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[MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-project-exonaut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-project-exonaut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/16/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-project-exonaut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Project Exonaut
Lately, I've been moving away from my "sword and board" mentality and instead checking out some MMOs that have faster gameplay, such as Vindictus' physics-based, arcade-style combat and Global Agenda's jetpack shooter battles. But while I've had fun grabbing gnolls by the throat and crushing them against the wall in Vindictus and fending off waves of zombies and chupacabras in Fallen Earth, the content isn't necessarily kid-friendly.

I wanted to find a game that had action, fast-paced combat, and jetpacks but still touched on all the things that make for a good family game. I stumbled on Project Exonaut, made by Cartoon Network, and decided to check it out. It's a browser-based, free-to-play game that pits you against other players in a futuristic setting. It's not quite an MMO and would probably fall under our Not So Massively heading, but I decided to try it out. Read on for a look at the game and my first impressions!

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut

MassivelyMMO Family: First Impressions of Project Exonaut originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoon-networkdexterexonautfamilyfamily-mmofeaturedgumballkaren-bryankidsmmo-familymmo-shooterpixarproject-exonautshooterWed, 16 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/mmo-family-a-parents-look-at-world-of-cars-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


MMO Family is your resource for leveling a gaming-specced family, from tips on balancing gaming with family life to finding age-appropriate online games for everyone in the family.

How could you not fall in love with a Disney/Pixar movie? I'm not sure that's even possible. Cars revved up belly laughs in the theater back in 2006, earning two Oscar nominations and raking in more than a dozen other industry awards. Kids were captivated by the feisty little car characters, and grownups chuckled at voicing from such high-octane stars as Owen Wilson, Paul Newman and even Cheech Marin.

The MMO version of the franchise, which officially launched last month, pulls away from the starting line without this full tank of charisma. World of Cars Online hits on all cylinders yet somehow fails to throttle up into the type of completely engaging world we've come to expect from a Disney/Pixar creation. It's a 2-D, minigame-centric experience with lots (and we do mean lots) of point-and-click racing. Still, if you've got a young boy around the house who's hankering to burn a little online rubber, World of Cars is an inexpensive, kid-friendly way to do it.

Continue reading MMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online

MassivelyMMO Family: A parent's look at World of Cars Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carschat-filterchildchildrendisneydisney-interactive-media-groupfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-funfamily-gamingfeaturedflashfree-to-playfreemiumkid-friendlykidsminigamesparental-controlsparentspixarpoint-and-clicksafe-chatspeed-chatweb-basedworld-of-carsworld-of-cars-onlineTue, 07 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Cars takes off with a full tank of gas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/world-of-cars-takes-off-with-a-full-tank-of-gas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/world-of-cars-takes-off-with-a-full-tank-of-gas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/13/world-of-cars-takes-off-with-a-full-tank-of-gas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's not every day that you're invited to make an anthropomorphized vehicle that you're expected to both race and comfort its feelings. Leave it to Disney Pixar, then, to make the first move in that department, which is why they've launched World of Cars for the hot-rodding set.

Based on the 2006 hit animated film, World of Cars invites drivers of all ages to create their own personable car and go head-to-head with friends and strangers. There are even cameos from the movie, as Cheech Marin and Jennifer Lewis return to reprise their roles in the game. Players can explore the open world, upgrade their cars, and enter races for fame and money as they like.

Right now, World of Cars is free-to-play with optional microtransactions and subscriptions, and features a full set of parental controls so your mommy or daddy can tell you when you need to stop playing and go into work. Or school. It's okay, we won't tell anyone you're actually having fun with cartoon cars if you won't tell on us too.

MassivelyWorld of Cars takes off with a full tank of gas originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscheech-marindisneydisney-pixarf2pfree-to-playftpjennifer-lewislaunchMicrotransactionsparental-controlspixarworld-of-carsFri, 13 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Can adults find fun in Free Realms?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/can-adults-find-fun-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/can-adults-find-fun-in-free-realms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/can-adults-find-fun-in-free-realms/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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

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

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

Continue reading Can adults find fun in Free Realms?

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledblacksmithdreamworksfeaturedfree-realmsjobskart-driverninjaopinionpegglepet-trainerpixarpopcap-gamessoesony-online-entertainmentwarriorwizardMon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The future of Disney Online: An interview with SVP Steve Parkis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/the-future-of-disney-online-an-interview-with-svp-steve-parkis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/the-future-of-disney-online-an-interview-with-svp-steve-parkis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/the-future-of-disney-online-an-interview-with-svp-steve-parkis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Last week, Disney Online merged multiple online divisions into a single entity now called Disney Online Studios. I had a chance to talk to the Senior Vice President in charge of it all, Steve Parkis, about the vision for one of the world's most recognizable brands as it tackles the fast-rising casual online gameplay market.

Before now, Disney's online efforts spanned over many different areas: developing Flash based casual games; acquiring the online community, Club Penguin; and building the successful family-oriented MMORPGs ToonTown Online and Pirates of the Caribbean Online. Steve's mission is to bring all of those together to make Disney.com a dedicated casual games destination.

He believes that casual players are more than just Women 35+ and that there is a large, untapped market of players that Disney's brand can draw in. But how does he plan to do that?

Continue reading The future of Disney Online: An interview with SVP Steve Parkis

MassivelyThe future of Disney Online: An interview with SVP Steve Parkis originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cars-onlinedisney-fairiesdisney-onlinedisney-online-studiosdisney.comfeaturedflash-gamesjack-sparrowpixarpixie-hollowsteve-parkisThu, 28 Feb 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney making online game based on the movie "Cars"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/disney-making-online-game-based-on-the-movie-cars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/disney-making-online-game-based-on-the-movie-cars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/disney-making-online-game-based-on-the-movie-cars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


According to the San Fernando Business Journal, Disney Online plans to release a virtual world game based on the hugely successful 3D-animated film Cars.

Disney sees this as a way to keep kids invested in the franchise "for years to come" even without a sequel on the horizon. The article also says that Disney plans substantial future investments in these sorts of projects because they've had success with other titles like Toontown Online and Club Penguin.

While games like this don't usually get as much attention from the gaming media, they're arguably no less successful or lucrative than games like EverQuest II.

[Via Worlds in Motion]

MassivelyDisney making online game based on the movie "Cars" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationcarscars-onlinecasualclub-penguindisneydisney-onlinefamilykidsmmo-industrypixarsan-fernando-business-journaltoontown-onlineworlds-in-motionFri, 30 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST