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[Ultima Online rolling out a new installment of the Awakening]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ultima-online-rolling-out-a-new-installment-of-the-awakening/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In some cases, sleep is better than awakening. Like waking up to a fight against a giant squid monster.
Ultima Online is preparing a continuation of the game's latest global arc with tomorrow's patch. Act VI of The Awakening asks players to assist in crafting a number of alchemical preparations, with a number of rewards available for players who actively try to crack the puzzle of the correct ingredients. More information will be available from the official site as well as an in-game NPC. If you need more time to prepare, don't worry -- the quest is going active in July and lasting until mid-August.

If you're not willing to wait, the new patch also sees a revamp of the Covetous Dungeon. The first floor remains largely unchanged, but levels two and three both feature a new system for the game in which players accumulate points for defeating monsters that can later be turned in for new rewards. Last but not least, vanilla plants have been added to the game's gardening system, giving players another new thing to explore when not fighting monsters or preparing for the next part of The Awakening.

MassivelyUltima Online rolling out a new installment of the Awakening originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classic-mmodungeon-revampsdungeonseaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsglobal-arclord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentnew-contentnew-patchnewspatchpatch-notespatchesrevampsthe-awakeningultimaultima onlineuouo-awakeningupdatesMon, 21 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online releases Update 7: Shades of the Past]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-update-7-shades-of-the-past/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-update-7-shades-of-the-past/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-update-7-shades-of-the-past/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
Lord of the Rings Online's Update 7 is upon us, and it's established itself as taking a step forward... and a step back into the past. Featuring a new skirmish, a revamp of both Moria and the old Fornost instance, and an interesting addition to the legendary item system, Update 7 has a smattering of both endgame and mid-game content for most players to enjoy.

As always, it's worth combing through the notes for the smaller changes. Some of these include new and updated maps, friendlier Elves in Lothlorien who won't shoot you on sight, and Audacity lowering power costs in PvMP.

The official patch notes are up and the game will have the servers patched up by mid-morning. In the meantime, make sure to read up on what we think of the update's big selling points in our recent Road to Mordor column.

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online releases Update 7: Shades of the Past originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyfornostfree-to-playlegendary-itemslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriamoriapatchpatch-notesshades-of-the-pastskirmishturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-7update-notesMon, 14 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/vanguard-update-brings-new-loyalty-rewards-for-subscribers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vanguard
As Vanguard straddles the line between its old subscriber-only business model and this summer's free-to-play transition, the team is still plugging away at minor updates to the game. Today's patch brings a smattering of updates and fixes as well as the May loyalty rewards for current subscribers.

Active players will get to haul away five goodies from SOE, including a brown sloop ship, unique tack and barding, and a "Kamelott Overland Onslaught Life-Sustaining Exo-Skeleton" mount. Players can also pick up free supply crates and veteran's caches (the latter are available only for level 50+ characters) every 44 hours.

The update also fixed a few small issues with quests, retweaked some skills for Rogues and Bards, and changed a couple of items to make them work properly.

SOE will continue to dish out loyalty rewards until Vanguard goes F2P.

MassivelyVanguard update brings new loyalty rewards for subscribers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bardbardsf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-updatekooleloyalty-rewardspatchpatch-notesrogueroguessandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonupdateupdate-notesvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgWed, 09 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation's end-of-April update includes genetic engineering, bug fixes, and lore updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-repopulations-end-of-april-update-includes-genetic-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-repopulations-end-of-april-update-includes-genetic-engineer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/08/the-repopulations-end-of-april-update-includes-genetic-engineer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- The Repopulation
Last month, we got our first look at the gameplay of Above and Beyond Technologies' upcoming sandbox title, The Repopulation. Today, the studio released its end-of-April 2012 update notes for the game, giving players a look at the ongoing tweaks and changes being made as Above and Beyond slowly ramps up to the beta stage.

For the most part, the notes are your standard patch note fare: bug fixes, quality-of-life improvements, some UI tweaks, and so forth. But there are a couple of gems that stand out among the rest. For instance, players with the Genetic Engineering skill can do some gene-splicing to create their own unique pets. Currently there are 40 different hybrid and pure-species pets that can be genetically engineered, so the mad scientists in the crowd should have many options when it comes to playing God. The site's lore and bestiary sections have also been updated for the lore junkies out there. The full, rather expansive April update notes can be found on The Repopulation's official site, so if you're interested in all of the minutiae, just head on over there and check it out.

[Thanks to Halldorr for the tip!]

MassivelyThe Repopulation's end-of-April update includes genetic engineering, bug fixes, and lore updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesaprilapril-2012bestiarygenetic-engineeringlorenotespatch-notesrepopulationsandboxsci-fithe-repopulationupdateupdate-notesupdatesTue, 08 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR increases Sniper damage, fixes bugs, and cures the Rakghoul plague]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/swtor-increases-sniper-damage-fixes-bugs-and-cures-the-rakghou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/swtor-increases-sniper-damage-fixes-bugs-and-cures-the-rakghou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/swtor-increases-sniper-damage-fixes-bugs-and-cures-the-rakghou/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR: Imperial Agent Sniper
Snipers and Gunslingers should be happy about the changes to Star Wars: The Old Republic this morning. Five of their most prominent abilities have received a 5% increase in damage output. With the latest patch 1.2.1, abilities like Snipe, Charged Burst, Aim Shot, and Ambush now have a measurable difference in damage output.

Although Snipers and Gunslingers were the only classes to receive a bonus to damage, many other minor and why-is-this-an-issue bugs have been fixed with the introduction of this patch. For instance, each player can add other players to his friends list even if those other players are offline. And that persistent and annoying jet-engine sound heard on Carrick and Vaiken station has been fixed.

On a sad note, the Rakghoul plague has come to and end (or is that good news?). Either way, the announcements on the stations have stopped, and the crash site has been fully cleaned up, including the jawa vendor. But chin up, event-fans: Lead Designer Daniel Erickson mentioned on Mos Eisley Radio that although BioWare does not have plans to revive this specific event, there is a whole team specifically dedicated to creating future live events.

MassivelySWTOR increases Sniper damage, fixes bugs, and cures the Rakghoul plague originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWaredaniel-ericksonEAElectronic-ArtsGunslingerImperial-AgentLucasArtspatch-notesrakghoulrakghoul-plagueSmugglerSniperStar-WarsStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicSWTORthe-old-republicTORTue, 24 Apr 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online releases Game Update 12 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/dc-universe-online-releases-game-update-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/dc-universe-online-releases-game-update-12/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/dc-universe-online-releases-game-update-12/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DCUO
It's super-patch day for the folks over at DC Universe Online, as SOE is bringing Game Update 12 to the live servers. The patch's biggest addition to the game is an overhaul of the bank UI. Now the bank will be easier to use, be clearer to understand, and have a separate area for shared inventory.

Game Update 12 is definitely about convenience. SOE's adding the option to purchase additional character slots for those players whose altoholic nature has pushed the limits of the character select screen as far as it'll go. The update is also adding teleporters to give players an additional 15 seconds of leeway when trying to get into a Boss Alert after the door closes.

As expected with any big update, this patch has plenty of bug and balance fixes as well. SOE is anticipating a four-hour downtime to deploy GU12 to the servers.

[Update: SOE has revealed that it is postponing GU12 "due to a serious technical issue." The post states that the team hopes to release the patch tomorrow.']

MassivelyDC Universe Online releases Game Update 12 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalert-teleporterbank-uicharacter-slotconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playgame-update-12gu12patchpatch-notesplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesuiupdateupdate-notesWed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO launches its Fifth Anniversary Festival]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/lotro-launches-its-fifth-anniversary-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/lotro-launches-its-fifth-anniversary-festival/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/lotro-launches-its-fifth-anniversary-festival/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LotRO
Lord of the Rings Online's fifth anniversary is upon us, and Turbine is determined to make it a party to remember! Today the studio has released LotRO's Update 6.1, the centerpiece of which is the completely revamped and upgraded Anniversary Festival.

While the anniversary was perceived as a haphazard affair in previous years, Turbine's devs have fleshed it out to rival the other four annual festivals. The focus of the Anniversary Festival is on fireworks and lots of them. There are several new quests to discover, a new fireworks-themed mount to obtain, and beer battles to win.

Because reaching five years is a big deal for any MMO, Turbine's also showering players with free gifts if they log in during this period. The gifts range from fireworks to cloaks to a special mount that is reserved for five-year veterans of the game.

During the anniversary, monsters will drop special tokens that can be redeemed for a wide variety of prizes. There's also a double-XP weekend coming up, which will run from April 24th through the 30th.

MassivelyLotRO launches its Fifth Anniversary Festival originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5th-anniversary5th-anniversary-festival6.16.1-updateanniversaryanniversary-festivalf2pfantasyfestivalfifth-anniversaryfifth-anniversary-festivalfireworksfree-to-playgiftslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromountpatchpatch-6.1patch-notesprizesturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-6.1update-notesMon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Great River update flows today, patch notes released [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/lotros-great-river-update-flows-today-patch-notes-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/lotros-great-river-update-flows-today-patch-notes-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/12/lotros-great-river-update-flows-today-patch-notes-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

LotRO
Strike the tents and put out the campfires, Middle-earth adventurers; it's time to move on... north? That's right, Lord of the Rings Online is taking players on a journey back to an old familiar location -- Lothlorien forest -- as it releases Update 6: Shores of the Great River today. It's an absolutely massive content update for the game meant to span the gap between the Rise of Isengard and Riders of Rohan expansions.

While players patch up and wait for the servers to come back online, there are patch notes and then some to be read. If you lack the hour or so it might take to really get into the notes, just know that the update's highlights include a brand-new high-level zone (The Great River), the next book of the epic story, the addition of Landscape Soldiers and a fleshed-out barter wallet, several major class updates (such as the Warden and Rune-keeper), an improved Instance Finder tool, and plenty of PvP improvements.

Massively recently sat down with the developers to tour through the new content in Update 6.

[Update: Added the trailer for the update after the jump!]

Gallery: LotRO - Update 6: Shores of the Great River

Continue reading LotRO's Great River update flows today, patch notes released [Updated]

MassivelyLotRO's Great River update flows today, patch notes released [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barter-walletf2pfantasyfree-to-playgallerylandscape-soldierslord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchpatch-notesriders-of-rohanrise-of-isengardrune-keeperscreenshotsthe-great-riverturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-6update-noteswardenMon, 12 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Repopulation populates pre-alpha]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-repopulation-populates-pre-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-repopulation-populates-pre-alpha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/the-repopulation-populates-pre-alpha/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- The Repopulation
Beyond Technologies, the studio behind upcoming sci-fi sandbox title The Repopulation, has been spending the last couple of months preparing new features for the game to show off at GDC 2012. Well, the wait is over as a new changelog post on the game's official site gives players a look at all the hard work that's been put into the game over the last two months.

Oh, we're sorry, did we say changelog? We meant novel. The team has clearly been slaving away nonstop if the sheer number of changes and additions is any indication. If you're waiting to see these new features in action, though, don't worry. The studio says that some new video footage has been prepared that will be publicly released after GDC 2012. And to top it off, the post announces that the studio "will be opening Alpha testing in June." More information on that will be coming next week, so hang tight and read up, and be sure to stay tuned for our own MJ Guthrie's look at the game straight from GDC 2012.

MassivelyThe Repopulation populates pre-alpha originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabeyond-technologieschangelogchangelogsgdc-2012patchpatch-notespatchesrepopulationsandboxsandboxessci-fiscience-fictionthe-repopulationFri, 09 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO paddles down The Great River in a canoe fashioned from patch notes and dev diaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/lotro-paddles-down-the-great-river-in-a-canoe-fashioned-from-pat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/lotro-paddles-down-the-great-river-in-a-canoe-fashioned-from-pat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/lotro-paddles-down-the-great-river-in-a-canoe-fashioned-from-pat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LotRO
"The Great River not only offers something fresh-feeling and new, but also some fairly epic eye candy," the latest Lord of the Rings Online developer diary begins. The diary is referring to the latest zone being created for the game, which is slated to come with Update 6. We've already gotten a glimpse of the region, but now it's time for the team to go in-depth with its concept and creation.

One of the highlights of the new region is that The Great River will be home to the very first Rohirrim settlement: Stangard. Because of this, Standgard will feature unique visuals and architecture not found elsewhere in the game. In addition to providing new vistas to explore, The Great River will help players gear up further through quest rewards, a new reputation faction, and an elite area. For those interested in getting an idea of how Turbine puts together a zone like this, there's a terrific addendum that walks through the process.

Preliminary patch notes are also up for Update 6, which is now on the test server. There's a lot to digest here, although it's interesting to note that Virtues will be increased to 14 (from 12) due to player demand.

It's good to know that plenty of bugs will be fixed come this patch, including this one: "The sky objects will no longer vanish when you travel to certain instances and then return. Told ya; The sky is not falling. It was just...missing."

MassivelyLotRO paddles down The Great River in a canoe fashioned from patch notes and dev diaries originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anduindev-diarydeveloper-diaryf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchpatch-notesreputationRohirrimstangardtest-serverthe-great-riverturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-6virtuesThu, 01 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's new graphics engine wows Funcom]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/anarchy-onlines-new-graphics-engine-wows-funcom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online
Anarchy Online looks to be in good hands, as Game Director Fia Tjernberg returns for her second comprehensive development update. The update, which discusses the projects that the team's been working on, covers the past month in detail while hinting at future goodies.

Tjernberg stresses that the entire team works just on Anarchy Online and nothing else and has put a wrap on the first video showing off the new graphics engine. According to her, Funcom's marketers got so excited after seeing it that the studio decided to flex some additional muscle to promote it in the near future. "The artists are more confident working with the settings and materials," she writes, "and they learned what they can do to really make a difference in quality."

Other areas that the letter covered include an AO-specific world-building tool that the team's constructed, work on the new beginner experience that will tie in with the upcoming engine, the re-evaluation of professions to emphasize roles, and the details behind the upcoming server transfers. All players will be moved onto a new server that will, according to her, "keep [Anarchy Online] running smoothly for another ten years."

Tjernberg also teases the next game update by saying that preliminary patch notes could arrive by the end of March.

MassivelyAnarchy Online's new graphics engine wows Funcom originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoFia-Tjernbergfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-updatemontly-development-updatenew-graphics-enginepatchpatch-notesproducers-letterserver-mergeupdateWed, 29 Feb 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Allods Online releases Game of Gods patch notes [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/allods-online-releases-game-of-gods-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/allods-online-releases-game-of-gods-patch-notes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/allods-online-releases-game-of-gods-patch-notes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This game is known to gods as 'fishing.'
If you're looking forward to the latest Allods Online expansion, Game of Gods, you've only got one more day to wait. But if you can't even wait that long without some kind of updates, then you're in luck. The patch notes for version 3.0 have been posted, giving players a full rundown of all the changes and additions coming to the game in light of this sweeping expansion. And it's not just the marquee features being brought in -- there are plenty of smaller changes, quality of life improvements, and other little gems.

The marquee items, of course, are all still there. The game's level cap will be raised to 51, and the new Bard class will be added to the game for players to enjoy. New areas and new ship mechanics are also being added to keep players engaged. But there are other new features, such as the addition of "overflow" slots to player bags, stat rearrangement for caster classes, and new performance options for older computers. It promises to be a huge patch, so before you go playing tomorrow, peruse the patch notes today.

[Update: Added the new expansion trailer after the cut.]

Continue reading Allods Online releases Game of Gods patch notes [Updated]

MassivelyAllods Online releases Game of Gods patch notes [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allodsallods-onlineallods-online-game-of-godsallods-version-3.0astrum-nivalexpansionf2pfree-to-playgala-netgame-of-godsgpotatopatchpatch-notespatchesTue, 14 Feb 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's update 5.2 showers players with lock boxes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lotros-update-5-2-showers-players-with-lock-boxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lotros-update-5-2-showers-players-with-lock-boxes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/13/lotros-update-5-2-showers-players-with-lock-boxes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

LotRO
Lord of the Rings Online is grasping the concept of mystery lock boxes with both hands and isn't letting go. In fact, the game's new 5.2 patch will see these lock boxes dropping with increased frequency across all of Middle-earth. The boxes, which require a special key to unlock for its tantalizing prize, have had their loot tables improved and can even drop additional keys for future boxes.

Update 5.2 isn't just about these lock boxes, of course. Improvements to monster play and two endgames raids are on the docket, as well as a much-needed in-game map to the Pit of Irons. For those who have gotten turned around in the aforementioned pit (such as a Massively staffer or two), this comes as a welcome piece of news. Crafters will rejoice to see that the cooldown on guild crafting recipes has been lowered by six hours and that several recipes, such as the Tome of Wisdom, are now granted automatically.

Word is that the Buried Treasure in-game event has gone live with the update as well.

MassivelyLotRO's update 5.2 showers players with lock boxes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.2-updateburied-treasurecraftingf2pfree-to-playlock-boxeslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonster-playmystery-boxespatchpatch-5.2patch-notespit-of-ironsraidraidsturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-5.2Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot storms the castle with Patch 1.111]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/dark-age-of-camelot-storms-the-castle-with-patch-1-111/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/dark-age-of-camelot-storms-the-castle-with-patch-1-111/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/dark-age-of-camelot-storms-the-castle-with-patch-1-111/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

DAoC
People of Midgard, Albion, and Hibernia -- fight for glory! The call to battle is strong and never-ending, and Mythic is looking to your continued diligence and thirst for blood to keep Dark Age of Camelot's PvP raging. For its part, Mythic has delivered the latest tantalizing update to the game today, Patch 1.111.

To keep the battlefield skirmishes hot, the studio has added new RvR missions to the Frontiers. This should hopefully cause a greater amount of conflict as players strive to accomplish their tasks.

Patch 1.111 also includes a host of class tweaks (including a huge buff to Thanes), additional controllable pets for Animists, and new Atlantis quests. These quests start at level 30 and will help players garner more Atlantean Glass for their artifacts, which should help ease the pain of grinding out Master Levels.

The patch is currently live on all servers.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot storms the castle with Patch 1.111 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.111animistsartifactsatlantean-questsatlantisdaocdark-age-of-camelotea-mythicfrontiersmaster-levelsmythicpatch-1.111patch-notespvprvrrvr-queststhaneswalking-mushroomsWed, 25 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From hero to 0.0: EVE Online deploys Crucible 1.1 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/from-hero-to-0-0-eve-online-deploys-crucible-1-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/from-hero-to-0-0-eve-online-deploys-crucible-1-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/from-hero-to-0-0-eve-online-deploys-crucible-1-1-update/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online
It may not be a full-blown expansion, but don't let the decimal point throw you off: EVE Online Crucible's 1.1 patch is a beast of an update, and it's roaring onto the live server today.

Crucible 1.1 "enhances and updates" many of the key features of the game, starting with a customizable NeoCom (user interface) that can be tweaked to the player's desire. The update also contains adjustments to Tech 2 modules, balances to blaster ammo, and the ability for alliances to enter into factional warfare.

As a result of a significant change to how player-owned structures use legacy fuel -- as in, they won't any longer, but they will be switching over to fuel blocks -- CCP is urging customers to pay attention lest they log in and find themselves in the dark.

You can get the full skinny on the update by either reading the full patch notes, reading through the list of major features, or listening to the grizzled voice of CCP Soundwave going over the 1.1 highlights after the jump.

Continue reading From hero to 0.0: EVE Online deploys Crucible 1.1 update

MassivelyFrom hero to 0.0: EVE Online deploys Crucible 1.1 update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.11.1-updateccpccp-gamesccp-soundwavecruciblecrucible-1.1dev-blogeveeve-onlineneocompatch-1.1patch-notesvideoTue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO Update 5.1 shoots Saruman in the knee]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/lotro-update-5-1-shoots-saruman-in-the-knee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/lotro-update-5-1-shoots-saruman-in-the-knee/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/lotro-update-5-1-shoots-saruman-in-the-knee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LotRO
Lord of the Rings Online is bringing its servers down today to apply Update 5.1 across the board. While it's certainly not a content patch like its predecessor, it does have a sizable number of fixes and tweaks that should improve quality of (game) life for all.

Some of the changes include eliminating dyes from lootboxes, a nerf to Minstrel codas, many tweaks to the Tower of Orthanc raid, the option to timestamp chat messages, and small improvements to the treasure hunt. The devs have also posted an updated list of known issues for the game.

As always, it's worth going through the patch notes to try to find the funny asides. In this update? "Addressed a number of typos. Probably added some new ones."

MassivelyLotRO Update 5.1 shoots Saruman in the knee originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1f2pfree-to-playknown-issueslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominstrelnerfno-more-skyrim-jokespatch-5.1patch-notessarumantower-of-orthancturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-5update-5.1Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth's 2.27 patch introduces factional warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/fallen-earths-2-27-patch-introduces-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/fallen-earths-2-27-patch-introduces-factional-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/13/fallen-earths-2-27-patch-introduces-factional-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth - New Embry building
GamersFirst has patched its post-apocalyptic sci-fi MMORPG Fallen Earth to version 2.27. There a slew of additions and tweaks, but the biggest is undoubtedly the addition of new faction territory control mechanics. According to the patch notes, alliances are for losers, as Fallen Earth's version of factional warfare is a no-holds barred six-way showdown.

The factional control area is north of Blaine, and it consists of 13 flag-control points. Seven of these points feature keeps that players may capture and maintain, as well as partake of various perks contained within (like the new Death Toll gear). That's not all, but you'll need to head to the official Fallen Earth website to learn more.

MassivelyFallen Earth's 2.27 patch introduces factional warfare originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.27-patchcontrol-pointsdeath-toll-gearfactional-gearfactional-warfarefallen-earthgamersfirstkeepspatch-notespost-apocalypticsci-fiTue, 13 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LotRO's Update 5: Armies of Isengard storms servers today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lotros-update-5-armies-of-isengard-storms-servers-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lotros-update-5-armies-of-isengard-storms-servers-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/12/lotros-update-5-armies-of-isengard-storms-servers-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

LotRO
It's Big Honkin' Patch Day for Lord of the Rings Online as a platoon of content is double-timing it to a server near you. Update 5: Armies of Isengard is the game's first post-Rise of Isengard release, and it's been highly anticipated as it will finally add the long-awaited instance cluster to the endgame. This cluster contains five new dungeons: three three-person, one six-person, and one twelve-person.

In addition to the cluster, Update 5 is including the next book in the epic storyline, The Prince of Rohan. Through it, players will gain a nifty set of Ranger cosmetic armor and participate in an epic battle at the gates of Orthanc. The update also will add an instance finder, unified currency, a LUA plugin manager, a reputation update, and far, far more.

Oh, and there's finally coffee in the game. Mmm... coffee.

Turbine has posted the official patch notes for Armies of Isengard on the site, so you can read up on all of the changes while you're patching the game!

MassivelyLotRO's Update 5: Armies of Isengard storms servers today originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armies-of-isengardcoffeecosmetic-armorcosmetic-outfitf2pfree-to-playinstance-clusterinstance-finderlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroorthancpatchpatch-notesprince-of-rohanrangerreputationreputation-systemrise-of-isengardthe-prince-of-rohanturbineturbine-entertainmentunified-currencyupdateupdate-5update-notesMon, 12 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArcheAge CBT4 videos show questing, hang-gliding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/archeage-cbt4-videos-show-questing-hang-gliding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/archeage-cbt4-videos-show-questing-hang-gliding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/archeage-cbt4-videos-show-questing-hang-gliding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

ArcheAge - hang-glider backpack
ArcheAge's fourth closed beta test is officially here, and you can get a glimpse of it via three new videos recently uploaded at Steparu.

What's new since CBT3? Quite a lot according to the patch notes (translated by fans at ArcheAge Source). Combat and UI changes abound, players can now interact with street lights, lamps, and candles in the open world, and of course the Hariharan race is now playable. Fifteen new zones and various new monster species are also included, and you can check out some questing footage (as well as one of those spiffy hang-glider backpacks) in the three video clips after the cut.

Continue reading ArcheAge CBT4 videos show questing, hang-gliding

MassivelyArcheAge CBT4 videos show questing, hang-gliding originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arche-agearcheagebetacbt4closed-betafantasyhang-glidinghari-haranhariharankorean-betapatch-notesquestingsandboxsandparkvideoxlxl-gamesxlgamesFri, 09 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online hits warp factor Season 5 today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/star-trek-online-hits-warp-factor-season-5-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/star-trek-online-hits-warp-factor-season-5-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/star-trek-online-hits-warp-factor-season-5-today/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Trek Online
Hey Trekkers -- got your phasers charged to full? Have you stocked up on Romulan ale and plenty of Klingon qagh? Done all your homework by watching every Star Trek season ever made, including those weird 1970s animated episodes? Then you might, might just be ready for Star Trek Online's Season 5, which is going live today.

Season 5 contains a cargo hold full of features and changes, starting with organizing what subscribers (now "Gold members") get as part of their service. The update also includes a duty officer system, an improved space skills system, a revamped tutorial, a currency consolidation, and several other events and activities.

In honor of the launch, the team has put subscriptions on sale and is even offering $100 off the price of a lifetime sub.

You can read up on all of Season 5's details in the release notes as Cryptic's space baby takes one more step toward its free-to-play conversion.

MassivelyStar Trek Online hits warp factor Season 5 today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>borg-invasioncrypticcurrencyduty-officer-systemf2pfree-to-playgold-membersklingonpatchpatch-notesqaghrelease-notesromulan-aleseason-5space-skillsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestostop-laughing-at-the-word-dutyupdateThu, 01 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom releases Age of Conan 3.1 update, Dreamworld tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/funcom-releases-age-of-conan-3-1-update-dreamworld-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/funcom-releases-age-of-conan-3-1-update-dreamworld-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/funcom-releases-age-of-conan-3-1-update-dreamworld-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - Night on the Turan coast
In case you missed it (and we did, since it was 3:00 a.m. and we do occasionally sleep), Funcom posted the latest Age of Conan patch notes on the boards earlier today.

Yep, the 3.1 update is here, and while the bulk of the new code is devoted to Dreamworld engine tweaks, there are also quite a few class-related changes to peruse. Players have also been reporting various issues due to running custom user interfaces, and various fixes and workarounds have also begun showing up in the official 3.1 feedback thread. As always, more info is available at the official AoC website.

MassivelyFuncom releases Age of Conan 3.1 update, Dreamworld tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.13.1-patch3.1-updateage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-3.1aoc-unchainedcustom-uidreamworlddreamworld-enginedreamworld-upgradef2pfantasyfree-to-playfuncompatch-notesuiTue, 29 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online: Crucible forges a new game today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/eve-online-crucible-forges-a-new-game-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/eve-online-crucible-forges-a-new-game-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/eve-online-crucible-forges-a-new-game-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online
Crucible is an apt name for EVE Online's 15th expansion, considering that the game, its developers, and its players have gone through a severe testing this year in many respects. CCP is hoping that Crucible will be better received than its previous expansion, Incarna, and is hyping it as "EVE reforged."

Today Crucible is coming to the game as a free expansion following a period of extended downtime. It's very much a "kitchen sink" update, with major improvements and reworkings of game systems. These include items as big as improved space visuals and dilating time to allow for large fleet battles to touches as small as contrails, an improved font, and new Captains Quarters. New ships in the expansion are a given, but ground-bound pilots might be attracted to opening up their very own customs offices to tax planetary businesses.

There are so many additions and changes, in fact, that it's almost futile to try to crush them into a couple paragraphs, so while you're waiting for the game to come back up, make sure to check out the patch notes, the EVE Online: Crucible website, and our own Brendan Drain's thoughts for more info.

MassivelyEVE Online: Crucible forges a new game today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-quartersccpccp-gamescruciblecustoms-officecustoms-officeseveeve-onlineexpansionfontfontskitchen-sinklaunchpatch-notestime-dialationTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DDO's Vaults of the Artificers goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ddos-vaults-of-the-artificers-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ddos-vaults-of-the-artificers-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/09/ddos-vaults-of-the-artificers-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DDO
For Dungeons and Dragons Online players, today is a special -- nay, hallowed day. It is Patch Day, and with it comes much leaping, dancing, spinning in circles, and singing at the top of one's lungs.

Today Turbine has released Update 12: Vaults of the Artificers, a hefty patch that introduces a completely new system to the game: challenges. Challenges are repeatable quests that have unique objectives and time limits, and can be completed for shiny rewards. VIP players will get the challenge adventure pack for free, but free players aren't left out in the dark -- Turbine is giving everyone one free challenge every day. These can be picked up in House Cannith.

DDO's Update 12 has plenty of other changes and fixes, including the introduction of store-purchasable rename tokens if you're dissatisfied with your hero's moniker and a shared platinum bank account.

You can read up on Update 12 with the official patch notes or by checking out our hands-on impressions from last month!

Gallery: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Unlimited

MassivelyDDO's Vaults of the Artificers goes live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challengechallenge-missionschallenge-questschallengesddodungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfree-to-playpatchpatch-notesturbineturbine-entertainmentupdateupdate-12update-12-vaults-of-the-artificersupdate-notesvaults-of-the-artificersvipWed, 09 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: A two-minute read could save you 15% or more on nerdrage insurance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/captains-log-a-two-minute-read-could-save-you-15-or-more-on-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/captains-log-a-two-minute-read-could-save-you-15-or-more-on-n/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/captains-log-a-two-minute-read-could-save-you-15-or-more-on-n/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot - Star Trek Online
Captain's Log, Stardate 65340.3...

Hello, computer (and players)! Welcome to this week's edition of Captain's Log, brought to you by "Geko" Insurance. (And let's just say, you may want to purchase a policy). If you are a Star Trek Online player who watches Cryptic's official forums, you know that the game experienced an Occupy movement of its own this past weekend. Even if you don't frequent the forums, you may have seen some of the concerns raised through the #STO Twitter feed.

Over the weekend, players lashed out against some of the recent changes that have made their way to the Tribble test server. It may be surprising to some of you reading this, but the commotion was not related to the economy changes. The main concern is that some of the items for purchase in the C-Store are going to be changing from account-wide unlocks to per-character transactions. While I was a little perturbed at the thought too, I was happy to see that some of the misconceptions were cleared up once we got an official statement from one of the devs. But since there is a lot more to the story, let's take a look.

Ensign, warp 10! And don't forget to buckle your seatbelt...

Continue reading Captain's Log: A two-minute read could save you 15% or more on nerdrage insurance

MassivelyCaptain's Log: A two-minute read could save you 15% or more on nerdrage insurance originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riverabalanceboycottc-storec-store-pointscaptain-gekocaptains-logconsumablescraftingcrypticcryptic-pointscryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdoffduty-officerduty-officer-systemExchangef2pfeaturedfeedbackforumsfree-to-playhereticlivestreammarketingpatch-notesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestarshipsstotrek-onlinetribbletribble-test-servertwitterunlock-statusThu, 03 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion's patch 2.7 goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/aions-patch-2-7-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/aions-patch-2-7-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/19/aions-patch-2-7-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Screenshot -- Aion
Aion's patch 2.7 is here, and a healthy number of new features has arrived along with it. Players can now take part in the Crucible Coliseum PvP arena or test their mettle in the Arena of Discipline for one-on-one battles. If you're more interested in a no-holds-barred battle royal, the Arena of Chaos may be more your style, as it features a six-player death-match battle. Balaurea's PvP battles have seen a number of refinements and adjustments as well.

If you're more of a PvE sort of player, you can bring some friends to Padmarashka's Cave in hopes of taking down the legendary creature for loot and glory. A number of skills have been adjusted as well in hopes of creating a more enjoyable, balanced gameplay experience. Aion players can scour the whole of the new patch notes over at the official site.

MassivelyAion's patch 2.7 goes live originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionarena-of-chaosarena-of-disciplinecrucible-coliseumncsoftpadmarashkas-cavepatchpatch-2.7patch-notesWed, 19 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online releases first post-Isengard patch notes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-first-post-isengard-patch-note/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-first-post-isengard-patch-note/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/lord-of-the-rings-online-releases-first-post-isengard-patch-note/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard
Turbine has released the first round of patch notes since Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard launched last month, and boy-howdy, they read like a novel. Quest experience for higher-level quests has been adjusted, Scholar nodes in Dunland have been reduced, and a great number of other general fixes have been made. Almost every class -- on both the Freep and Creep sides -- has received some sort of adjustment as well. The full patch notes are available for your perusal at the Lord of the Rings Online official site.

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online releases first post-Isengard patch notes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotropatchpatch-notesrise-of-isengardroiturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 18 Oct 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth kickstarts its second anniversary live event a week late]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/fallen-earth-kickstarts-its-second-anniversary-live-event-a-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/fallen-earth-kickstarts-its-second-anniversary-live-event-a-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/04/fallen-earth-kickstarts-its-second-anniversary-live-event-a-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Fallen Earth
"At Fallen Earth? Our events are fashionable. We have fashionable events," the latest Fallen Earth blog begins. "How fashionable, you might ask? So fashionable that they arrive fashionably late."

When the servers go back up today with the new patch, Fallen Earth's second anniversary live event will be ready to go. The six factions are duking it out over New Flagstaff and looking to recruit all the clones they can in order to win the war. Players can sign up for PvP or PvE service in any of the sectors and do their part for the glory of their faction (and be awarded a nifty novelty item for their participation). The live event will occur on Wednesday, October 5th, at different times for European and North and South American players.

The patch contains a number of changes to the gathering and crafting systems in the game and also puts in place the new cosmetic appearance system. Unfortunately for the fashion-conscious, you can look at the wardrobe but not touch -- until October 12th, that is. When Fallen Earth goes free-to-play on that date, GamersFirst will flip on the switch for the wardrobe... and there will be much rejoicing.

MassivelyFallen Earth kickstarts its second anniversary live event a week late originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2nd-anniversaryanniversarycosmetic-armor-systemcosmetic-systemf2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playgamersfirstlive-eventnew-flagstaffoutfitoutfit-systempatchpatch-notessecond-anniversarysecond-anniversary-live-eventupdatewardrobewardrobe-systemTue, 04 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV releases notes for patch 1.19]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/final-fantasy-xiv-releases-notes-for-patch-1-19/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/final-fantasy-xiv-releases-notes-for-patch-1-19/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/30/final-fantasy-xiv-releases-notes-for-patch-1-19/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Magma axes - for when chopping things up without burning them at the same time just feels too wussy.
It's going to take another few days before Final Fantasy XIV drops the enormous patch 1.19 onto the live servers, but the patch notes have already been released. And most players will likely agree upon glancing at the extensive list of updates that the patch is well worth the wait. Several portions of the update have already been previewed, ranging from the crafting changes to the battle mechanic updates, but there's also a long list of improvements, additions, and other elements to look forward to.

More details are available regarding the many additions to the Grand Company system, including Company leves, new quests, and the details for obtaining a Company chocobo along with obtaining membership. There's also a listing of new items available, a rundown of the new materia system, and a variety of updates and improvements to stats, mechanics, and abilities. The patch is planned for release on Tuesday, October 4th, a date that the game's players will likely be awaiting with bated breath.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV releases notes for patch 1.19 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>endgameffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgrand-companiesguildleveslevequestslevesmechanicsnew-contentnewspatch-notespatchessquaresquare-enixupdatesFri, 30 Sep 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch 1.19 delayed for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/patch-1-19-delayed-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/patch-1-19-delayed-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/patch-1-19-delayed-for-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Yeah, he'll probably knock you all down, too.
While Final Fantasy XIV players were eagerly looking toward the end of the week for the game's newest patch, it's going to take just a few days longer for everything to be finished. In his latest letter to the community, Naoki Yoshida apologized for the delay but confirmed that in order to complete the testing process, the development team is holding the patch until October 4th. The guildleve history evaluation and the Ixali stronghold will also be held until 1.19a for further testing and refinement.

On the plus side, the full patch notes for patch 1.19 will be available for viewing on September 30th. Yoshida also included a video preview of the upcoming Ifrit battle that will go live in 1.19, showing what players can expect from the first skirmish against this mighty primal. Jump on past the break to take a look at the fight as well as some hints of the game personalities involved once the patch goes live next Tuesday.

Continue reading Patch 1.19 delayed for Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyPatch 1.19 delayed for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlebattle-previewffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.19final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivifritnaoki-yoshidanewspatch-delaypatch-notespatch-previewpatchespreviewsquaresquare-enixvideovideosTue, 27 Sep 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/turbine-celebrates-rise-of-isengards-launch-with-monsters-and-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/turbine-celebrates-rise-of-isengards-launch-with-monsters-and-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/27/turbine-celebrates-rise-of-isengards-launch-with-monsters-and-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Rise of Isengard
"The more we pretend that Middle-earth is safe, the blacker the enemy's shadow grows," an ominous voice proclaims at the start of the Rise of Isengard launch trailer. While Lord of the Rings Online's third expansion was officially slated to be released today, Turbine jumped the gun and got it out yesterday afternoon -- complete with patch notes.

We'll be digging deep into Rise of Isengard this week on Massively, including broadcasting it on Massively TV and analysing the first few days of play in the next Road to Mordor column.

To celebrate Rise of Isengard's arrival, Turbine is treating its fans to an inspirational launch trailer and several new screenshots demonstrating the fearsome might of Saruman's forces. You know the drill: screenshots below, trailer after the jump!

Gallery: Lord of the Rings Online Core Gallery

Continue reading Turbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies

MassivelyTurbine celebrates Rise of Isengard's launch with monsters and movies originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionf2pfree-to-playlaunchlaunch-trailerlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromonstersmoviepatch-notespicturesreleaserise-of-isengardroisarumanscreenshotstrailerturbineTurbine-EntertainmentvideoTue, 27 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard patch notes are up!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-rise-of-isengard-patch-notes-are-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-rise-of-isengard-patch-notes-are-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-rise-of-isengard-patch-notes-are-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard
Denizens of Middle-earth, the big day is almost here! Lord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard goes live tomorrow, and Turbine has prepared a fresh, pipin'-hot batch of patch notes for your perusal. So what do players have to look forward to? Well, there are three new zones -- the Gap of Rohan, Dunland, and (duh) Isengard -- as well as 10 additional levels of content. Lore-fiends will be able to play through one of the largest Book questlines to date, while those of a more pugilistic persuasion can square off with the gargantuan Draigoch in a 24-player raid.

All nine classes have received updates as well, so no matter what you play, there are plenty of goodies in store. Free players can now take part in monster play, which should hopefully bring a bit more conflict to the Ettenmoors. Crafters aren't getting left in the cold, either, as the update introduces tier 7 crafting and a "slew of new recipes." For the full, unabridged patch notes, head on over to the LotRO official site and take a gander. See you folks in Isengard!

MassivelyLord of the Rings Online: Rise of Isengard patch notes are up! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playisengardlaunchlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotronotespatch-notesrise-of-isengardturbineturbine-entertainmentMon, 26 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Patch notes available for City of Heroes Freedom head start]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/patch-notes-available-for-city-of-heroes-freedom-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/patch-notes-available-for-city-of-heroes-freedom-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/14/patch-notes-available-for-city-of-heroes-freedom-head-start/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Girls merged with tentacle beasts. Being a Seer is pretty much never appealing, ever.
The day has come for the subscribers of City of Heroes to get in on all the new content for City of Heroes Freedom. Actually, the day came and went, but when you consider the amount of maintenance required and the errors that the servers encountered, for many people, now is the time when the game can actually be played. So it's probably for the best that now is also the time for the full rundown of the patch notes for the newest issue.

While the large changes, such as the inclusion of all the Freedom enhancements, have been known for some time, there are also a number of other improvements for players to enjoy. Power pools have been improved all around, with travel powers now universally available at level 4 and new top-tier powers for those pools. Ancillary and Patron pools are now available starting at 35 instead of 41. And if that alone isn't enough for you, there are also some new bonuses available in the Paragon Market for you to spend your free subscriber points on -- a definite incentive.

MassivelyPatch notes available for City of Heroes Freedom head start originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-freedomcity-of-villainscohcovcoxf2pfree-to-playissue-21ncsoftnewsparagonparagon-marketparagon-studiospatch-notespatchesupdatesWed, 14 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest II's GU61 pushed back to Thursday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/everquest-iis-gu61-pushed-back-to-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/everquest-iis-gu61-pushed-back-to-thursday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/23/everquest-iis-gu61-pushed-back-to-thursday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Lavastorm
EverQuest II fans, get ready. Thursday marks the official launch of Game Update 61 (yes, Sony Online Entertainment has delayed it by a couple of days). The patch brings a whole slew of changes to Norrath and your characters, and EQ2Wire has the details. Whether we're talking about the massive alternate advancement reset, the faction grind relief, or a laundry list of bugs that hopefully don't make it past the sentinels on the test server, it's clear that Norrath will look quite different later this week.

The AA changes are, of course, the biggest tweak, and EQ2Wire notes that the old "spider-web" method has gone the way of the dinosaur. In its place is a more consistent ability unlock system as well as new subclass trees for each of EQII's 24 classes. As we told you earlier, the Shadows tree is now reserved for players at level 50 and above, so plan accordingly if you're fond of specialized crafting characters or other departures from conventional class wisdom.

MassivelyEverQuest II's GU61 pushed back to Thursday originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaaa-resetalternate-advancementeq2eqiieqii-gu-61everquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgame-update-61gu-61patch-notespatchessoeSony-Online-EntertainmentupdatesTue, 23 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Incarna goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-online-incarna-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-online-incarna-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/eve-online-incarna-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online players, rejoice! The day you've been waiting for is finally here. Today marks the release of EVE Online's much-anticipated Incarna expansion. The most notable addition with this update is undoubtedly the new ability for players to finally exit their spaceships and explore the universe's many space stations on their own two feet. All players will be required to (re)create their avatars upon logging in after the patch in order to allow them to experience the new ambulatory features.

In other news, there can now be only one jump bridge in a system at a given time, and character creation and the new player experience have both been revamped in order to make the game's notoriously steep learning curve a bit more welcoming for new capsuleers. The full patch notes include far more than can possibly be squished into this post, so if you're anxious to know what exactly this new update entails, head on over to the official site.

MassivelyEVE Online Incarna goes live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambulationccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineeve-online-incarnaexpansionincarnapatchpatch-notessci-fiwalking-in-stationsTue, 21 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Incursion patch 1.6 is live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/eve-online-incursion-patch-1-6-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/eve-online-incursion-patch-1-6-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/eve-online-incursion-patch-1-6-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online's Incursion patch 1.6 has now been deployed! It's a small patch that brings a few bug fixes as well as the introduction of CarbonUI, the "new UI rendering framework." According to CCP, "CarbonUI is an evolution of the existing UI framework, with a completely new rendering layer." What does this mean for players? "[CarbonUI] gives the EVE UI designers and UI programmers a range of new possibilities for creating exciting user interfaces in EVE going forward." Check out more on this new addition to the game at the EVE Online dev blog.

The patch announcement article also notifies players about a known issue with T3 ships that players have previously viewed: "These ships have engaged their reverse thrusters causing them fly backwards. Clearing your cache will reset their on-board computer and cause them to fly in the correct direction again." Flying in the proper direction is often a very useful ability, so players are encouraged to take action immediately. For the full notes, as well as a link to the patch discussion thread, hit the full article on the official site.

MassivelyEVE Online Incursion patch 1.6 is live originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon-uicarbonuiccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineincursionincursion-patch-1.6patchpatch-1.6patch-notesuiuser-interfaceTue, 31 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Huge Earthrise patch brings major combat tweaks, bug fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/huge-earthrise-patch-brings-major-combat-tweaks-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/huge-earthrise-patch-brings-major-combat-tweaks-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/12/huge-earthrise-patch-brings-major-combat-tweaks-bug-fixes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There are patches and then there are patches, and the most recent Earthrise update was definitely the latter. Masthead Studios has dropped approximately one gigabyte worth of changes on the world of Enterra thanks to the 18143 patch, and if the preliminary discussion thread is any indication, players seem to be happy with the tweaks.

Many of the changes are found in the game's combat engine, with adjustments to core and special weapon damage as well as weapon ranges and substantial updates for assault rifles, precision rifles, flamers, melee weapons, and shotguns. AI line-of-sight issues have also been fixed, and several UI and party-related bugs have been squashed.

There's also an interesting blurb in the patch notes regarding territorial warfare. Specifically, the notes say that "all bases and the environment around them are complete and standing by." While Masthead hasn't publicly confirmed that Earthrise's warfare system is complete and ready for prime time, it's encouraging to see some official progress.

MassivelyHuge Earthrise patch brings major combat tweaks, bug fixes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1814318143-patchearthriseenterramastheadmasthead-studiospatchpatch-notespatchessandboxsci-fiterritorial-controlterritorial-warfareupdateupdatesweapon-changesweapon-damageweapon-rangesThu, 12 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall patch brings major alignment tweaks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/darkfall-patch-brings-major-alignment-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/darkfall-patch-brings-major-alignment-tweaks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/darkfall-patch-brings-major-alignment-tweaks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Significant alignment tweaks are the order of the day in the latest Darkfall patch, and Aventurine has updated its website to help Agonian residents wrap their heads around the system proper.

Today's patch divides the world into lawful and lawless sections, the latter of which boast no alignment penalties upon entry. Clan cities remain under the control of their owners when it comes to alignment decisions, so even if the area surrounding your fort has shifted due to the update, city visitors will still be subject to the prevailing clan interpretations regarding alignment and consequences for aggression.

Today's patch also introduces a few smaller gameplay tweaks in addition to the alignment changes, chief among them an increase to loot drops while fishing and various changes to the fish box on player ships. The Darkfall Epic Blog has all the details.

MassivelyDarkfall patch brings major alignment tweaks originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alignmentalignment-changesalignment-penaltyaventurineaventurine-sadarkfallfantasyfishinglorepatchpatch-notessandboxupdateWed, 11 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[APB Reloaded rolls out new patches, East Coast server move]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/apb-reloaded-rolls-out-new-patches-east-coast-server-move/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/apb-reloaded-rolls-out-new-patches-east-coast-server-move/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/09/apb-reloaded-rolls-out-new-patches-east-coast-server-move/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Looks like we have ourselves a convoy... of patch notes! As All Points Bulletin continues to truck down the highway toward open beta and re-release, the APB Reloaded dev blog continues to deliver the news of progress, and today that includes two sets of patch notes and word of a server move to an East Coast location.

APB Reloaded's East Coast server move to Washington, DC will be taking place later this week. This should help improve latency times for those playing in the eastern half of North America.

The blog also lists the nitty-gritty details of Releases 79 (May 5th) and 80 (May 10th). These changes include exploit fixes and tweaks to several weapons to bring them in line. GamersFirst is saving the really big bullet points for the May 18th update, which will coincide with the open beta. The blog hints that we should hopefully be hearing about the features for this mega-patch soon.

You can read the full details over on the APB Reloaded dev blog.

MassivelyAPB Reloaded rolls out new patches, East Coast server move originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletin-reloadedall-points-bulletingapbapb-reloadedapb-reloaded-dev-blogeast-coasteast-coast-server-movef2pfree-to-playgamersfirstlatencyopen-betapatchpatch-notesrelease-79release-80server-moveupdateweapon-specsweve-got-a-great-big-convoy-rockin-through-the-nightMon, 09 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's Age of Conan version 2.2 patch detailed, delayed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/funcoms-age-of-conan-version-2-2-patch-detailed-delayed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/funcoms-age-of-conan-version-2-2-patch-detailed-delayed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/04/funcoms-age-of-conan-version-2-2-patch-detailed-delayed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Yesterday we told you about two new group dungeons in Age of Conan's Paikang imperial city, and later tonight you should be able to experience them for yourself. Yes, it's patch day in Hyboria, and version 2.2 is in the process of being pushed live to the game's American shards. European servers received the update earlier this morning, and there are a few issues, judging by a feedback thread on the EU boards.

What's in the patch other than the previously mentioned Ai and Tian'an District dungeons? Quite a lot of stuff actually, starting with tweaks to the endgame faction grind. Funcom has made a significant number of adjustments to faction quests, faction quest rewards, and Marks of Acclaim distribution.

Combat, in particular crowd-control abilities and counters, has also been tweaked in the 2.2 update, and the official patch notes have a complete breakdown on the changes by class. As of press time, Funcom's Age of Conan launcher indicates that the patch has been delayed by five hours, with an estimated up time of 6:00 p.m. EDT.

MassivelyFuncom's Age of Conan version 2.2 patch detailed, delayed originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.2-patchage-of-conanaoccccrowd-controlfaction-grindfantasyfuncomgrindhyboriakhitaimarks-of-acclaimpatchpatch-notespatchesWed, 04 May 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newest Vindictus patch goes big time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/newest-vindictus-patch-goes-big-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/newest-vindictus-patch-goes-big-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/21/newest-vindictus-patch-goes-big-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Size matters. It's practically a law of nature -- the bigger something is, the better loot it drops. Well, all right, maybe that's not a law of nature, but it is a law of MMOs and certainly a law of Vindictus. The game's latest titantic update has just gone live, bringing with it the appropriately named Titan raid boss. And the enormous boss is certainly a big part of the newest update, but there are other ways for characters to live large in the patch even without facing the Titan.

Resenlian's Labyrinth has been added to the game, allowing players a chance to face off against a variety of foes including the deepest fears within each character for sizable rewards. Evie's staff skills have also received a big improvement, and the new merged dock system will allow for a massively easier time when it comes to travel. Vindictus players can check out all the details on the gargantuan patch from the patch notes, as well as see the upcoming events for the game.

MassivelyNewest Vindictus patch goes big time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigf2pfree-to-playlargemergingnew-dungeonsnewsnexonpatchpatch-notespatches-of-unusual-sizesizablethe-titantitantransportationupdatesvindictusThu, 21 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST