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 Daily Grind: How often do you want new abilities?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/the-daily-grind-how-often-do-you-want-new-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/the-daily-grind-how-often-do-you-want-new-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/the-daily-grind-how-often-do-you-want-new-abilities/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This level, I learned to bend my wrist ninety degrees in any direction without breaking it!
We're all very familiar with the term "ding." We're also familiar with the immediate follow-up to a ding -- namely, figuring out what new stuff you get following a new level. Of course, that varies a lot depending on the game. Guild Wars will give players new abilities all the time, whether or not you hit a new level, but Star Trek Online only offers up a new set of abilities every 10 levels or so (equipment notwithstanding).

Granted, if a game gives you abilities infrequently, each one tends to be more vital to your overall play experience. Having a wider spread of abilities means more choices, but it also means that each individual skill doesn't matter as much. So which do you prefer? Would you like to be swimming in new abilities and new tricks at every new level? Or would you prefer a slow roll, with new skills coming infrequently but being special when they do come?

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: How often do you want new abilities? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesabilitydesignlevelleveling-paceleveling-uplevelsnew-abilitiesnew-powersnew-skillsopinionpowersskillstdgthe-daily-grindtraitsSun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vindictus EU updates with Lost Artifact episode]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/vindictus-eu-updates-with-lost-artifact-episode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/vindictus-eu-updates-with-lost-artifact-episode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/vindictus-eu-updates-with-lost-artifact-episode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Vindictus - Reverse gravity skill
Vindictus may be a relatively new arrival on the European gaming scene, but Nexon is wasting no time updating the hack-and-slash game with a new episode. The Lost Artifact content pack comes loaded with a level cap increase, new bonus missions, and a new area called the Hilder Forest.

Players will journey to the "icy caverns of Hoarfrost Depths and face fearsome foes," among them various Yeti clans, Formors, and new raid boss monsters. New skills are also the order of the day, and abilities like shield charge and reverse gravity are designed to decimate foes and add a bit of oomph to the game's combat visuals.

Finally, new gameplay styles are coming to the EU client, and Hero Mode bumps up the difficulty level while Gauntlet Mode pits players against their "most dreaded enemies, one right after another." Surviving the gauntlet brings several rewards including a rare title. More info is available at the EU Vindictus website.

If you're an American Vindictus player and all this is sounding a bit familiar, well, it should. The Lost Artifact update went live in the States back in February.

[Source: Nexon press release]

Gallery: Vindictus Gallery

MassivelyVindictus EU updates with Lost Artifact episode originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoboss-mobsdungeonseuf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleryhilder-forestlevel-cap-increaselost-artifactnew-skillsnexonnexon-eupatchespress-releasescreenshotsthe-lost-artifactvindictusvindictus-europeWed, 02 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: I got skills]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/wasteland-diaries-i-got-skills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/wasteland-diaries-i-got-skills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/wasteland-diaries-i-got-skills/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sector 4, a new skill and abilities system and a new... well, a new everything has come to Fallen Earth. Even the forums will be migrating over to GamersFirst's little piece of cyberspace. While the transition hasn't gone completely smoothly, it could have been a lot worse. I don't know why they decided to do all this stuff at once, but it went well, considering how major an undertaking it probably was. The skills and abilities (also known as the "combat system") didn't fare too well with the wastelanders, and the devs have promised some fixes. With everything going on right now, I don't think we'll see them any time soon, though I may be wrong.

One thing is for sure: The new combat system is here to stay. Many of us would like to see them scrap it, go back to the old system and just patch up its imperfections (it was so close). But, I have been told emphatically that it's here to stay. So, instead of dwelling on the what-ifs, I'd like to take a look at all of the new skills and mutations, since they are definitely permanent -- although they may be changing a little bit in the coming days while this brand-new system is tested and balanced.

Mostly what we have now is what we are going be using. Some of them are the same, but by and large, this new system is an entirely different animal. You may recognize some of the names, but most of the abilities (actually, I think all of them) function differently. After the cut, we will take a look at every skill and their associated abilities in the game.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: I got skills

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: I got skills originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesf2pf2p-modelfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedgamersfirsticarus-studiosnew-combat-systemnew-skillssector-4skillsstatisticstransitionFri, 05 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion 2.5 on PTS today, new class skills video released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/aion-2-5-on-pts-today-new-class-skills-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/aion-2-5-on-pts-today-new-class-skills-video-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/aion-2-5-on-pts-today-new-class-skills-video-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Aion's 2.5 patch is right around the corner, and today marks the update's official debut on NCsoft's North American player test server (PTS). The patch, otherwise known as Empyrean Calling, brings several new game features to the denizens of Atreia including a mentor system, expanded character customization options, a graphics engine update, new legion features, pet interaction, and new PvE instances.

To celebrate the milestone, NCsoft has released a new trailer that shows off some new class skills that are also coming with 2.5. Sixteen different skills, two for each of Aion's classes, are shown in action as well as via textual descriptions.

Have a look at the trailer after the cut, and don't forget to head to the PTS to get an early glimpse of all the updates.

Continue reading Aion 2.5 on PTS today, new class skills video released

MassivelyAion 2.5 on PTS today, new class skills video released originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.52.5-patchaioncharacter-customizationcustomizationempyrean-callingfantasymentormentor-systemmentoringmentorsncsoftnew-instancesnew-skillspet-interactionpetspvetrailervideoThu, 12 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/wings-over-atreia-anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/wings-over-atreia-anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/07/wings-over-atreia-anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You know the feeling -- you learn about some upcoming goodness and you want it. Or do you crave it? You can fall anywhere along the spectrum of anticipation, provoked by things you just look forward to all the way to things that make you squeal in schoolgirl giddiness at the mere thought! It's a game in and of itself. Such is the way of Aion updates, which tantalize and tease players for quite some time before going live (and even longer if you can translate the original Korean patch notes yourself!). Not yet having a release date for updates is not dampening the anticipation of many Daevas but rather is fueling it instead.

So what brought about my musings on this topic? I squealed! More specifically, an announcement this week that put me right into the giddy mode: Winter is coming! George R.R. Martin's fifth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series will release in July. Now, while my fangirliness in its supreme is reserved for this outstanding literature, I also have things that I am looking forward to in game. However, there are those who have a virtual heart attack when new goodies for Aion are announced; I have one legionmate who will only re-sub when update 2.5 rolls around and brings with it all the little bells and whistles he is pining for. It is quite interesting to listen as he randomly pops into Ventrilo to trumpet the greatness of this upcoming gaming salvation, then disappears again into the night.

So what about 2.5 has my legionmate so excitable... and excited? Skip-to-my-lou past the cut to take a look at some of the upcoming features.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Anticipaaaaaaaaaaaation originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.5aionaion-gameCasting-Speedcasting-speed-capemotesfeaturedgeorge-r-r-martingraphics-upgradehelper-systemincentiveincentivesnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnerfnerf-batnew-skillspatch-2.5patch-notesporgusskillsstealthupgradeupgradesventriloWings-Over-AtreiaMon, 07 Mar 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: Hunting down AP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/wasteland-diaries-hunting-down-ap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/wasteland-diaries-hunting-down-ap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/18/wasteland-diaries-hunting-down-ap/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

So there's an AP cap in Fallen Earth now. When there was a finite number of AP available, it was not very popular. But now that there is an unlimited number of AP available (in theory), it seems a bit easier to digest. The current AP cap at level 50 is 1250. This allows for a decent build while not allowing for a jack-of-all-trades build. With the new system currently on the PTS, most builds will have to be specialized. In other words, there will be no more healers or crafters that will be able to dish out maximum DPS anymore.

Part of the purpose of the AP cap was to alleviate the need for a wheel-flip. In some ways, the de-factionalization of mutations has helped in that department. The entire Fallen Earth skill and mutation system is undergoing a revamp, but the AP mechanics aren't going to change much. The AP cap will still be in place and will increase by 25 every level. And there will still be random AP and repeatable missions for AP. But is a wheel-flip still necessary? The short answer is yes and no, but I'll delve into that a bit more after the cut.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: Hunting down AP

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: Hunting down AP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.8-patchapap-capbous-apconflict-townsfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedicarus-studiosmutationsnew-skillsomnibusptsrandom-apskillsstarter-townswheel-flipFri, 18 Feb 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wasteland Diaries: New skills]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/wasteland-diaries-new-skills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/wasteland-diaries-new-skills/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/wasteland-diaries-new-skills/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Clones of the wasteland: We are heading toward uncertain times. The February State of the Game was announced last week, and there are some massive changes to Fallen Earth coming our way. The 1.4 patch changed the way we fought, and so did the 1.7 patch. This next patch, which will likely be 1.8 (if not 2.0), will probably be the biggest change to the game mechanics since launch (and 1.4 was no slouch). The uncertainty will not be allayed until we see the new system on the PTS. It's slated to hit the test server in "the middle of the month," so we may see it soon.

In this post, I would like to analyze the SoTG and try to infer what kind of implications this new system will bring forth. There will be some pretty obvious changes but also some subtle changes that nobody will foresee. Although the new skills and mutations system isn't the only thing coming with the next installment, it will be the focus of this post. There is also a new area called Ruination on the way plus major economy changes and scavenger bosses, but I am more interested in the skill revamp. Fallen Earth will be a different (hopefully in a good way) game by the end of the month.

Continue reading Wasteland Diaries: New skills

MassivelyWasteland Diaries: New skills originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcombat-changescombat-systemfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfeaturedicarusicarus-studiosnew-skillspatchptsskill-changesskillsState-of-the-gameFri, 11 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lineage II's High Five update coming to PTS]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/lineage-iis-high-five-update-coming-to-pts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/lineage-iis-high-five-update-coming-to-pts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/31/lineage-iis-high-five-update-coming-to-pts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Big changes are in store for NCsoft's long-running Lineage II MMORPG, and the game's official website has updated with details of the new High Five patch that's on its way to the public test server. The patch is so substantial that it's being brought to the live game in several parts, with the first four scheduled to appear on the PTS on February 2nd.

High Five features a reduced XP requirement for characters at level 78 or above, and clan levels 6, 7, and 8 will see a similar adjustment in terms of reputation points and member number requirements. The update is also bringing a ton of new character skills to Aden, as well as an extensive list of changes to existing skills. New quests and hunting zone revamps are also in the works (specifically Antharas' Lair and Dragon Valley), and numerous weapons, armor, and jewelry can now be purchased at the Giran Luxury Shop with Adena instead of crystals.

Finally, NCsoft has made significant adjustments to the Grand Olympiad system, including revamping the arenas to instanced zones (allowing for 160 simultaneous stadium matches), as well as various tweaks to both participatory and spectator aspects of the system. You can check out the preliminary patch notes on the official forums, and don't forget to read up on the particulars of this week's test server implementation.

[Thanks to Justin for the tip!]

MassivelyLineage II's High Five update coming to PTS originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clan-levelingclansfantasygrand-olympiadhigh-fiveL2Lineage IIlineage-2lineage-iiLineageIincsoftnew-skillspatchskill-changesskillsxpxp-reductionMon, 31 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fantasy Earth Zero's greatswords make up a lost chapter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/fantasy-earth-zeros-greatswords-make-up-a-lost-chapter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/fantasy-earth-zeros-greatswords-make-up-a-lost-chapter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/13/fantasy-earth-zeros-greatswords-make-up-a-lost-chapter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The last major update to Fantasy Earth Zero, Season 2, saw some pretty significant changes to the makeup of the game, helped along by the addition of the anti-personnel Fencer class. But tomorrow will see another shakeup to the structure of the large-scale PvP game with the addition of the Lost Chapter, including the new Greatsword skills for Warriors. These new skills give Warriors an option to discard defense completely in exchange for powerful offensive talents.

If the new spinning death of a two-handed sword isn't enticement enough, the team at Gamepot USA is also taking the opportunity to run a small giveaway for players via Facebook. All participants in the promotion will receive in-game items, and a few lucky players will also be receiving gift cards to Amazon. Fantasy Earth Zero players can look forward to the new patch tomorrow, but the promotion will be running through December 30th, giving plenty of time to participate.

MassivelyFantasy Earth Zero's greatswords make up a lost chapter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonclassclass-skillsclass-updatesclassescontestsf2pfacebookfantasy-earth-zerofezfez-season-2free-to-playgamepotgamepot-usanew-abilitiesnew-skillspatchpatchespromotionsskillsMon, 13 Dec 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TERA releases new Screens of the Week, skill change info]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/tera-releases-new-screens-of-the-week-skill-change-info/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/tera-releases-new-screens-of-the-week-skill-change-info/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/tera-releases-new-screens-of-the-week-skill-change-info/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We may not have much information on TERA's highly secret political system, nor do we have a ton of new gameplay details to report, but one thing we always have in abundance regarding the forthcoming action MMORPG is screenshots. Yes, En Masse has delivered the eleventh installment of their venerable Screenshots of the Week featurette, this time focusing on the Valley of Nihil. Situated on TERA's western continent, the valley is an arid wasteland of cracked plateaus and foreboding sandstone that you can view in our gallery below.

En Masse was also kind enough to drop a few tidbits regarding skill tweaks earlier this week. In a brief news release, the TERA publisher details some of the feedback received from the Focus Group Test 2 that concluded earlier this spring, as well as some new skills that resulted from the feedback. Have a look at the skill descriptions as well as the in-game icons on the game's official website.

Gallery: TERA Screenshots of the Week

MassivelyTERA releases new Screens of the Week, skill change info originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluehole-studioen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfocus-group-testfocus-group-test-2gallerynew-skillsscreensscreenshots-of-the-weekskill-iconsskillsteratera-onlinevalley-of-nihilSat, 31 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI reveals new and improved job abilities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/final-fantasy-xi-reveals-new-and-improved-job-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/final-fantasy-xi-reveals-new-and-improved-job-abilities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/final-fantasy-xi-reveals-new-and-improved-job-abilities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Intellectually, Final Fantasy XI players knew that new job abilities were coming with the June version update. Five levels is the traditional interval for new abilities anyhow, and it would be silly not to include some form of upgrade. That being said, there's a world of difference between the vague concept of new job abilities and what's been revealed today in an actual list. The abilities being granted are both far-reaching and significant, including the retroactive inclusion of Dual Wield into a Dancer's bag of tricks at Level 20.

The added abilities and traits are rather different from the norm for the game's leveling scheme, coming at several different intervals along the path to 80. Notably absent are any new abilities for White and Red Mages, with Blue Mages having no specific abilities but rather a promise of new Blue Magic over the five-level spread. And the contents of that spread are quite interesting -- new rolls for Corsairs, steps for Dancers, bonuses to damage for Rangers, and bigger Absorbs for Dark Knights are just the tip of the iceberg. Take a look and see what your Final Fantasy XI job of choice will have added to its bag of tricks next week.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI reveals new and improved job abilities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffsffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xijobsjune-version-updatelevel-capnew-abilitiesnew-levelsnew-skillspatchessquaresquare-enixupdatesFri, 18 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Atlantica Online unleashes content update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/atlantica-online-unleashes-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/atlantica-online-unleashes-content-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/atlantica-online-unleashes-content-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Atlantica Online has rolled out another content update to the game, giving every player what they've longed for: the chance to beat the stuffing out of an impressive number of crab people. That's really what everyone wants out of a game, so we should all just go home and kill crab people. Of course, there were a couple other elements improved or expanded in the game's update, but who cares about little things like new skills and improved competition ranks when faced with a dynamic new cluster of enemies?

Leaving aside the awesomeness of getting to beat up homarids in Atlantica Online, the update is quite substantial, with a lengthy set of patch notes available on the official site. Players can enjoy augmented health points to extend the length of engagements, as well as the aforementioned new skills and competition ranks. The game has also streamlined its system of Mana Stones, combining and simplifying the Repair, Enhance, and Enchant stones to make life easier for players.

If all that's still not appealing enough to you, the fishing system has been improved, which might wind up bringing you back to crab people yet again. Take a look at the full notes to see all the additions and updates with this latest patch.

MassivelyAtlantica Online unleashes content update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticaatlantica-january-patchatlantica-onlinecrab-peopleenemiesfishinghomaridsndoorsndoors-interactivenew-skillspatchesstreamliningThu, 21 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New races, continent, skills, and more coming to Mabinogi]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/new-races-continent-skills-and-more-coming-to-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/new-races-continent-skills-and-more-coming-to-mabinogi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/30/new-races-continent-skills-and-more-coming-to-mabinogi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Nexon America as just informed us of a huge expansion coming to Mabinogi, titled Pioneers of Iria, which will be featuring a huge brand new continent, two new races for players to create characters as, new skills, new magic, a new exploration system, dungeons, cities, the works.

Pioneers of Iria, due to release sometime late in February, will introduce the brand new continent of Iria -- a land mass over three times bigger than the current continent of Ulad. Iria is also the home of the races of Elves and Giants, which will be featured as brand new player races.

Continue reading New races, continent, skills, and more coming to Mabinogi

MassivelyNew races, continent, skills, and more coming to Mabinogi originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingelfexpansionexplorationexploration-expgiantmabinoginew-racesnew-skillspioneers-of-iriaFri, 30 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST