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[LEGO Universe introduces Ninjago expansion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/lego-universe-introduces-ninjago-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/lego-universe-introduces-ninjago-expansion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/20/lego-universe-introduces-ninjago-expansion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Red Ninja on lava
Who doesn't like ninjas? Well, except for pirates, I guess. Now LEGO Universe has both, as its newly announced Ninjago expansion brings the world of the Ninjago LEGO toys and the Masters of Spinjitzu film to the MMO.

In addition to inserting over 100 new ninja-themed missions, this "largest expansion to the game yet" will raise the level cap to 45 and introduce new weapons, new enemies, and new gear -- all just in time for next month's first-year anniversary for the game. The expansion is free for all premium members starting today, and you can check out the screenshot gallery below and launch trailer just after the jump.

Gallery: LEGO Universe Main Gallery



[Source: LEGO Universe press release]

Continue reading LEGO Universe introduces Ninjago expansion

MassivelyLEGO Universe introduces Ninjago expansion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionf2pfree-to-playlegolego-bricks-not-legoslego-universelevel-cap-increasemasters-of-spinjitzuninjaninjagoninjaspatchtrailertrailersupdatevideovideoswarner-brothersTue, 20 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: What are all these games doing on my internets?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/not-so-massively-what-are-all-these-games-doing-on-my-internets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/not-so-massively-what-are-all-these-games-doing-on-my-internets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/23/not-so-massively-what-are-all-these-games-doing-on-my-internets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Welcome to Not So Massively, our weekly roundup of the top news from popular multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) and other multiplayer online games that aren't quite MMOs. Published every Saturday, the column covers games such as League of Legends, Heroes of Newerth, Defense of the Ancients, Bloodline Champions, and more.

In the past few years, we've seen a virtual revolution in online gaming. MMOs have taken off in a big way, but the latest online games to really capture our attention have been a little less than "massively." Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas and other session-based online games feature regular development updates and offer a form of persistence by tracking stats and characters, making them a lot closer to MMOs than traditional online games.

Last week we looked at the updated Engineer in Heroes of Newerth (who I can confirm is now hilariously broken and fun to play), League of Legends' new champion Brand, and the first details of Rise of Immortals character Ichorr. In this week's bumper edition of Not So Massively, we look at upcoming HoN hero Silhouette, the adorable LoL Cottontail Teemo, LoL's 24th summoner showcase, Easter updates for Bloodline Champions, Darkspore's new hero Skar, Hi-Rez Studios' new MOBA Smite, and much more.

Continue reading Not So Massively: What are all these games doing on my internets?

MassivelyNot So Massively: What are all these games doing on my internets? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-spotlightbattleborn-kayleconcept-artcottontail-teemodarksporeeggniterfeaturedgameplayherohero-spotlightheroes-of-newerthhi-rez-studiosHoNKatersonesevenleague-of-legendsLoLmaxismobanikasaurninjanot-so-massivelyorigamipatchpetroglyphriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroirounduprumbleS2-Gamessilhouetteskarsmitesummoner-spotlightteemotrailervideovlogSat, 23 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Faxion Online commercial gets to the heart of conflict]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/faxion-online-commercial-gets-to-the-heart-of-conflict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/faxion-online-commercial-gets-to-the-heart-of-conflict/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/20/faxion-online-commercial-gets-to-the-heart-of-conflict/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"We know conflict," a new ad for Faxion Online says, and boy do they ever! The tongue-in-cheek spot shows a fictional (or is it?) day at UTV True Games, where a frisky pirate and an arrogant ninja happen to walk into the same elevator. What happens next can only be seen, not described, although we would not blame you for weeping out of awe.

The commercial highlights the spirit of PvP that lies at the core of Faxion Online, an upcoming MMO that pits angelic players vs. their demonic counterparts. The same sense of humor that comes through in this ad runs rampant throughout the game, as players war over zones themed after the seven deadly sins.

Currently, Faxion is in open beta. You can watch the full carnage of this video after the jump.

Continue reading Faxion Online commercial gets to the heart of conflict

MassivelyFaxion Online commercial gets to the heart of conflict originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angelscomedycommercialconflictdemonsfaxionfaxion-onlinehumormy-money-is-on-the-pirateninjaninjaspiratepiratespvputvutv-ignitionutv-ignition-gamesutv-true-gamesvideozombiezombiesWed, 20 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe releases Crux Prime update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/lego-universe-releases-crux-prime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/lego-universe-releases-crux-prime/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/lego-universe-releases-crux-prime/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pirates or ninjas? That is the age-old question. As of today we know where the LEGO Universe team stands thanks to the new Crux Prime update. LEGO's Ninjago line is the star of NetDevil's latest content patch, and players can participate in a new storyline that involves the search for Sensei Wu. It seems the reclusive Wu is a master of Spinjitzu, the only skill that can stand up to the hordes of skeleton enemies descending on Crux Prime.

The patch contains a substantial amount of new content including over 100 missions and achievements, over 100 new pieces of gear, and four rare armor sets to collect.

Finally, the Crux Prime update brings multiplayer team functionality to the fight against The Maelstrom, and groups of up to four friends can join forces to save the Nexus Tower and do battle to protect the Imagination Nexus. Get a glimpse of the new Crux Prime trailer after the cut.

Continue reading LEGO Universe releases Crux Prime update

MassivelyLEGO Universe releases Crux Prime update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crux-primefamilygazillionkidslegolego-universemaelstromnet-devilnew-contentnew-questsnew-zoneninjaninjassensei-wuskeletonspinjitsutrailervideoTue, 08 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe unveils newest zone for flipping out and killing people]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lego-universe-unveils-newest-zone-for-flipping-out-and-killing-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lego-universe-unveils-newest-zone-for-flipping-out-and-killing-p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/11/lego-universe-unveils-newest-zone-for-flipping-out-and-killing-p/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The LEGO brand is nothing if not a universe of heterogeneity -- race cars, aquatic explorers, space police, and even Batman have long existed side-by-side. The newest kid on the metaphorical block is the just-begun Ninjago line, and it's being celebrated in LEGO Universe with the addition of the newest zone, Crux Prime. But the zone has more to offer than just a cavalcade of ninja, with brand-new gear, weapons, and decals for players to unlock as they progress through the zone's new content.

Players will be tasked with finding the long-lost Sensei Wu amid the ruins of the Ninjago Monastery to learn the powerful skill known as Spinjitzu. They'll need it, too, with Maelstrom Skeletons attempting to steal the beacon of Imagination from the tower in Crux Prime. With over 100 new missions for players to undertake and an ongoing story that promises to unfold over time, LEGO Universe players should find plenty to like about Crux Prime. Take a sneak peek at the zone in the gallery below as well as the trailer past the cut.

Gallery: LEGO Universe Crux Prime gallery

Continue reading LEGO Universe unveils newest zone for flipping out and killing people

MassivelyLEGO Universe unveils newest zone for flipping out and killing people originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crux-primegalleriesgallerygazillionlegolego-brickslego-universenetdevilnew-contentnew-gearnew-missionsnew-questsnew-zoneninjaninjaspreviewscreenshotstrailervideovideoszoneTue, 11 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ninja to be enhanced with Final Fantasy XI's July update, paladin screams already heard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ninja-to-be-enhanced-with-final-fantasy-xis-july-update-paladi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ninja-to-be-enhanced-with-final-fantasy-xis-july-update-paladi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/ninja-to-be-enhanced-with-final-fantasy-xis-july-update-paladi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The rivalry between ninjas and pirates is nothing compared to the rivalry between paladins and ninjas in Final Fantasy XI. The two classes have been dueling for years over the space of "best party tank," and have regularly traded the position back and forth thanks to Square-Enix intervention.

However, it seems that with the new July update, the tank position may once again veering towards the hands of the ninja thanks to the job enhancement spotlight falling on the assassins from the east. July will be adding the new job ability "Yonin," which will increase a Ninja's enmity (hate gain, for other MMO players), critical strike rating, ninjutsu tool use and evasion, but lower their accuracy. Sounds like a tanking ability to us! (Except for perhaps that accuracy down part, but we'll look past that for now.)

Continue reading Ninja to be enhanced with Final Fantasy XI's July update, paladin screams already heard

MassivelyNinja to be enhanced with Final Fantasy XI's July update, paladin screams already heard originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enhancementenmityffxifinal-fantasy-xijobjob-abilitiesjuly-updatejuly-version-updateninjasquare-enixtankMon, 06 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Noisy ninja]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/one-shots-noisy-ninja/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/one-shots-noisy-ninja/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/one-shots-noisy-ninja/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


When we heard the infectious Free Realms theme song by The Dares, we knew we were headed for some silliness. After all, if a game is truly about "your world" as the song declared - meaning player choice - well, that's the stuff today's bubble-gum pink One Shots is made of. It comes to us courtesy of Brian H, who tells us a bit more about this image: Just a fun little screen shot I captured of my level 20 ninja being a real ninja, you know, in pink...

One Shots relies on you, dear readers, to send in your images of adventure, silliness, or battle! It's easy to participate. Just email an interesting, cool, etc. screenshot to us at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a brief description. We'll put it up here for everyone to check out and give you the credit. So send in those screenshots!

Gallery: One Shots

MassivelyOne Shots: Noisy ninja originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-hfree-realmsninjaone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssillysoesony-online-entertainmentTue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can adults find fun in Free Realms?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/can-adults-find-fun-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/can-adults-find-fun-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/can-adults-find-fun-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For what it's worth I'm well aware that Free Realms isn't exactly the kind of game that appeals to an adult male -- at least not to the average sort. But with its forward thinking design and near instantaneous variety of quests and missions to participate in, SOE's newest MMO should make everyone consider giving it a shot. If you're feeling more than hesitant about that statement, then I'm here just for you.

You may have heard there's kart racing in this game. That fact may or may not turn you off to playing, but know this: it's all very optional, just like real life. For instance, you may not want to put a chef's hat on and cook mystery meat surprise -- and you don't have to!

You can, also. If, you know, you'd like to do that.

Continue reading Can adults find fun in Free Realms?

MassivelyCan adults find fun in Free Realms? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledblacksmithdreamworksfeaturedfree-realmsjobskart-driverninjaopinionpegglepet-trainerpixarpopcap-gamessoesony-online-entertainmentwarriorwizardMon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO Universe character creation a soulful experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/lego-universe-character-creation-a-soulful-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/lego-universe-character-creation-a-soulful-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/lego-universe-character-creation-a-soulful-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If there's one thing that LEGO Universe has going for it over any other MMO on the market or coming anytime soon, it's creativity. When your game is based on a franchise that's seen countless boys, girls and men and women alike sitting on the floor snapping together little plastic bricks to make well, anything, you've got a powerful place to design a game on.

And as you would expect, Wired's latest preview of the game shows of plenty of soul and creativity. Our favorite quote from the whole preview is easily this, "Mini-figs are endowed with a creative spark, a "soul" that will never die. They're also fairly exuberant: They'll start mashing the 'randomize' button on their own if you take too long to begin the customization process." We certainly hope that feature stays with the game until release, and that many more like it are scattered throughout the game.

All that being said, LEGO Universe is still going to have all the MMO trappings such as story, conflict and combat. And that's just fine with us considering it'll let millions of people across the globe live our their LEGO ninjas versus pirates versus robots fantasies.

Gallery: LEGO Universe Main Gallery

MassivelyLEGO Universe character creation a soulful experience originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazillion-entertainmentlegolego-universenetdevilninjapiratepiratesrobotrobotswiredTue, 07 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield Heroes stealths into second beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/battlefield-heroes-stealths-into-second-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/battlefield-heroes-stealths-into-second-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/battlefield-heroes-stealths-into-second-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As of today, February 11th, the second beta test for Battlefield Heroes has tip-toed out into the hands of old and new testers alike. And while there isn't any information about additions to this beta, we're certain that DICE hasn't just been lazing about all these months having tea parties.

Now that things are officially back in action, we expect to be hearing more about the game in the coming months. Hopefully, official launch day isn't too far off as spring slowly creeps up behind us draped in ninja garb. Pretty soon we'll be sitting on plane wings and gunning down our cartoony adversaries with unreasonably-sized mini-guns. At least, assuming this version of the beta is the last one.

MassivelyBattlefield Heroes stealths into second beta originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-heroesbetacartoondiceeaelectronic-artsninjaspringWed, 11 Feb 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Morality and legality in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/morality-and-legality-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/morality-and-legality-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/09/morality-and-legality-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the strengths of EVE Online is that the game's professions can be freeform. Many players take the standard route of being a miner or a mission runner. However, new and deviant professions have arisen in a kind of symbiosis with the more established trades in the game. This is the focus of an article called 'Morality and Legality', written by ISD Magnus Balteus of CCP Games. 'Morality and Legality' looks at two of the sketchier professions that sprang from EVE's more standard career paths.

Mining has given rise to ore theft, which boils down to theft that has the side benefit of potentially baiting the victim into combat, even in high security space. If the ore thief or 'can flipper' is successful, he or she can make off with the ore that someone else mined plus the modules looted from the miner's ship wreck. The morality of this type of career doesn't even enter into the equation... this is EVE. CCP's unwillingness to change the game mechanics involved in can flipping means that this is not an exploit, it's a valid profession, albeit not in the mind of the miner victim.

Continue reading Morality and legality in EVE Online

MassivelyMorality and legality in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>can-flipcan-flipperccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsgriefgrieferhighsecisdmineminermissionmission-runnermissionsninjaninja-lootninja-lootingninja-salvageninja-salvageroreore-thiefprofessionsvictimSat, 09 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New CoX patch rejuvenates the Stalker]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/new-cox-patch-rejuvenates-the-stalker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/new-cox-patch-rejuvenates-the-stalker/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/new-cox-patch-rejuvenates-the-stalker/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Even with the release of Issue 12: Midnight Hour bringing new joy to CoX, there was one Archetype who wasn't so happy; the poor neglected Stalker. Although the Stalkers now had electric armor and electric melee powersets to play with, they were still not much in demand on teams, and even in PvP some new changes had made it harder for them to Assassin Strike foes with certain powers running.

Let it never be said, though, that Castle the Powers Guy is one to ignore a legitimate grievance. Very shortly after Issue 12 launched, a new patch hit the Test server that brought more Stalker joy than we've seen in months. That patch went live today.

Continue reading New CoX patch rejuvenates the Stalker

MassivelyNew CoX patch rejuvenates the Stalker originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxncsoftninjapatchesstalkerstalkersWed, 28 May 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New classes definitely coming to Mythos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/new-classes-definitely-coming-to-mythos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/new-classes-definitely-coming-to-mythos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/17/new-classes-definitely-coming-to-mythos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


IGN has a preview of Mythos up (littered with as much gameplay footage as the game has loot) that takes a pretty good look at the upcoming Flagship Studios Diablo-like title. An interesting subject that the preview touches on is the addition of future classes. The only bit of information we're given is that the new classes will focus on some of the weapon-types that have no optimal class already in-game for them. We've got a couple guesses as to what sort of classes we may see, so buckle up!

Continue reading New classes definitely coming to Mythos

MassivelyNew classes definitely coming to Mythos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdiabloflagship-studiosignlightningmythosnew-classesninjapolearmThu, 17 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST