well as Power Replacers. Now they're giving us a look at the game's Mystic power sets -- Sorcery and Supernatural -- for those players who want to dabble in the dark arts.

Do you know your Circles of Power from your Circles of Summoning? When should you use a Sigil instead of an Invocation? The Champions Online devs explain all matters arcane in this latest, and final, "All About Powers", and discuss their intent to create subsets of Mystic powers that better fit a given character's concept. Whether you're looking to create a Primal Shaman, a Necromancer, or a pure Arcane-type, you might enjoy this latest dev blog on the official Champions Online site.

MassivelyChampions Online devs reveal Mystic power sets: Sorcery and Supernatural originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecircles-of-powercircles-of-summoningcryptic-studiosdev-blogdev-blogsenergy-projectorsgame-mechanicsinvocationsmartial-artsmysticnew-titlespower-replacepower-replacerspower-setpower-setssigilssorcerysuper-herosupernaturalFri, 03 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The spellcasters of Ether Saga Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-spellcasters-of-ether-saga-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-spellcasters-of-ether-saga-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/the-spellcasters-of-ether-saga-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


In a recent dev journal at MMORPG.com, the magic classes of the Free-2-Play Ether Saga Online are explained in greater detail for those players who may want more from their casters. Although there are six classes available to the three races in the game, this dev blog focuses on the Conjurer, the Mystic and the Shaman.

According to this journal, the Mystic is the healing class of the three, depending more on defensive magic for beneficial buffs or debuffs. The Conjurer is the damage-dealing magic-user, using offensive and manipulation magic to cause the most damage to their enemies. The Shaman is considered the hybrid class of Ether Saga Online, functioning both as a spellcaster and a tank. If you'd be interested in learning more about these classes, check out the dev journal for a complete description of each.

MassivelyThe spellcasters of Ether Saga Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesconjurerether-saga-onlinemagemagic-usermysticshamanspellcasterMon, 13 Apr 2009 20:00:00 EST