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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/choose-my-adventure-building-on-the-clan-experience-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/choose-my-adventure-building-on-the-clan-experience-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/choose-my-adventure-building-on-the-clan-experience-in-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Building on the clan experience in Darkfall
Boy, MJ's Misadventureland is really coming along! Hiring a few more hands sure has sped things up; you wouldn't even recognize the project now compared to even just one week ago. But isn't that the whole point of Choose My Adventure -- to watch the adventure that you're building develop and unfold? Well, that and to snicker at your Massively guinea pigs... we know.

Having gone into this particular adventure knowing that Darkfall Unholy Wars was not a game meant for the solo soul, I knew that it was only a matter of time before I found myself in a clan to experience more of the heart of the game, which just so happens to be clan warfare. And trust me, the clan wasted no time throwing me into the thick of things once you put me in one.

Although I do think starting off solo was important to get the real experience Darkfall any new player would (after all, most find a clan after first logging in), this week really has shown me a whole new game. I'd just scratched the surface before, the skin if you will, and now I've peered into the heart and seen the seedy underbelly as well.

Gallery: Choose My Adventure: Darkfall Unholy Wars

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Building on the clan experience in Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinechoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-darkfallchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthrieclanscmadarkfalldarkfall-unholy-warsdffantasyfeaturedguildshands-onopen-pvpopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicesandboxsiegessiegingunholy-warsvotevotingWed, 22 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Which upcoming fantasy MMO are you looking forward to the most?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/leaderboard-which-upcoming-fantasy-mmo-are-you-looking-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/leaderboard-which-upcoming-fantasy-mmo-are-you-looking-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/leaderboard-which-upcoming-fantasy-mmo-are-you-looking-forward/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard Which upcoming fantasy MMO are you looking forward to the most
Since last week's Leaderboard went over so well, I figured, why not put up another semi-controversial poll in the hopes that fans of the choices I inadvertently leave off will pepper my inbox with hate mail? Snarkiness aside, I am curious to see the results of today's vote, which pits the big three fantasy MMOs releasing over the next year against one another in a grueling duel to the death.

The prize? The coveted title of Most Anticipated 2013/14 Fantasy MMO in the Massively Comments Section, which is going to be really hard to cram onto the trophy. In any case, vote for your favorite after the break.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Which upcoming fantasy MMO are you looking forward to the most?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Which upcoming fantasy MMO are you looking forward to the most? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalleaderboardmost-anticipated-mmoone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/choose-my-adventure-beyond-the-walls-of-safety-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/choose-my-adventure-beyond-the-walls-of-safety-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/choose-my-adventure-beyond-the-walls-of-safety-in-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall
Man up MJ, you said. Forsake the fetters of safety and wander the wilds of the world. Yes, folks, for the next phase of our Choose My Adventure project, you directed me to leave the confines of the starting cities and surrounding lands to explore and harvest in the unprotected areas in Darkfall Unholy Wars. That, and get familiar with the workbench for crafting. So said you all, and so I did.

I ran little Emey Brokenclaw beyond the bounds of the safe zones and introduced her to the vast lands stretching across Agon. I enjoyed some exciting experiences as well as learned quite a few things during that journey, though not necessarily what you'd expect.

Gallery: Choose My Adventure: Darkfall Unholy Wars

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinechoose-my-adventureChoose-My-Adventure-Darkfallchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthrieclanscmadarkfalldarkfall-unholy-warsdfexplorationfantasyfeaturedhands-onopen-pvpopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicesandboxunholy-warsvotevotingWed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Knut Haugen is the best, and if you don't agree with me then YOU ARE WRONG!
I've got MMO music on the brain today, and with apologies to our dedicated music column, I'm going to devote this episode of Leaderboard to some of my favorite massively multiplayer composers. If you're not already aware, video game music has ceased to be cheesy, synth-dominated midi riffs and now sounds as good, if not better, than many of the orchestral marches composed for epic films and television.

With all that said, let's keep it simple. Who's your favorite MMO music composer? Vote after the cut!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalcomposersleaderboardmmo-musicmmo-soundtracksmusicone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssoundtrackversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Framing my first foray in Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/choose-my-adventure-framing-my-first-foray-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/choose-my-adventure-framing-my-first-foray-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/choose-my-adventure-framing-my-first-foray-in-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Framing my first foray in Darkfall
Break time's over! Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get back to work building our latest Choose My Adventure. The first order of business is to establish the framework for the rest of our Darkfall Unholy Wars (mis)adventures.

Of course, we can't just build willy-nilly; we need to follow a plan. And as with any major construction project, we couldn't really move forward until said plan was OKed by the planning commission. So while we waited for the foundation to set, we sought approval for which type of structure to base our continuing adventures on. And as is wont to happen with committees, there was trouble coming to a consensus; even though the proposed models were all pretty similar, disagreement arose as to which to pick.

However, after some debate (one proposal won by only one vote!), we finally got the go ahead: The final word was to build a Mahirim Deadeye. I'm on it, boss!

Gallery: Choose My Adventure: Darkfall Unholy Wars

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Framing my first foray in Darkfall

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Framing my first foray in Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationchoose-my-adventurechoose-my-adventure-darkfallchoose-my-adventure-mj-guthriecmadarkfalldarkfall-unholy-warsdffantasyfeaturedfirst-impressiongalleryhands-onopen-pvpopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicesandboxscreenshotstutorialtutorialsunholy-warsvotevotingWed, 08 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: What's your favorite player-generated content tool?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/leaderboard-whats-your-favorite-player-generated-content-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/leaderboard-whats-your-favorite-player-generated-content-tool/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/leaderboard-whats-your-favorite-player-generated-content-tool/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Leaderboard - What's your favorite player-generated content tool?
Neverwinter recently launched, and Cryptic's Forgotten Realms MMO brought with it a substantial player-generated content toolset called the Foundry. The Foundry isn't the first of its kind, however, or even the first of its name. Star Trek Online boasts an earlier version of Cryptic's Foundry, and other games going back a decade or more have also tried their hand at user content suites.

Assuming you've played around with a few of these tools, which one is your favorite? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: What's your favorite player-generated content tool?

MassivelyLeaderboard: What's your favorite player-generated content tool? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobattle-royalcrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardneverwinterone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpollpollspwesandboxuser-generated-contentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 06 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Pouring the foundation in Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/choose-my-adventure-pouring-the-foundation-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/choose-my-adventure-pouring-the-foundation-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/choose-my-adventure-pouring-the-foundation-in-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Pouring the foundation in Darkfall
It's relocation time! Although there were plenty of tempting properties spread around various locales to choose from, once the bidding wars began, Darkfall Unholy Wars grabbed the lead and refused to let go. So we're packing up our tools and moving to Agon to get this Choose My Adventure project started. And considering the whole neighborhood just went through a recent renovation, I'm sure we'll fit right in building our new retreat. Now, we just need... hm, where did we put those blueprints? Do we even have blueprints? No? Well, no matter; you can just give me the instructions as we go. Rome wasn't built in a day, and we've got five more weeks to work together to create this new retreat.

I've got to tell you, I'm quite excited for this venture. One of the greatest things about the CMA series is that it forces us to finally dive in and check out games we've been wanting to but never quite "found the time." Once it becomes a part of your daily job, you have no choice but to make the time! Darkfall was always one of those games for me, and my curiosity and interest was piqued even more with Unholy Wars. So let's get this started. First, we need a foundation.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Pouring the foundation in Darkfall

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Pouring the foundation in Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choose My Adventure Extreme DIY makeover edition
Life may be like a box of chocolates, but gaming is like a Do-It-Yourself project. It may not be as mouth-watering an analogy, but it is certainly fitting: MMOs are a giant construction zone where players build their own experiences in a virtual world using tools from the game and their own imagination.

Each project is a unique undertaking, bearing the personal touches of the builder, whether the builder is an individual or a group like a guild. Some players prefer to build a single residence and settle in, while others enjoy moving from project to project, exploring new territory and testing new tools. Me? I tend toward the former; I'm the kind who tinkers around in one place over a long period of time. But all that's about to change. Again.

That's right, folks; it's my turn to break ground on yet another Choose My Adventure! For the next six weeks I am leaving the comfy confines of my familiar surroundings and allowing you to direct my next MMO project. Yes, my dear Massively friends, you will be the foreman of this endeavor, determining every step of the construction, from where I'll build my newest experience to what tools I'll get to use.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Extreme DIY makeover edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Extreme DIY makeover edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ArcheAge - Long Plains Coast
There are plenty of interesting MMOs coming out of Korea these days, and whether we're talking sandboxes like Black Desert, themeparks like Bless, or hybrids like ArcheAge, I'm pretty excited to try all of them. Let's not forget Blade & Soul, either, and even Aion has a new expansion on the way that's introducing a couple of game-changing classes.

For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these games against one another and see which one will claim the title of Massively's most anticipated Korean import. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge

MassivelyLeaderboard: Bless vs. Black Desert vs. Blade & Soul vs. ArcheAge originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebattle-royalblack-desertblade-and-soulblessepic-games-koreafantasyhousingimportkoreakorean-importkorean-mmoleaderboardmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaneowizone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpearl-abysspollpollspvpsandboxsandparkversusvotevotesvotingvsxl-gamesxlgamesMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online VI - The Rediscovered Country]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-vi-the-rediscovered-coun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-vi-the-rediscovered-coun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-vi-the-rediscovered-coun/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

To explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before.
Captain's Log, Stardate 86291.3. My hearing with Starfleet Command resulted in a promotion to Commander, command of a new ship, and full command of the USS Xiang Yu pending the new ship's completion. It also resulted in a trip to the infirmary after I passed out in shock.

After the Xiang Yu's several military deployments, my new mission aboard the ship is much simpler. Despite Starfleet's growing data about the Gamma and Delta quadrants, there remain large stretches of the Alpha Quadrant yet unexplored. My crew will be seeking out intelligent life within these areas of space, seeking to establish peaceful relationships and expand the Federation.

It's been only a short time since I was first placed in temporary command, but it seems to have stuck. Our ship's cannons are ready, our scanners have been upgraded, and our expanded crew roster is acclimating.

There's an entire galaxy to explore out there. I look forward to going where no one has gone before.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online VI - The Rediscovered Country

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Star Trek Online VI - The Rediscovered Country originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aion Sorceror
There have been a lot of MMO classes thrown our way over the years, and if you add in a handful of skill-based games that let you create your own class, you end up with a decent variety of combat gameplay styles.

The vast majority of these styles fall under several broad archetypes, though, and whether we're talking about ranged DPS or crowd-control, we all have our favorites. For today's Leaderboard, let's see which archetype wins the title of Massively comment section favorite. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: What's your favorite MMO archetype?

MassivelyLeaderboard: What's your favorite MMO archetype? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archetypesbattle-royalclassesleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online V - The Almost-Final Installment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-v-the-almost-final-insta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-v-the-almost-final-insta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-v-the-almost-final-insta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Submitted without comment.
Captain's Log, Stardate 86273.2. I make this entry knowing that this may be my final entry as captain of the USS Xiang Yu. In the event that the worst comes to pass, this will serve as my final record.

Three days ago, I received a priority message from Starfleet Command ordering me to investigate an uncharted region of space off of the Hromi Cluster. Once the ship had reached the assigned coordinates, our warp core suffered an unexpected failure, stranding us with only auxiliary power. With no means to contact Starfleet, I ordered the evacuation of all non-senior staff on shuttlepods.

After two days, we realized that the cause of the failure was sabotage caused by an Undine operative who had replaced our Operations officer. While we were able to repair the damage and neutralize the operative, we learned that many of the shuttlepods had already been rigged to plot random courses and then shut down. I am returning to Starfleet now to report on these events and face a potential court martial for my failures.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online V - The Almost-Final Installment

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Star Trek Online V - The Almost-Final Installment originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Star Citizen Hornet
There are a lot of game developers on Kickstarter these days, several of which are aiming to make MMOs or MMO-like persistent virtual worlds. Star Citizen's crowd-funding success has been well-documented, and both Shroud of the Avatar and Elite Dangerous are now go for full-scale development as well.

And let's not forget Pathfinder or Camelot Unchained, the former of which has been fully funded and the latter of which is well on its way. For today's Leaderboard, tell us which of these five titles you think will be the most successful post-launch. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Which Kickstarter project will be the most successful post-launch?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Which Kickstarter project will be the most successful post-launch? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalcrowdfundingkickstarterleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 08 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online IV - The Voyage Nowhere]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-iv-the-voyage-nowhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-iv-the-voyage-nowhere/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-iv-the-voyage-nowhere/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ALL HANDS, ABANDON SHIP! REPEAT, ALL HANDS, ABANDON -
Captain's log, Stardate 86253.9. After collecting stolen goods from several Ferengi traders in the area, the USS Xiang Yu has been sent on a dangerous mission to retrieve a defector from the Klingon Empire. The only expected resistance is a handful of ground forces and a lone potential cruiser.

Following this mission we are set for shore leave for at least a week, which should give the crew a chance to relax and unwind. Unfortunately, our shore leave will be confined to a dingy and unpleasant trading station, thus rather curtailing my hopes.

Morale has been low following an escalating series of minor incidents, including a shipwide system failure caused by my first officer attempting to rewire the internal chronometer. As it turns out, she was submitting her latest duty officer report one day late and was worried I would have her demoted. I've asked my chief engineer to put together a fashion show in the hopes that it might distract the crew.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online IV - The Voyage Nowhere

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Star Trek Online IV - The Voyage Nowhere originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pictured in the back... well, you know. Or don't.
Captain's log, Stardate 86234.1. The USS Xiang Yu is reporting back to Starfleet Headquarters for a debriefing following a mission containing a cascading temporal anomaly linked to the ship's warp signature. My first officer has been asked to give a report on the observable effects of the phenomenon and what might be done in the future to prevent a similar incident from reoccurring.

During what should have been a fairly simple search and rescue assignment, the Xiang Yu was trapped in a repeated cycle of destruction and temporal displacement. Upon closer examination, my chief engineer identified a concentration of chroniton signatures that corresponded with the impact points of torpedoes during an earlier engagement with the Orion Syndicate. Her theory is that these weapons were somehow responsible for this phenomenon.

My first officer, meanwhile, is convinced that interpersonal relationships are in some way connected to this incident. I am occasionally unclear why Admiral Celeste encourages her in this fashion.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online III - The search for the Foundry

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Star Trek Online III - The search for the Foundry originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfeatured-episodesfoundryfree-to-playhands-onopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-generated-contentplayer-made-missionpollpollspwereaders-choicesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestothe-foundryvotevotingWed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Clicking vs. keybinding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/leaderboard-clicking-vs-keybinding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/leaderboard-clicking-vs-keybinding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/leaderboard-clicking-vs-keybinding/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Keybinding diagram
Yes, today's Leaderboard is all about your MMO input habits, and we'd like to know whether you prefer clicking, keybinding, or some sort of combination.

If you're not familiar with keybinding, googling the term in concert with the name of your favorite MMO will provide plenty of examples. The long and short of it is the practice of using efficient and easy-to-reach keyboard shortcuts for all of your avatar's primary functions.

The conventional wisdom says that keybinders are generally able to react faster than those who click their UI with the mouse to fire off abilities, buffs, consumables, or what have you, and this extra speed leads to a theoretical advantage in PvP and competitive PvE situations. Exceptions exist, though, so vote for your preferred method after the cut.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Clicking vs. keybinding

MassivelyLeaderboard: Clicking vs. keybinding originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalclickerclickersclickers-vs-keybindersclicking-vs-keybindinginputkeybinderkeybindingleaderboardmmo-inputone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 25 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online 2 - The Wrath of Escorts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-2-the-wrath-of-escorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-2-the-wrath-of-escorts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/choose-my-adventure-star-trek-online-2-the-wrath-of-escorts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Xiang Yu was kind of a jerk, but he makes for a suitable ship name.
Captain's log, Stardate 86215.3. During a mission of exploration in the Regulus Sector, the USS Zhuong Zhou once again encountered the Borg. While the ship was successful in preventing a large-scale Borg assault, we were forced to evacuate to avoid an imminent warp core breach. No hands were lost, which was sufficient for Starfleet to grant me a full command aboard the USS Xiang Yu.

For our first mission, the ship has been dispatched to the Regulus Sector in the hopes of facilitating long-term peace negotiations with factions of the Klingon Empire. The ship's array of powerful phaser cannon and high-yield plasma torpedoes serve as a testament to the fact that the Federation is aware of many different definitions of "negotiate." We are currently en route to the Arucanis Arm nebula to help defend colonists from raids by Orion pirates, and I have instructed my first officer to be prepared to use both tact and diplomacy in this situation.

My chief tactical officer has nicknamed the two cannon arrays "tact" and "diplomacy."

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Star Trek Online 2 - The Wrath of Escorts

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Star Trek Online 2 - The Wrath of Escorts originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspwereaders-choicesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestovotevotingWed, 20 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Defiance vs. DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/leaderboard-defiance-vs-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/leaderboard-defiance-vs-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/18/leaderboard-defiance-vs-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 remote vehicle repair
Shooter gameplay is on the rise in the MMO space, as titles like PlanetSide 2, Firefall, DUST 514, and Defiance are all marrying twitch-based running and gunning with some sort of persistent open-world progression component.

Defiance and DUST are particularly interesting, to me at least, because they're part of a larger IP. IN DUST's case, the title shares a game world and a server back-end with long-running sci-fi MMO EVE Online. Defiance, of course, is joined at the hip with the upcoming television show of the same name, though just how joined remains to be seen. For today's Leaderboard, let's pit these two titles against one another and see which is more anticipated amongst Massively readers. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Defiance vs. DUST 514

MassivelyLeaderboard: Defiance vs. DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallbattle-royalccpccp-gamesconsoledefiancedustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsleaderboardmmofpsone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplaystationplaystation-3pollpollsps3pvpsandboxsci-fishootersyfytransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvversusvotevotesvotingvsxboxMon, 18 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: My first tour of duty in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/choose-my-adventure-my-first-tour-of-duty-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/choose-my-adventure-my-first-tour-of-duty-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/choose-my-adventure-my-first-tour-of-duty-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Being an ensign specializing in tactical operations is normally not a long-term career path.
Acting captain's log, Stardate 86196.3. This marks my first entry as captain of the USS Zhuang Zhou and also the first entry into my log since Starfleet formally insisted that I stop beginning log entries with "dear diary." My protests regarding this policy have been documented elsewhere.

During a mission of mercy, the Zhuang Zhou was forced to enter a combat situation against the Borg, which killed the majority of the command staff. As the highest-ranking officer on board, I assumed command and aided other Starfleet vessels in the vicinity in an effort to repel the threat. Now, I will be granted command of the Zhuang Zhou on a provisional basis after she is retrofitted and repaired.

Successfully undertaking a few more missions at the behest of Starfleet Command will most likely be enough to earn me a full command of a light ship. As the Zhuang Zhou is an aging Miranda-class vessel with a dearth of useful functions, the likelihood of her surviving any further combat engagements is slim to none. My protests regarding this state of affairs have also been documented elsewhere.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: My first tour of duty in Star Trek Online

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: My first tour of duty in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspwereaders-choicesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestovotevotingWed, 13 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: What's your feeling on Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/leaderboard-whats-your-feeling-on-garriotts-shroud-of-the-ava/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/leaderboard-whats-your-feeling-on-garriotts-shroud-of-the-ava/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/leaderboard-whats-your-feeling-on-garriotts-shroud-of-the-ava/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar prototype screenshot
Richard Garriott's recent Shroud of the Avatar announcement was greeted with both huzzahs and catcalls (though the former seem to outnumber the latter if the project's current Kickstarter numbers are any indication).

Now that Lord British has spent the weekend answering questions via livestream and elaborating on game mechanics in the press, what do you think about the new project? Are you backing Shroud's Kickstarter, or are you taking a wait-and-see approach? Or do you not care one whit? Let us know via the voting booth after the cut.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: What's your feeling on Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar?

MassivelyLeaderboard: What's your feeling on Garriott's Shroud of the Avatar? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalleaderboardlord-britishone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsportalariumrichard-garriottsandboxshroud-of-the-avatarversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 11 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Interfering in Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/choose-my-adventure-interfering-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/choose-my-adventure-interfering-in-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/choose-my-adventure-interfering-in-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Seriously, the Ambassador is an ugly, ugly ship. I cannot stress this enough.
The voters have spoken! While Allods Online and EverQuest II both had communities with plenty of passion, in the end the poll went to Star Trek Online. This means that this round of Choose My Adventure will feature a first for me after all.

Usually when I run these polls, the winning game is one that I haven't played. In this case, the winner is not only a game that I've played extensively but one I'm very fond of despite my long absence.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. It's time for a brief and not perfectly accurate recap of the game's history, followed by a set of polls and a couple of things I'm doing differently this time around. One of those things is not the bonus polls, if you were wondering. So if you've somehow missed the story so far, what's the deal with Star Trek Online?

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Interfering in Star Trek Online

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Interfering in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspwereaders-choicesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestovotevotingWed, 06 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: What's the best Star Wars MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/leaderboard-whats-the-best-star-wars-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/leaderboard-whats-the-best-star-wars-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/leaderboard-whats-the-best-star-wars-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SWG is the best Star Wars MMO regardless of this poll result!
Star Wars has gotten the MMO treatment not once, not twice, but three times. This is assuming that you count SOE's Clone Wars Adventures browser title, which I do since it features extensive progression, non-combat activities, and a slew of other MMO-like features in spite of its heavy use of instancing.

Then there's Star Wars Galaxies, of course, followed by Star Wars: The Old Republic. For today's Leaderboard, help us pick the best Star Wars MMO (or at least, the most popular according to Massively commenters). Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: What's the best Star Wars MMO?

MassivelyLeaderboard: What's the best Star Wars MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalbiowarebrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoclone-warsclone-wars-adventurescwaeaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfree-to-playgalaxieskid-friendlykidsleaderboardlobbylucasartsminigameone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssandboxsci-fantasysci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicswgswgoswtorthe-old-republictorversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 04 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Quartet edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/choose-my-adventure-quartet-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/choose-my-adventure-quartet-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/choose-my-adventure-quartet-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reach out to the truth.
It's that time again, ladies and gentlemen. After three rounds of letting my fate be chosen by the whims of my readers, I have chosen to do the exact same thing all over again. I'm getting back in the big seat and running through Choose My Adventure with a new list of games, a new set of bonus polls, and a new set of whatever else people expect when I do these columns.

Plus, while the third installment usually has a lot of pressure, the fourth installment is rarely assumed to be anything special. So I feel as if I'm off the hook.

This time around, I'm putting in some old favorites, some candidates that are often voted for but never make the prime time, and some games that might just raise some eyebrows. So let's meet our contestants past the break, and get your votes in here by Friday, March 1st!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Quartet edition

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Quartet edition originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallodsallods-onlineascensionastrum-nivalchoose-my-adventurecmacrypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivegala-netgameforgegameforge-berlingpotatohands-onlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesncsoftopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspwereaders-choiceromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotaboreatruly-freeturbineturbine-entertainmentvotevotingWed, 27 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: DDO vs. Neverwinter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/leaderboard-ddo-vs-neverwinter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/leaderboard-ddo-vs-neverwinter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/leaderboard-ddo-vs-neverwinter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online - Beholder
By now you've probably had a chance to sample the new Neverwinter MMO, and if not then you've surely availed yourself of all our excellent textual and video coverage during the ongoing beta. You probably also know that Neverwinter marks the second official Dungeons and Dragons-based MMO to grace our favorite genre, the first being 2006's Dungeons and Dragons Online.

While it may not seem fair to pit a seven-year-old game against the new shiny, we're going to do it anyway because there's something to be said for age and experience. So, how about it? DDO vs. Neverwinter, 3.5 vs. 4th edition, Eberron vs. the Forgotten Realms, and Turbine vs. Cryptic. What say you Massively readers? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: DDO vs. Neverwinter

MassivelyLeaderboard: DDO vs. Neverwinter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobattle-royalcrypticcryptic-studiosddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardneverwinterone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspweturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 25 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Saying goodbye to A Tale in the Desert]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/choose-my-adventure-saying-goodbye-to-a-tale-in-the-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/choose-my-adventure-saying-goodbye-to-a-tale-in-the-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/choose-my-adventure-saying-goodbye-to-a-tale-in-the-desert/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Saying goodbye to A Tale in the Desert
Last week, you advised me to branch out and explore, and that turned out to be the perfect choice, particularly because this is my final article on A Tale in the Desert for Choose My Adventure. I admit that it caught me off guard, and my six-week stint went a lot more quickly than I expected.

But before I say goodbye, I have some final highlights from my travels, and I have some overall impressions to share before I turn things over to Eliot next week.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Saying goodbye to A Tale in the Desert

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Saying goodbye to A Tale in the Desert originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Change is awful and we hate it.
There ain't no school like the old school. RuneScape players have spoken, and Jagex has listened: It's time to bring back a touch of nostalgia to the game in the form of pure old school servers, with the exact mix still to be determined. A recent announcement confirms that the servers will be coming back and reminds players to keep voting to determine the makeup of these servers. All voters will receive the first month on the throwback server for free.

For those who want more hard information from the development team, a special live forum chat will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST. Players can also begin posting to a forum thread tomorrow to help give the developers some advance idea of what to expect. If you're one of the 160,000 players who wanted to party like it's 2007, it looks as if your wish is coming true.

MassivelyRuneScape is bringing old-school back originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoclassic-serversf2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studionew-serversold-schoolold-school-serversplayer-votingpollsrsrunescapesandboxserver-rulesetsthrowback-serversMon, 18 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Guild vs. no guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/leaderboard-guild-vs-no-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/leaderboard-guild-vs-no-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/leaderboard-guild-vs-no-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Wars Galaxies' coolest guild
Game-hopping in MMOs is probably more of the rule than the exception nowadays. With so many titles to choose from, and few financial barriers to entry, players can change virtual worlds as often as they change socks.

Guild-hopping isn't as easy, though, and one of the things that's put a damper on my multi-MMO enjoyment lately is the fact that I'm always playing by myself. Game-hopping guilds would seem to be the answer, but there's the small matter of both logistics and personal taste, as not everyone burns out at the same rate nor does everyone have the same sort of wandering eye.

My wanderlust has gotten so bad that I've taken to skipping the whole guild thing entirely in recent games, whereas looking for a suitable guild used to be one of the first things I did after logging into a fresh MMO. So, how about you? Guild or no guild? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Guild vs. no guild

MassivelyLeaderboard: Guild vs. no guild originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalguildguildsleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: My tale in the desert takes an unexpected turn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/choose-my-adventure-my-tale-in-the-desert-takes-an-unexpected-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/choose-my-adventure-my-tale-in-the-desert-takes-an-unexpected-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/choose-my-adventure-my-tale-in-the-desert-takes-an-unexpected-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure My Tale in the Desert takes an unexpected turn
Last week, you voted for me to try my hand at making a sculpture in A Tale in the Desert, and I rolled up my sleeves to start the process of rotting flax, spinning twine into rope, and weaving linen. And then my sunny days in the desert were trumped by about two feet of snow. Thanks to the blizzard this past weekend, my opportunity to play was truncated, and while I'm frantically trying to wrap up my sculpture, I wasn't able to finish it in time for this week's column.

Fortunately, I still have plenty to report.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: My tale in the desert takes an unexpected turn

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: My tale in the desert takes an unexpected turn originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlanetSide 2 roadmap
SOE's Roadmap initiative for PlanetSide 2 is an interesting beast. If you're unfamiliar with it, it's basically a public polling system wherein proposed game features are upvoted or downvoted by the community.

While there are no guarantees that the dev team will actually bend to the will of the people (it is SOE's game, after all), it's a fairly unprecedented setup in large-scale game development. It's also got plenty of naysayers, though, some of whom are concerned about the potential for the game to be affected by those who don't play it.

What do you think of Roadmap and potential systems like it? Do you welcome community-influenced development decisions in your MMO of choice, or do you prefer to leave it to the pros? Vote after the break!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Community-driven development vs. company-driven development

MassivelyLeaderboard: Community-driven development vs. company-driven development originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalcommunity-developmentfpsleaderboardmmo-shootermmofpsone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplanetsideplanetside-2planetside-2-roadmappollpollsps2ps2-roadmaproadmapsandboxsci-fishootersoesoe-roadmapsonysony-online-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 11 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Learning the ropes in A Tale in the Desert]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/choose-my-adventure-learning-the-ropes-in-a-tale-in-the-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/choose-my-adventure-learning-the-ropes-in-a-tale-in-the-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/choose-my-adventure-learning-the-ropes-in-a-tale-in-the-desert/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Learning the ropes in A Tale in the Desert
So there I was, running through the desert on a personal crusade to find a far away pyramid. I heard that it granted an automatic free level, and who wouldn't want that? The only question was whether I'd run out of interest before I reached it because travel in A Tale in the Desert is challenging, to say the least.

I really like the world of ATITD so far, and yet there are things about it that really make me grumpy. And it's usually the things I like the most about the game that also cause me grief. While I failed to find that pyramid, I did learn quite a bit this past week in game.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Learning the ropes in A Tale in the Desert

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Learning the ropes in A Tale in the Desert originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firefall PvP
One of an MMO designer's biggest challenges seems to be reconciling PvP and PvE in a game with gear progression. Another example of such comes courtesy of Red 5 Studios latest Firefall dev blog, where the team basically says that it's doing away with both PvP gear and tiers because of balance concerns.

While the approach that Red 5 is taking is certainly valid, another alternative would be to parcel out PvP progression as a series of specialization choices instead of across-the-board power boosts. For today's Leaderboard, we'd like to know which of these paths you'd prefer, or if you think that MMO PvP is simply a lost cause. Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: PvP power vs. PvP specialization

MassivelyLeaderboard: PvP power vs. PvP specialization originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebattle-royalf2pfirefallfpsfree-to-playleaderboardmmo-shooterone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollspvppvp-balancepvp-power-vs-pvp-specializationpvp-progressionred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterthird-person-shooterversusvotevotesvotingvswarMon, 04 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Exploring Egypt in A Tale in the Desert]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/choose-my-adventure-exploring-egypt-in-a-tale-in-the-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/choose-my-adventure-exploring-egypt-in-a-tale-in-the-desert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/choose-my-adventure-exploring-egypt-in-a-tale-in-the-desert/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Choose My Adventure Exploring Egypt
What a week it's been! Last week, you decided that I should build my compound first, and focus on architecture as my first principle to work on. That turned out to be a great selection for me, and I kept myself busy collecting all the materials to pay the tuition and then start construction.

But I couldn't help but wander off the path a bit. Every time I turned around, I was bumping into something that made me wonder A) what it was, and B) how it was made. And as helpful as the wiki is, I needed to search out players who could help teach me faster than any wiki could. Did I succeed in making some connections? And did I rip out my hair over the ripping of grass? Check out the highlights of my past week in A Tale in the Desert.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Exploring Egypt in A Tale in the Desert

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Exploring Egypt in A Tale in the Desert originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Elder Scrolls Online cinematic
So ZeniMax released a spiffy teaser vid for The Elder Scrolls Online last week. The six-minute clip had it all: dank dungeons, luscious locations, and enough daredevil gravity-defying combat to fill an entire summer's worth of action films.

The only problem, to hear some folks tell it, was that none of the thrills, chills, and gratuitous violence on display will be possible in the finished game. The video was a cinematic, you see, and even though there's a decent amount of TESO gameplay footage floating around the internet already, the trailer served as something of a rallying cry for fans who'd rather see the cinematic's budget go toward a gameplay trailer.

What say you, Leaderboard readers? Are MMO cinematics an awful waste of development dollars or do you enjoy them for what they are? Settle the score once and for all after the cut.

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Cinematic trailers - awful or awesome?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Cinematic trailers - awful or awesome? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsleaderboardmorrowindoblivionone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionplease-dont-suckpollpollspvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpversusvotevotesvotingvszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 28 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: My tale in the desert begins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/choose-my-adventure-my-tale-in-the-desert-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/choose-my-adventure-my-tale-in-the-desert-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/choose-my-adventure-my-tale-in-the-desert-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure My tale in the desert begins
Last week's Choose My Adventure poll was a real nail-biter! There were four games that were all within a few votes of each other. In the end, the winner by five votes was A Tale in the Desert, and I'm thrilled to be able to write about this game for my turn at CMA.

As much as I like elves and orcs, I'm ready for obelisks, pyramids, and plenty of sand. I created my character over the weekend and began my path to citizenship. Did I make it through, or did flax farming get the better of me? Help me plan my course!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: My tale in the desert begins

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: My tale in the desert begins originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertatitdchoose-my-adventurecmacraftingegenesisegyptfantasyfeaturedflaxhands-onhistoricalmidland-valleymythologyopinionpollpollsprinciplesreaders-choicesandboxtaletellingvotevotingWed, 23 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Lord of the Rings Online vs. Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/leaderboard-lord-of-the-rings-online-vs-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/leaderboard-lord-of-the-rings-online-vs-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/21/leaderboard-lord-of-the-rings-online-vs-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
IP-based MMOs are both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, if they're done right they can be a gateway to the genre for those unfamiliar with MMOs as well as a fresh focal point for dedicated IP fans. On the other hand, IP-based games can take disastrous liberties with their source material that make for an off-putting experience. In some cases, they can also simply be bad games.

For today's Leaderboard we're pitting a couple of genre heavyweights against one another to see which proves more popular. Lord of the Rings Online and Star Trek Online aren't the only IP-based MMOs out there, but they've both been around for a while and are both reasonably successful. Which do you think does a better job of translating its source material into a fun MMO? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Lord of the Rings Online vs. Star Trek Online

MassivelyLeaderboard: Lord of the Rings Online vs. Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfantasyfree-to-playleaderboardlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpollspwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoturbineturbine-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 21 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Back into the cave I go]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/choose-my-adventure-back-into-the-cave-i-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/choose-my-adventure-back-into-the-cave-i-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/choose-my-adventure-back-into-the-cave-i-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Back into the cave I go
Time for another turn at Choose My Adventure! It's been a while since my last turn at doing this column, but it certainly was memorable. Halfway through my six-week tour of Pirates of the Burning Sea, SOE was attacked by hackers and sent offline, leaving my pirate in drydock for quite some time. Hopefully this time around, things will be a bit smoother.

One thing I'm particularly interested in this time around is getting to know not only the game but the community. Usually one of the first things people ask about a title they're considering playing is what the community is like. I explore a variety of guild and community related topics in my weekly column, so it seems natural to do the same during my adventure.

So what will it be, Massively readers? Will I spin my own tale in the desert? Hang around with Poochums? Take a journey to Middle-earth? I look forward to your votes!

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Back into the cave I go

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Back into the cave I go originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertchoose-my-adventureClone-Wars-Adventurescmadragon-nestfeaturedhands-onlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionpollpollsreaders-choicerunescapevanguardvotevotingWarhammer-OnlineWed, 16 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Yay or nay on NPC mercenaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/leaderboard-yay-or-nay-on-npc-mercenaries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/leaderboard-yay-or-nay-on-npc-mercenaries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/14/leaderboard-yay-or-nay-on-npc-mercenaries/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest II - Werewolf merc
I recently returned to EverQuest II, and while I'm fortunate to have an active guild already in place, true newbs may find that grouping prior to the level cap is quite challenging. The game's population is pretty top heavy, and though veteran players do roll a lot of alts (there are 25 classes to choose from!), they typically use power-leveling strategies or NPC mercenaries to solo themselves to max level.

For today's Leaderboard, I'd like to focus on these NPC bots, not just in EverQuest II but as an MMO design concept in general. On the one hand, they're clearly a boon to solo players. On the other, they do discourage grouping and could possibly be seen as a detriment to newer players checking out an older game. What do you think? Vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Yay or nay on NPC mercenaries

MassivelyLeaderboard: Yay or nay on NPC mercenaries originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royaleq-2eq-iieq2eq2-mercenarieseqiieqii-mercenarieseverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playgroupgroup-vs-sololeaderboardmercenariesmercsone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssoesolosolo-vs-groupsonysony-online-entertainmentversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 14 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Farewell, SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/choose-my-adventure-farewell-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/choose-my-adventure-farewell-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/choose-my-adventure-farewell-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose my Adventure Farewell, SWTOR
My six weeks in Star Wars: The Old Republic are up this week, sadly enough, but I've come away with much more than a fun story to tell all of you. Playing the Imperial Agent has been a blast (get it?!) and has shown me that BioWare writes a darn good story arc. Will I continue to play after this week? Hey, you need to read my character's story, first!

Last week, you chose for me to hang on to Kaliyo and not be guided strictly by light or dark side choices. Those choices helped mold the ending to my character's story in a rather interesting way. Follow along after the cut for how the story of Xel'es will end, followed by my brief impressions of the first 20 levels and where I'll go from here.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Farewell, SWTOR

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Farewell, SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarechoose-my-adventurecmaeaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlucasartsopinionpollpollsreaders-choicesci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorvotevotingWed, 09 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: The Repopulation vs. Origins of Malu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/leaderboard-the-repopulation-vs-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/leaderboard-the-repopulation-vs-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/07/leaderboard-the-repopulation-vs-origins-of-malu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Leaderboard - The Repopulation vs Origins of Malu
So last week we asked which upcoming sandbox you'd most likely play, but as was correctly pointed out by an astute commenter, we inadvertently omitted a couple of promising indie projects.

First up is The Repopulation, a game that features extensive city building, an entertainer skill set, and a bunch of other stuff that will probably remind you of Star Wars Galaxies. Next is Origins of Malu which boasts scary stalker AI, a gorgeous sci-fantasy aesthetic, and interesting takes on PvP and, gasp, possible permadeath!

Today's Leaderboard asks which of these upcoming indie sandboxes you'll support. Cast your vote after the cut!

Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!

Continue reading Leaderboard: The Repopulation vs. Origins of Malu

MassivelyLeaderboard: The Repopulation vs. Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesbattle-royalburning-dogburning-dog-medialeaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneoomopinionoriginsorigins-of-malupollpollsrepopulationsandboxsci-fantasysci-fithe-repopulationversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 07 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was the MMO screw-up of the year?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-mmo-screw-up-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-mmo-screw-up-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-mmo-screw-up-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SWTOR facepalm - because this is the best screenshot of the year by far
I almost miss the carefree days 2011, when the MMO screw-up of the year was such an easy call: the time when a studio deleted an entire MMO from existence by accident and without any backups. Oops!

But 2012? 2012 is trickier. I mean, you've got charging for hotbars, $50 hobby-horses, pandas, NCsoft closing a profitable game, the TERA lawsuit, the implosion of 38 Studios, the clownshoes of The War Z, innumerable banning scandals... we have a lot to choose from. So let's get busy choosing. What do you think was the MMO industry screw-up of 2012?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What was the MMO screw-up of the year? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-screwups38-studiosbrianna-royce-tdgcity-of-heroes-sunsetclownshoesdaily-grindhobby-horsehotbarsm2mists-of-pandariammo-screwup-of-2012opinionpollpollsscrew-upscrew-upsscrewupscrewup-of-the-yeartdgtera-lawsuitthe-daily-grindthe-war-zFri, 04 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST