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 Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI classes, round 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xi-classes-round-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xi-classes-round-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xi-classes-round-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
There's a certain brilliance to the fact that the first six classes in Final Fantasy XI mirror your selections back in the first Final Fantasy game. Once you hit 30, you can start transferring into the more iconic and frequently bonus-laden advanced jobs, but your initial selection is meant to call back to the start of the game. Those are the classes that I've already covered in this column, first with a column on the three physical classes, then the three caster classes. But that's barely the tip of the iceberg.

The core game only offered six advanced choices: Paladin, Dark Knight, Ranger, Beastmaster, Bard, and Summoner. Today, I'm going to be taking a look at the somewhat more physical side of the group, using criteria established way back when I started talking about class design philosophy. Bear in mind that this isn't meant to discuss strict power levels; that's the sort of thing that gets fiddled with easily enough and frequently enough that a unique mechanical identity matters more than who's on top at any given week. On with the first batch of advanced jobs!

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI classes, round 3

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI classes, round 3 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-classesadvanced-jobsclassescolumncolumnsdark-knightfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xijobsopinionpaladinrangersquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 07 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary looks at melee classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-dev-diary-looks-at-melee-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-dev-diary-looks-at-melee-class/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/14/massively-exclusive-windslayer-2-dev-diary-looks-at-melee-class/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WindSlayer 2 -- Monk
Last week, Ignited Games announced the upcoming 2-D side-scroller WindSlayer 2. This week, the title is back for more with a new developer diary that looks at the game's melee classes. Those who prefer to go wading into battle on the front lines will have three choices: the valiant Warrior, the dexterous Rogue, or the enlightened Monk.

For the full details on each of these classes, head on past the cut for the full dev diary. And once you're done, don't forget to head on over to the game's official site (linked below) to register for a shot at a spot in the closed beta test.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary looks at melee classes

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: WindSlayer 2 dev diary looks at melee classes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassinberserkerclassclassesclose-rangecounterdev-diaryfighterignitedignited-gamesmeleemonkpaladinroguetommy-luotrapperwarriorwindslayer-2Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pillar of the community: Vindictus adds a new character and events in 1.31]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/pillar-of-the-community-vindictus-adds-a-new-character-and-even/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/pillar-of-the-community-vindictus-adds-a-new-character-and-even/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/pillar-of-the-community-vindictus-adds-a-new-character-and-even/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The always over-the-top Vindictus has released its latest update on the game world, Karok: Pillar of Strength. Actually, more like "Pillar of Smash Your Face In," although that doesn't fit as well on business cards.

The 1.31 update comes with a host of additions to the game, chief among them the ability to play a completely new character. The titular Karok is a hulking 400-pound giant who swings a barbed pillar, knocking foes out of the park. While he boasts great strength and power, his slower speed and lack of AoE attacks make playing him a challenge.

The Karok update also includes new transformations for the Dark Knight and Paladin, a leaderboard ranking system, party member ranking, new avatars for characters, and the end of the game's token system.

To celebrate the update, Nexon is throwing three in-game events. The Blood Brothers Event (June 15th to July 13th) gives your lowbie characters an XP boost if you have a level 40 or higher toon. During the New Recruit Event (June 15th to the 28th), baby-faced characters that hit level 10 will receive a welcome package. And finally, the Power Personified Event (also June 15th to the 28th) will reward new level 20 characters with three dye ampoules.

You can watch the Karok: Pillar of Strength trailer after the jump!

Continue reading Pillar of the community: Vindictus adds a new character and events in 1.31

MassivelyPillar of the community: Vindictus adds a new character and events in 1.31 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.3.1-updateblood-brothers-eventclassdark-knighteventin-game-eventkarokkarok-pillar-of-strengthleaderboardnew-recruit-eventnexonpaladinpower-personified-eventtoken-systemtrailerupdatever-1.3.1videovindictusThu, 16 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/enter-at-your-own-rift-zero-sum-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ever since I started following RIFT, I've been entranced by the wide-open -- but not limitless -- class system. After all, the virtual world and everything populating it is only half the game; the other half resides in the avatar that sticks with you while you explore it all. Many MMOs have interesting ways of letting you build and grow your character, but sooner or later they come to a point where there's little more to be done other than incrementally increasing your stats by gaining better gear.

Not so with RIFT, as even a level 50 can drop a few coins to shape a completely new build from scratch. No longer are we bound to a rigidly defined creation; we are free to experiment, tinker, and try out these roles to our hearts' content.

With RIFT's soul system, there are a few ground rules that everyone learns early in the game. You can have up to three souls in your archetype active at any one time; you can only spend as many points in a build as you have in levels (such as 10 points at level 10); and you'll end up with 66 points at level 50, which means that you'll at least dabble in a second soul tree with every build. And while you can certainly spread soul points across all three trees, today I wanted to look at the benefits of a zero-point soul, the "third wheel," if you will, of builds.

Continue reading Enter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game

MassivelyEnter at Your Own Rift: Zero-sum game originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archonassassinbardbeastmasterbladedancerbuildbuildschampionchloromancerclassclass-buildsclassesclericdominatordruiddungeons-and-dragonselemental-summonerenter-at-your-own-riftfeaturedhealinghealsjusticarmagemagic-the-gatheringnecromancerpaladinpetpetspurifierrangerreaverriftriftbladeriftstalkerroguesaboteursentinelshamanshieldssoulsoul-buildsoul-talent-treesoul-treesoul-treessoulssplashsplash-soultalent-treestalentsvoid-knightwardenwarlockwarlordwarriorzero-point-soulWed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2011: Hands-on with Nexon's Dragon Nest and Vindictus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/pax-east-hands-on-with-nexons-dragon-nest-and-vindictus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/pax-east-hands-on-with-nexons-dragon-nest-and-vindictus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/pax-east-hands-on-with-nexons-dragon-nest-and-vindictus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Nexon spread its wings over much of PAX East's exhibit hall this year, with booths scattered about dedicated to it and its partners' various titles. At the center of the storm lay one of Nexon's hottest new properties, Dragon Nest, which was available for all manner of pokings and proddings.

I sat down to play through a couple of Dragon Nest's dungeons with Dee Lee and Moon Kim, who provided commentary on the various game features we were seeing. At its core, Dragon Nest is a fast-paced dungeon crawler, a mash-up between Dungeon Runners, Diablo and Final Fantasy. Instead of spending time roaming around the world, players will primarily be jumping into multi-stage instances over and over again.

Each dungeon, such as the Forest Sanctuary and the Valley of Mourning, can accommodate between one to four players (or up to eight for raids) as they try to battle their way to the end boss. It's colorful, heavy on clicking, and definitely arcade-like through and through.

Hit the jump to hear the rest of our Dragon Nest impressions as well as a sneak peek at Vindictus' big update coming later this month!

Continue reading PAX East 2011: Hands-on with Nexon's Dragon Nest and Vindictus

MassivelyPAX East 2011: Hands-on with Nexon's Dragon Nest and Vindictus originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>content-updatedark-paladindee-leediablodragon-nestdungeon-runnersepisode-sixexpert-craftingfinal-fantasyforest-sanctuarygalleryjaeho-hwangmoon-kimnexonpaladinpaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011paxeastpvprochestetrailertrailersupdatevalley-of-mourningvideovideosvindictusFri, 11 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Paladin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-paladin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-paladin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/storyboard-archetype-discussion-the-paladin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Archetypes, by their very definition, are idealizations. They aren't people; they're abstract concepts that people approach in varying degrees. Most of them aren't conscious aspirations, just a direction and a set of overall goals. Nobody really wants to be amoral in pursuit of a single goal, or an engine of war, or an endless question mark. You just kind of wind up in a place where you can be abstracted in that fashion.

Paladins are not like that.

Staggering numbers of different games have a class named "paladin," including nearly every class-based fantasy game in existence. But that's just a name, a collection of statistics and abilities and genre conventions. There's more to the archetype than that, something that taps into a very fundamental part of the human psyche. So as always, queue up some appropriate listening material, and let's take a look at an archetype that's almost always named as a class but has much more substance than a few holy-themed spells.

Continue reading Storyboard: Archetype discussion -- the Paladin

MassivelyStoryboard: Archetype discussion -- the Paladin originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetype-discussionarchetypescolumnfeaturedmoral-codemoralitymoralsopinionpaladinpaladinsroleplayingrpstoryboardFri, 24 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Final Fantasy XIV translations with developer commentary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/more-final-fantasy-xiv-translations-with-developer-commentary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/more-final-fantasy-xiv-translations-with-developer-commentary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/more-final-fantasy-xiv-translations-with-developer-commentary/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In some games, adventurers are just regular people, albeit very well-trained and highly-armed people who are a bit dangerous to have hanging around too long. In others, however, there's something special setting them apart, even beyond the fact that they spend all of their waking lives running through muck-infested ruins. Add Final Fantasy XIV to the latter list, as fansite FFXIVCore has translated the most recent issue of Dengeki Playstation, which includes some information straight to the magazine from the developers. They make note of the fact that adventurers have a specific power to change the world, albeit one distinct from the time-travel mechanics used in Final Fantasy XI.

The translation covers a lot of ground, and reveals such tidbits as the lack of any hybrid magic-and-melee classes in Final Fantasy XIV -- such abilities will come from a character's growth in multiple areas rather than a specific class such as the Red Mage or Paladin. More details on character creation are included, with the creators talking about both a more flexible creator than Final Fantasy XI and the possibility of changing elements of a character's starting armor. There are also some tidbits on the political state of the land and the three-way conflict between the adventurers of Eorzea, the Garleann Empire, and the beast tribes. Unfortunately, there's no answer to the question many of us want answered -- namely, when we can start the beta.

MassivelyMore Final Fantasy XIV translations with developer commentary originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationcharacter-customizationdengekidengeki-playstationffffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivhybridpaladinpreviewsred-magesquaresquare-enixtranslationsTue, 05 Jan 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased: Hax0red]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/anti-aliased-hax0red/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/anti-aliased-hax0red/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/anti-aliased-hax0red/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Today was a beautiful morning. It was a morning filled with sunshine, chirping birds, and a good night's rest. I was up writing late last night, so it was nice to sleep in a little before getting a start on the day. Yet, all cozy naps must come to an end, as I had to get up to man my computer, check my e-mail, and get a start on today's work.

As I booted up Mozilla Thunderbird and looked over the e-mails that were floating in my inbox (yesterday's MAG comments, Star Wars Galaxies comments, and some new screenshots for D&D Online) I saw one that kinda stuck out. It was from Blizzard Entertainment Support, and it was a password change notification from Battle.net. At first I chuckled, thinking it was some type of spammer who was trying to get me to give up my password, but on looking through the letter, I noticed it was authentic Blizzard material.

That's when my phone rang. It was one of my guildmate's numbers flashing on the screen. Those birds stopped chirping after that booming string of profanities escaped my mouth.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased: Hax0red

MassivelyAnti-Aliased: Hax0red originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-hackingaccount-securityaccount-theftauthenticatorbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfeaturedgold-farmingopinionpaladinsephareworld-of-warcraftWed, 16 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More adjustments to Final Fantasy XI jobs with the next version update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/more-adjustments-to-final-fantasy-xi-jobs-with-the-next-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/more-adjustments-to-final-fantasy-xi-jobs-with-the-next-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/more-adjustments-to-final-fantasy-xi-jobs-with-the-next-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


More information pours in regarding the upcoming Final Fantasy XI July version update, and the news is all very positive. No nerfs are hiding on the horizon for the game -- instead it's just clear sailing with improvements to combat skill progression, circle protection spells, and blue magic.

All players will be happy to see Square-Enix has noted that combat and magic skills are suffering while players level quicker via the Fields of Valor quests and level sync. Because players are spending less time in each level, their skills in combat and magic are simply not advancing fast enough. To combat this, the rate of advancement for skill in weapons and magic has been boosted for the low and mid levels of the game.

Continue reading More adjustments to Final Fantasy XI jobs with the next version update

MassivelyMore adjustments to Final Fantasy XI jobs with the next version update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue-mageblue-magiccombat-skilldark-knightffxifields-of-valorfinal-fantasy-xijuly-version-updatelevel-syncmagic-skillpaladinpatchplayonlineprotectionsquare-enixThu, 09 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Vacationing in Vana'diel part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/the-digital-continuum-vacationing-in-vanadiel-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/the-digital-continuum-vacationing-in-vanadiel-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/22/the-digital-continuum-vacationing-in-vanadiel-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Vacationing in Vana'diel part 2

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Vacationing in Vana'diel part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elvaanffxiffxivfinal-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfinal-fantsylinkshellopinionpaladinqufimsamuraisirensquare-enixthe-digital-continuumvalkurm-duneswarriorxbox-360Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Significant aggro changes on the way for EQII]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/significant-hate-changes-coming-to-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/significant-hate-changes-coming-to-eqii/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/21/significant-hate-changes-coming-to-eqii/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's a fairly hefty set of changes to EverQuest II's hate/aggro system currently being ironed out on Test, and they aren't to everyone's liking. Due to the the complexity of the changes, developer Chris "Aeralik" Kozak has offered up a summary for players to wrap their heads around. We'll attempt to boil it down even more for you, at the cost of including some of the finer details.

The problem with the aggro system begins with the fact that hate has scaled linearly as the game has progressed, and damage has scaled exponentially with gear and new skills, making it hard for designated aggro-holders to keep control of mobs. One of the changes on Test has given taunts the chance to hit critically, just like damage spells, and there will be a base and normalized amount of threat from taunt abilities.

Continue reading Significant aggro changes on the way for EQII

MassivelySignificant aggro changes on the way for EQII originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeralikaggroberserkerbruiserchris-kozakeq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifightersguardianhatemonkpaladinshadowknightsoesony-online-entertainmenttankingtankstesttest-serverthe-shadow-odysseythreatWed, 21 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: Religion as a game mechanic pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/behind-the-curtain-religion-as-a-game-mechanic-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/behind-the-curtain-religion-as-a-game-mechanic-pt-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/behind-the-curtain-religion-as-a-game-mechanic-pt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

If developers chose to extend similar mechanics to affect players, you might find yourself being penalised for being in possession of 'forbidden' materials, whatever they may be. Mechanics might be in place to reflect how devout your character was, meaning you were actively prevented from taking certain actions at a certain time, reflecting any holidays or religious observations your character made. Imagine a Paladin who was actually prevented from ganking lowbies because it was contrary to his faith? Shocker.

More blue-sky thinking, I know. Putting aside for now the idea of fake religions, what about allowing real-life religions into games?

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: Religion as a game mechanic pt. 2

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: Religion as a game mechanic pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-curtaindivine-humanismdivine-magiceq-2everquest-2faithforgotten-shadowforsakengodgodsholy-lightpaladinpriestreligionreligion-in-mmosthe-lighttheocracyworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 18 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Behind the Curtain: Religion as a game mechanic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/behind-the-curtain-religion-as-a-game-mechanic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/behind-the-curtain-religion-as-a-game-mechanic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/18/behind-the-curtain-religion-as-a-game-mechanic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Should we have more religion in MMOs?

I'm not talking about the Priests and Paladins we see in World of Warcraft, Everquest 2 and probably lots of other games I haven't played. Religion for character classes like these is more often than not a game mechanic, something which is used to explain the source of their powers.

Divine Magic is a term which is frequently used to explain a player or character's ability to cast spells. It's a catch-all term, attributing magical and mystical abilities to ill-defined deities and otherwordly beings watching over the game-world. Usually benevolent, these beings empower their followers, enabling them to carry out miraculous feats.

Probably deliberately, religion has remained generally fuzzy and ill-defined in MMOs. That shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Religious debate in the real world is a sure-fire way to incite some flames, and it's no wonder that games developers have been keen to shy away from it thus far.

Continue reading Behind the Curtain: Religion as a game mechanic

MassivelyBehind the Curtain: Religion as a game mechanic originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-curtaindivine-humanismdivine-magiceq-2everquest-2faithfeaturedforgotten-shadowforsakengodgodsholy-lightpaladinpriestreligionreligion-in-mmosthe-lighttheocracyworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 18 Oct 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How fast can you go from 0 to 60?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/how-fast-can-you-go-from-0-to-60/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/how-fast-can-you-go-from-0-to-60/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/01/how-fast-can-you-go-from-0-to-60/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


How fast can you go from zero to 60? The question sounds like it's right out of a Ferrari brochure, but we assure you, we're talking about World of Warcraft. The most recent promotion Blizzard's come out with, Recruit-a-Friend, allows for a steep increase in experience gains. We said there would be 'hyper-fast leveling' but this is absolutely insane -- our sister site WoW Insider has a video of one of their readers (Brian) leveling a paladin from character creation to level 60 in just 20 minutes.

Brian needed the grantable levels from a recruited account of course, so the real 'work' was done beforehand, but this is still quite a sight. Check out the video below the cut for some ding madness.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

Continue reading How fast can you go from 0 to 60?

MassivelyHow fast can you go from 0 to 60? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzarddingfantasygame-mechanicslevelingmmo-industryopinionpaladinpromotionrecruit-a-friendtips-and-tricksvideoworld-of-warcraftwowwow-insiderMon, 01 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mabinogi progresses with Generation 2: Paladin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/mabinogi-progresses-with-generation-2-paladin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/mabinogi-progresses-with-generation-2-paladin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/21/mabinogi-progresses-with-generation-2-paladin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been a while since we last spoke of Mabinogi, but that doesn't mean that Nexon has stopped developing it. In fact, the game's grown a bit, and offers players a new Generation (the Mabinogi equivalent of Chapters) in Paladin. The new content features a new town, Emain Macha (continuing the Celtic theme), new dungeons, new equipment and spells, and the eponymous Paladin abilities.

If you have no knowledge of what Mabinogi's all about, you can check out our First Impressions piece for ideas on what to expect. Herald in the next generation with Paladin!

[Thanks, Robert!]

MassivelyMabinogi progresses with Generation 2: Paladin originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celticdungeonsemain-machageneration-2mabinoginexonpaladinWed, 21 May 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Swashbuckler Epic concept art revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/exclusive-swashbuckler-epic-concept-art-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/exclusive-swashbuckler-epic-concept-art-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/30/exclusive-swashbuckler-epic-concept-art-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Earlier in the week we spotlighted leaked photos of two of the twenty-four Epic weapons being introduced in EverQuest II's Game Update 42 this Tuesday. Today we got our greedy little hands on the concept art behind another one, the Swashbuckler epic, a sword (rapier?) dubbed "Charm's Way." You can click on the image to see a larger version.

These class epic weapons will only be acquired at the end of a long quest whose steps are not revealed. Players will have to piece together the clues spread across Norrath to even find the quest starter. No pre-released guides for these bad boys. Why? A short history lesson going back into MMO history explains all.

Continue reading Exclusive Swashbuckler Epic concept art revealed

MassivelyExclusive Swashbuckler Epic concept art revealed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aradunebard-mcquaidbreakingcharms-wayeqeq2everquestfeaturedfiery-defendergame-update-42gu42omens-of-warpaladinrise-of-kunarkruins-of-kunarksoeswashbuckler-epicWed, 30 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wrath of the 1337 King: seriously, wtf?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/wrath-of-the-1337-king-seriously-wtf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/wrath-of-the-1337-king-seriously-wtf/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/06/wrath-of-the-1337-king-seriously-wtf/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This Wired article put me onto a 'mockumentary' site advertising something called 'Wrath of the 1337 King', 'a movie about ATHENE best Paladin in the world' [sic]. Watching the trailer [NSFW language] the first time yields a mix of bemusement and humor. Watching it a second time makes me wonder if it's a complete bit of flummery from the top down: Is ATHENE for real, and he's just unaware that this documentary is being made to ridicule him, or is ATHENE an actor?

Honestly, I could make the case either way. It's well-known that World of Warcraft has the ability to make fools of otherwise rational beings, and the YouTube phenomenon has caused many such fools to seek the light regardless of, or perhaps because of the potential scorn this may bring upon them. And thanks to Borat, odd, vaguely Slavic accents are in!

Is it still fun to watch clueless people be exposed to outrageous behavior? Does the fact that ATHENE is a Paladin add to the joke? Did it need to be a movie, or is the trailer enough? My favorite line from the trailer: 'Flash Heal: Kaboom kaboom kaboom kaboom!' More bits from ATHENE here and here.

MassivelyWrath of the 1337 King: seriously, wtf? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atheneboratmockumentarypaladinwiredworld-of-warcraftwrath-of-the-1337-kingyoutubeSun, 06 Jan 2008 10:00:00 EST